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Optical Characterization Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$125 - $150/hr

POSITION - Lead Optical Characterization Engineer Mar 30, 2026 Company Myrias Optics, Inc. is a fast-growing startup using proprietary nanoimprint technology to revolutionize the way optical ...

Luminus is looking for a self-motivated and detail-oriented Characterization Engineer to measure ... In this role you will run optical and electrical tests, check component quality, and assist senior ...

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Define characterization methodologies for silicon photonic devices and optical switching systems at wafer, die, and module levels. * Determine the appropriate measurements, instrumentation ...

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$140K - $230K/yr

Define characterization methodologies for silicon photonic devices and optical switching systems at wafer, die, and module levels. * Determine the appropriate measurements, instrumentation ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Beam quality characterization * Support optical alignment, packaging, and assembly development ... D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field

Optical Coatings Engineer

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Optical Coatings Engineer Job Type: Full-Time Experience Level: All Experience Levels About the ... This role will be involved in the development, design, characterization, and optimization of ...

Optics Engineer II- 888

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase ... Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with ...

Optics Engineer II - 894

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$102K - $128K/yr

Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase ... Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, design records, and engineering change ...

Optics Engineer II - 938

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase ... Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with ...

New

Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase ... Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with ...

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

The Senior Optical Project Engineer will work in a collaborative team-focused environment of U.S ... characterization, or optical data processing techniques. * Optical systems in Space Domain ...

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Optical Characterization Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical characterization engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical characterization 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 does an optical characterization engineer do?

An Optical Characterization Engineer specializes in measuring and analyzing the optical properties of materials, components, or systems. They use advanced instruments and techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and interferometry to assess attributes like transmission, reflection, absorption, and refractive index. Their work helps ensure that optical devices meet performance specifications and aids in research and development of new optical technologies. This role often involves data analysis, reporting, and collaborating with design and manufacturing teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical characterization engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Characterization Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, often supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Proficiency with optical measurement tools, spectroscopy systems, and data analysis software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for accurately evaluating optical components and systems, ensuring product quality and driving innovation in photonics and optical technologies.

What are some common challenges faced by optical characterization engineers when working with new materials or devices?

Optical Characterization Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring measurement accuracy when dealing with novel materials that may exhibit unexpected optical behaviors. Adapting existing testing protocols to accommodate unique material properties or device geometries is another frequent hurdle. Additionally, interpreting complex data and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—such as material scientists and process engineers—are essential to troubleshoot issues and optimize device performance. Staying up to date with the latest characterization technologies and maintaining meticulous documentation are also key aspects of the role.

What cities are hiring for Optical Characterization Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Optical Characterization Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Optical Characterization Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Characterization Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Characterization Engineer jobs?

For Optical Characterization Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the development and integration of optical test systems, including defining system requirements and verification protocols.

  • Design and execute optical measurements and characterization procedures for wafer level optics using lasers, fiber optics, cameras, and power meters.

  • Oversee or contribute to the development of software tools for machine control, data acquisition, and image processing, and drive system automation strategies.


Job description

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Mar 30, 2026

Company

Myrias Optics, Inc. is a fast-growing startup using proprietary nanoimprint technology to revolutionize the way optical components and systems are conceptualized, designed, and manufactured. The company is positioned to disrupt markets across a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, AR/VR, 3D scanners and LiDAR, imaging systems, optical communications, medical equipment, optical computing and more. Our unique all-inorganic imprinted optics enable metalenses, diffractive optics, waveguides all manufactured using wafer level process. By removing any organic material, we not only eliminate environmental and reliability issues but at the same time enable more complex designs with unmatched optical performance and highly cost-effective manufacturing.

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Reporting to the CTO, the Lead Optical Characterization Engineer will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and scientists to test and evaluate cutting-edge Myrias Optics components and systems. Specifically, this position will lead experimental characterization of optical components, define and set up optical characterization systems, establish test and characterization procedures, develop efficient data acquisition and analysis methodologies, and grow and manage the optical characterization team. This role is ideal for someone with strong system-level thinking and hands-on optical experience, who is eager to lead complex interdisciplinary projects and mentor junior staff. You will serve as a bridge between software, hardware, and optical domains, ensuring our systems meet stringent performance and quality benchmarks. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and capable engineer to gain expertise in the growing fields of meta-optics, waveguides, and diffractive optics. Together, we can shape next-generation optical systems for consumer devices, AR/VR, medical instrumentation, automobiles, robotics, and more.

POSITION TYPE: Full time, on-site
LOCATION: Amherst, MA
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Senior (5+ years)

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Systems Engineering
  • Lead cross-functional efforts in the development and integration of optical test systems.
  • Define and enforce system-level requirements, test procedures, and verification protocols.
  • Coordinate resources and timelines for optical characterization projects from concept to execution.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to a growing team of engineers and technicians.
Optical Characterization and Metrology
  • Design optical systems for high volume screening and characterization of wafer level optics operating in mass production environments.
  • Execute precise optical measurements and characterization utilizing systems involving lasers, fiber optics, cameras, and power meters.
  • Establish designs and processes for alignment and integration of optical components into custom assemblies.
  • Develop calibration and validation methods to ensure high measurement fidelity and reproducibility.
Software and Automation Integration
  • Oversee or contribute to development of software tools for machine control, data acquisition, and image processing.
  • Drive system automation strategies for scalable and repeatable test and metrology setups.
Quality Control and Troubleshooting
  • Establish quality assurance workflows, analyze measurement data, and resolve systemic performance issues.
  • Manage root cause analysis and continuous improvement for metrology tools and setups.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with design and fabrication teams to influence product and measurement fixture development for testability.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, review reports, and communicate project updates across teams.
Qualifications and Requirements Experience
  • Minimum 5 years in optical engineering, systems engineering, or optical characterization roles.
  • Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience in a technical setting.
Technical Expertise
  • Strong proficiency with optical instruments such as cameras, lasers, power meters, and fiber optics.
  • Familiarity with machine control programming in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar.
  • Experience integrating hardware/software in optical test setups.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
Skills
  • Deep understanding of optical principles (reflection, refraction, alignment, metrology).
  • Strong systems thinking and analytical skills for debugging and optimization.
  • Excellent communication skills for technical collaboration and leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with real-time control systems and/or machine vision.
  • Familiarity with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax) and mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
  • Background in fast-paced R&D, manufacturing, or laboratory environments.
WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive Compensation Package, including equity
  • Full Medical, Vision and Dental plans
  • Insurance: Company paid disability insurance
  • Paid time off: Vacation and sick time
EEO Statement

Myrias Optics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affmintive Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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