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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking ... Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics ...

Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking ... Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics ...

Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification ... testing. * Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices ...

Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification ... testing. * Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices ...

FPGA Design Engineer

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$134K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a new FPGA Design Engineer to join our Hardware team ... You will work directly with a diverse team of experts including quantum scientists, optical ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

You will be responsible for the integration of Silicon Photonics based Coherent optical ... Engineering * 3-5 years of experience in high-volume mechanical design with expertise in 3D CAD, ...

We are a global photonics company (25+ years), specializing in custom optical design, engineering, and manufacturing for high-tech industries worldwide. Position Overview Avantier is seeking an ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$83K - $112K/yr

You will be responsible for the integration of Silicon Photonics based Coherent optical ... Engineering * 3-5 years of experience in high-volume mechanical design with expertise in 3D CAD, ...

You will be part of a multi-disciplinary start-up team, including optical, electrical, mechanical ... device design. You are enthusiastic about engineering and seeing your efforts contribute to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Design Engineer information

See New York salary details

$87K

$153.1K

$205.1K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in New York is $153,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $173,400.00 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 are Optical Design Engineers?

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 cities in New York are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in New York with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in NY? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,074 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Electro Optical Software Product Manager

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

New York, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

You Are:

You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical engineering, you have hands-on experience designing and manufacturing electro-optical devices and thrive at the intersection of technology and market needs. You are passionate about translating complex customer requirements into actionable product feature plans for R&D and excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, marketing, and sales. Your knowledge of EM solver software (including FDTD, RCWA, and beam propagation tools) is complemented by your ability to grasp emerging trends in AI, solid modeling, and photonics.

You are comfortable engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and participating in industry events to keep your finger on the pulse of market evolution. You are equally adept at crafting technical marketing materials and supporting the sales process as you are at guiding agile software development cycles. Your communication skills are top-notch, enabling you to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, and you thrive in a fast-paced, global environment. Travel excites you as an opportunity to build relationships and champion Keysight’s optical solutions worldwide. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continuous learning make you a valued team member and a catalyst for innovation.


Responsibilities
  • Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Design Engineering team.
  • Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Keysight and stay current with optical technology trends.
  • Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
  • Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
  • Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
  • Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
  • Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
  • Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
  • Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
The Impact You Will Have:
  • Drive the evolution of Keysight’s optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
  • Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, lasers and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
  • Enhance Keysight’s market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
  • Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
  • Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
  • Strengthen Keysight’s global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Design Engineering team.

Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Qualifications:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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