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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants ...

IPG Photonics

Electrical Design Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$74K - $99K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer will work within a multidisciplinary engineering organization to design and integrate sensing electronics for electro-optical-mechanical systems that interface with ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Experience using optical design / engineering tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent) to design, tolerance, and iterate optical layouts * Familiarity with modern software/AI-assisted tools for ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Experience using optical design / engineering tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent) to design, tolerance, and iterate optical layouts * Familiarity with modern software/AI-assisted tools for ...

General Atomics

Scientist IX

Acton, MA · On-site

$187K - $335K/yr

Design and analysis of optical designs for a range of space-based electro-optical sensor applications as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team through a concurrent engineering process.

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts

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 12, 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 Massachusetts? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:
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:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
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

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical systems. The ideal candidate will combine a solid fundamental understanding of optics with strong laboratory skills and a desire to grow as an engineer within an enterprise engineering environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Execute hands-on laboratory work-assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems-and contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the R&D/science team to support cutting-edge R&D and help translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed, support off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with the local support team).

Qualifications

  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred).
  • 2-5 years work experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Strong system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills and CAD design skills (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks)
  • Working knowledge in several of the areas of
    • Free-space optics
    • Fiber optics
    • Modulators
    • Electro-optics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or to bringing optical systems from concept to production.
  • Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings ($130,000-$170,000), we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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