1

Opto Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and ...

Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

We are looking for an opto-mechanical engineer to join our growing team with the following qualifications: Qualifications * BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or similar. 10-15 years of industry ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and ...

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$120K - $205K/yr

The engineer will work in a team of opto-mechanical design engineers and optical engineers responsible for optics modules across different divisions within the corporation. The engineer drives the ...

Senior Opto Mechanical Engineer

Oxford, MA ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

IPG Photonics has an opening for an experienced Senior Opto Mechanical Engineer to be part of a small, cohesive group developing robust, compact laser modules and conversion heads. The position ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

OPTO Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$81.5K

$155.9K

$200K

How much do opto mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for opto mechanical engineer in the United States is $155,932.00, 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 in the Opto Mechanical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opto Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, optics, and material science, typically complemented by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with CAD software, optical simulation tools, and familiarity with design standards like ISO or MIL specifications are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills needed in this role. Mastery of these skills ensures precise design, efficient cross-disciplinary collaboration, and successful integration of optical and mechanical components in complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Opto Mechanical Engineers in their daily work?

Opto Mechanical Engineers often face the challenge of integrating optical components with precise mechanical structures while maintaining tight tolerances and alignment. They must balance competing requirements such as thermal management, mechanical stability, and manufacturability, which can involve significant troubleshooting and iteration. Collaboration with optical, electrical, and manufacturing teams is essential, so strong communication and project management skills are important. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy solving complex, multidisciplinary problems.

Can I make 200k as a mechanical engineer?

Opto Mechanical Engineers typically earn salaries ranging from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Reaching a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, specialized skills, management positions, or working in high-cost regions with significant experience and certifications. Achieving this level may also involve working in senior or executive roles within the engineering field.

What does an Opto-Mechanical Engineer do?

An Opto-Mechanical Engineer designs and develops mechanical systems that integrate optical components, such as lenses, lasers, and sensors. They ensure precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance. Their work involves using CAD software, conducting simulations, and collaborating with optical and electrical engineers. These engineers are commonly found in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of project management and technical expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or advanced certifications.

What does an opto mechanical engineer do?

An opto mechanical engineer designs and develops optical systems that integrate mechanical components, such as lenses, mirrors, and housings, with optical devices. They work on aligning, testing, and optimizing optical and mechanical parts, often using CAD software and precision manufacturing techniques, to ensure proper functionality and performance of optical equipment.
What cities are hiring for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Opto Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? For Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Opto Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,932 per year, or $75 per hour.
Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop opto-mechanical systems, including conceptualization, feasibility studies, detailed design, prototyping, and testing.

  • Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and adherence to relevant design standards.

  • Perform engineering analysis and utilize simulation software to model structural, thermal, and vibration impacts on system performance.


Job description

Summary:

Job Description Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Advanced Optical Development Group

SUMMARY

VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and address our customers' most pressing business issues. We make equipment, software, and systems that help to plan, deploy, certify, monitor, and optimize all kinds of networks - like those for mobile phones, service providers, large businesses and data centers. VIAVI is also a leader in high performance thin film optical coatings and engineered diffusers, providing light management technologies to the bank note security, consumer electronics, automotive, defense and instrumentation markets.

The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core technology strengths of optics, vacuum coatings, and materials science to deliver innovative and differentiated technologies that manipulate light to improve the performance of sensors, to shape light from high performance light sources, and to create unique visual effects. With over seven decades of experience in optical coating technology, VIAVI OSP is a customer focused, market driven enterprise serving attractive and sustainable market sectors including banknote security, consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and defense/aerospace. VIAVI OSP's customers include global

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems that integrate optical components such as filters, lenses, lasers, and sensors. This role is crucial in ensuring precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance across various applications, from aerospace/defense to handheld spectrometers and consumer electronics. They will work with various cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.Additionally, the Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer may support development and commercialization efforts for other products and applications that leverage VIAVI's proprietary vacuum deposition capabilities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and development of opto-mechanical systems, including conceptualization, feasibility studies, detailed design, prototyping, and testing.

  • Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and adhering to relevant design standards (e.g., ISO, MIL specifications).

  • Lead or participate in the entire design process, including requirements specification, feasibility studies, conceptual and detailed design.

  • Perform engineering analysis to understand the impact of loads and environmental factors (structural, thermal, vibration) on the optical/mechanical system performance.

  • Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g. SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration modeling of complex assemblies.

  • Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses, potentially including Monte Carlo analysis, to verify design capability within manufacturing and operational conditions.

  • Apply optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax) to simulate and optimize optical performance under various conditions. Extensive knowledge of optical design tools is not required but highly desirable.

  • Work with manufacturing teams to break down complex assemblies into logical subassemblies and subprocesses, considering manufacturing capabilities, cost, and requirements.

  • Interact with customers and suppliers, presenting technical information, and contributing to technical reviews.

  • Travel 10% for in-person meetings with customers

  • Position reports out of Santa Rosa

Background/Experience:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with greater than 5 years' experience in opto-mechanical design.

  • In-depth knowledge of precision mechanical design principles, including kinematic design, adhesives, vacuum technology, and precision machining.

  • High proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoDesk, Creo, etc. and experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, physical optics (ray aberrations, waves, diffraction), and lasers. Experience with optical design software and ray tracing (e.g., Zemax, Code V)

  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.