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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... in optics to join our Engineering Services group. You will join a diverse engineering team and ... You will build the products you design and see them manufactured for use in consumer, industrial ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... in optics to join our Engineering Services group. You will join a diverse engineering team and ... You will build the products you design and see them manufactured for use in consumer, industrial ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

... in optics to join our Engineering Services group. You will join a diverse engineering team and ... You will build the products you design and see them manufactured for use in consumer, industrial ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross ... Establish optical design, best practices, quality standards, and review processes. * Oversee and ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130 - $175/hr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer We are seeking a talented Optical Engineer to contribute to the development ... This role offers the opportunity to work on complex engineering challenges, supporting the design ...

Support the design and analysis of optical systems, including lenses, illumination, detectors ... Execute engineering experiments, including data collection, analysis, and documentation of results

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Design Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$86.8K

$152.8K

$204.8K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Massachusetts is $152,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,900.00 and $173,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What is an optical design engineer?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in MA? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,806 per year, or $73.5 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Optikos, LLC.

Wakefield, MA • On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Description

Optikos is seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and creative individual with a solid background in optics to join our Engineering Services group. You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers and the Optikos product line. Our company atmosphere is ideal for those engineers who enjoy the full gamut of product development, from conceptualization, modeling, and simulation, to prototyping and laboratory testing. You will build the products you design and see them manufactured for use in consumer, industrial, medical, and aerospace applications. Optikos specializes in taking on interesting and challenging projects, and we are eager to add talent to our exceptional team!


The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in optics and a willingness to learn anything and everything about optics. Creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and openness to feedback are essential. 


Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrates enthusiasm for hands-on work in the lab:
  •    o Build and test mechanical and optical designs.
  •    o Experience with optical test equipment (interferometers, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, etc.)
  •    o Familiar with proper optics handling
  • Assist in the design, modeling, and analysis of optical systems using software such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or LightTools.
  • Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers, detectors, etc.).
  • Support the assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting of optical prototypes.
  • Collect, analyze, and document experimental data to support design verification.
  • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to integrate optics into larger systems.
  • Document designs, test results, and technical reports for internal use and customer communication.
  • Research new optical technologies and materials to support ongoing development.

Skills and Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. 
  • 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing.
  • Proficiency in optical design and simulation software (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent).
  • Hands-on experience with optical laboratory equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, lasers, alignment tools).
  • Strong understanding of geometrical and physical optics, imaging systems, and laser optics.
  • Experience with opto-mechanical integration and tolerance analysis.
  • Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  • Demonstrated motivation with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written instructions.
  • Excellent communication skills, including technical writing: 
  •    o Write test reports, work instructions, and communicate between interdisciplinary teams of engineers.

About Optikos:

For more than 40 years, Optikos has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer markets, and our experience with a wide variety of applications has enabled our staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team continues to improve existing metrology product lines and develop new products that Optikos manufactures and installs around the globe. 


If you are an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual looking for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to develop professionally, send us your resume.


This is a 100% in-office position located in our headquarters in Wakefield, Massachusetts.  We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.  


Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.