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Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development ... R&A's precisioncomponentand subsystem solutions solve application-specific challenges for ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development ... R&A's precision component and subsystem solutions solve application-specific challenges for ...

Lead, Optical Engineering

Wilmington, MA ยท On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

... Engineer to join our team, providing critical optical assembly, integration, and test (AI&T ... application and testing. Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system ...

Optical System Engineer III, Amazon Robotics

Reading, MA ยท On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

... application notes, and driving comparative benchmarking that feeds directly into roadmap priorities ... We are a cross-functional engineering team spanning systems, electrical, mechanical, optical, and ...

In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application ... Experience 10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application ... Experience 10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application ... Experience 10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required.

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Application Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$54.9K

$120.3K

$165.1K

How much do optical application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical application engineer in Boston, MA is $120,263.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,300.00 and $146,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Application Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Application Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and relevant industry standards is essential. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you translate customer requirements into practical solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering innovative optical solutions that meet technical specifications and client needs.

What is an Optical Application Engineer?

An Optical Application Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and supporting optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, for various applications. They work closely with clients to understand technical requirements and provide solutions that meet specific optical performance needs. Their responsibilities often include testing prototypes, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with engineering and sales teams to ensure successful product integration. Optical Application Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, imaging, and manufacturing.

How does an Optical Application Engineer typically collaborate with product development teams to deliver client solutions?

Optical Application Engineers often work closely with product development teams by translating client requirements into technical specifications, participating in design reviews, and troubleshooting integration challenges. They serve as a vital bridge between customers and internal engineering, ensuring that optical systems meet performance criteria and application needs. Frequent collaboration includes providing feedback on prototypes, suggesting design modifications, and supporting testing and validation processes. This teamwork helps ensure that final products align with both technical standards and client expectations.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Application Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? For Optical Application Engineer jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Application Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Application Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Optical Application Engineer jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Optical Application Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Application Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,263 per year, or $57.8 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Precision Optics Corporation Inc

Littleton, MA โ€ข On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description:
  • This position requires someone knowledgeable in the areas of Optical System Design across the Visible to Infra-red spectrum including: optical analysis, simulation, design, and realization of solutions to Visible, Laser, Imaging and Illumination systems requirements.
  • Responsibilities include concept development, optical system architecture, system trade-off analysis, requirements definition and flow down, analysis and test and evaluation of optical performance parameters at both the component and system level.
  • Analytical skills should be complimented by an ability to substantially direct or lead system integration and test activities. Outstanding communication skills are required to convey technical ideas to both the customer community and to engineering peers.
  • Supervision of a technical design team and preparation of cost estimates and schedules for proposed activities are additional anticipated duties for more senior levels.
Requirements:
  • Lens design experience including tolerancing and direct involvement with the manufacture, assembly, and troubleshooting of systems.
  • Optical and Electro-optical System performance modeling including imaging and radiometric/photometric properties, tolerance performance. More senior levels should have an additional understanding of advanced properties such as stray light, signal to noise, polarization, practical physical optics, and design and specification for more advanced optical fabrication such as diamond turning, MRF, and precision molding.
  • Direct system experience in designs involving imaging and illumination.
  • Familiar with the application and use of metrology equipment including: interferometers, spectrometers, image analysis (MTF), radiometers, blackbodies, etc.

Required Skills

  • Optical design software (e.g. Zemax or Code V)
  • General Purpose Modeling and Analysis Software (e.g. Matlab or MathCAD)
  • Microsoft Officeโ„ข suite of applications

Desired Skills

  • Imager system modeling software (e.g. NVTherm, SSCAM)
  • Non-sequential raytrace software(e.g. FRED)
  • Image analysis and acquisition software (e.g. Matrox MIL, LabView)
  • Lens system measurement equipment (e.g. MTF bench, nodal bench)
  • Matlab Image Processing Toolbox
  • Color accuracy analysis

Education and Experience Requirements

BS in a related field and minimum 4 years relevant experience or MS in a related field and minimum 3 years relevant experience