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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer II to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and ...

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Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do manager principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager principal optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in optical engineering, physics, and system design, typically backed by a master’s or Ph.D. in optics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD software, and experience managing optical prototyping and testing are crucial. Outstanding leadership, project management, and communication skills help guide multidisciplinary teams and drive complex projects to completion. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring project success, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectManager Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems
Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizationsCommon in manufacturing, R&D, and product development sectors

The main difference is that the Manager Principal Optical Engineer oversees teams and projects, requiring leadership skills, while the Optical Engineer primarily focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the managerial responsibilities distinguish the Manager Principal Optical Engineer.

What are Manager Principal Optical Engineers?

Manager Principal Optical Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. In addition to their technical expertise, they manage teams of engineers, coordinate projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that optical solutions meet performance, cost, and quality goals. They also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the strategic planning of optical engineering initiatives within an organization.

How does a Manager Principal Optical Engineer typically balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

In this role, you'll split your time between hands-on optical engineering—such as system design, simulation, and troubleshooting—and leading a team of engineers. You'll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project milestones are met. Effective communication and delegation are crucial, as you'll often coordinate with cross-functional teams in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Balancing these aspects requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize both immediate technical challenges and long-term strategic goals.
More about Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Arycs Technologies, Inc.

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


About Arycs technology
At Arycs Technology, we believe AI infrastructure must scale within realistic power and integration limits. Our systems are engineered for deployment in real networks — not theoretical environments. We prioritize architectural efficiency over hardware multiplication, enabling capacity growth through technology innovation rather than system complexity. Performance and energy efficiency are not trade-offs; they are co-designed outcomes.
Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with operations in Cleveland, Ohio and Maynard, Massachusetts, Arycs Technologies operates at the intersection of silicon photonics, coherent DSP, and scalable semiconductor manufacturing.
Our geographic presence supports both technology innovation and commercial execution, positioning Arycs Technologies as a key contributor to the advancement and broader adoption of coherent optical technologies.
 

About the Role

As Principal Optical Systems Engineer, you will perform optical system characterization and optimization, leading to product qualification, validation, and field deployment. The position will investigate and develop techniques used in product calibration and control to enhance the overall product performance and reliability of our coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coherent optical system analysis and possess the ability to lead customer product trials and troubleshoot complex coherent system issues. The position will collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software design teams to drive innovation and ensure product excellence.

The Principal Optical Systems Engineer role may, from time to time, need to provide direction to others to accommodate a group effort to efficiently complete the functions above.

Key Responsibilities

System Test & Validation:

  • Lead system-level testing of coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.
  • Develop and execute test plans for optical performance, OSNR/ROSNR analysis, and fiber impairments.
  • Perform stress testing, stability & repeatability analysis, and firmware validation.
  • Automate test scripts using Python to optimize testing efficiency.

Customer Trials & Field Support:

  • Plan, execute, and document customer product trials.
  • Analyze customer requirements and oversee trial execution in lab and field environments.
  • Prepare final trial reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Escalation & Troubleshooting:

  • Lead complex customer escalations, working with cross-functional teams to debug and resolve network issues.
  • Develop technical documentation, including technical notes for internal and customer use.

Product Development:

  • Contribute to the development of coherent pluggable technology, reviewing PRD, SRD, and design phases.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in optical system testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Expertise in coherent optical transceivers and fiber transmission impairments.
  • Proficiency with pluggable transceivers and industry standards (OIF/MSA).
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment: OSA, power meters, OTDR, CD/PMD analyzers, traffic testers.
  • Python scripting experience for test automation and data analysis.
  • Proven track record of leading customer trials, product escalations, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical findings to customers and stakeholders.

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