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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... Perform engineering validation test and design validation test What We're Looking For * PhD in ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Marvell

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.

Lumilens

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Strong communication and team leadership skills. * Willingness to travel (~20% of the time). Education & Experience * MS or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field What We ...

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All JobsOptical Communication Engineer Jobs

Optical Communication Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical communication engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical communication 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 an Optical Communication Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, you need a strong background in optical physics, fiber optics, and signal processing, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, optical spectrum analyzers, and simulation software, as well as certifications such as Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining high-performance optical communication systems that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Communication Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Communication EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPTechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications like FOA, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize optical communication systems; often in labs or office settingsInstall, maintain, and troubleshoot optical networks in the field or data centers
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, network providers, technology firmsTelecom providers, internet service providers, network installation companies

Optical Communication Engineers focus on designing and improving optical systems, requiring higher-level technical skills and certifications. Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often working in the field. Both roles are essential in the optical communication industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges Optical Communication Engineers face when working on large-scale network deployments?

Optical Communication Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity over long distances, integration of new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as network planners, field technicians, and equipment vendors—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, staying updated with the rapid advancements in fiber optics and modulation techniques is essential to design efficient and future-proof solutions.

What does an Optical Communication Engineer do?

An Optical Communication Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit information using light, such as fiber optic networks. They work on the hardware and software that enable high-speed data transmission over long distances for telecommunications, internet, and data centers. Their responsibilities often include optimizing network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of optical communication systems. Optical Communication Engineers also stay updated on emerging technologies and standards in the field.
More about Optical Communication Engineer jobs
What states have the most Optical Communication Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Communication Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication Engineer jobs are:
Optical Communication Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Communication Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Optical System Engineer (Remote)

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • Remote

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Optical Engineer/System Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems leverage novel optical technology. The position requires work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead AOA and conceptual design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms.
  • Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints.
  • Derive requirements for component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics).
  • Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software external teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms.
  • Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings.
  • Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures.
  • Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development.

Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in EO/IR systems engineering, free-space optical communication, or directed energy systems.
  • Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems.
  • Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python.
  • Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications.
  • Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies.

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware.
  • Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols.
  • Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms.
  • Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design.
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications
  • Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership
  • Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact