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Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

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 ...

Rivet Industries

Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Optical Engineer Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 Compensation*: $175,000-$250,000 USD + benefits Role Description: We are seeking a motivated Optical Engineer to ...

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL

$120K - $155K/yr

You will be the Optical Engineer for our Electro-Optical Systems team. Our team is responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing complex optical designs in EO systems, including military fire ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Optical Engineer At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a ...

Lockheed Martin

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

You will be the Optical Engineer for our Electro-Optical Systems team. Our team is responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing complex optical designs in EO systems, including military fire ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

SAFRAN DSI OPTRONICS

Optical Engineer

Bedford, NH · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

The Optical Engineer will join a team focused on the development of new optical products and sub-components for imaging systems, sensor solutions, laser devices, and displays. Members of this group ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development of custom illumination and sensing components. Bachelor's in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or relevant field of ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

LIGHTPATH TECHNOLOGIES 1

Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$112K - $145K/yr

LightPath is seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to perform lens design, analysis, and optimization of infrared (SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) optical assemblies for production. The ideal candidate will ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

Optikos

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 ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

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 ...

Ametek

MTS Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

We are seeking an Optical Engineer based in Denville, NJ to support optical development for our Special Optics business. This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering.

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All JobsOptical Engineer Jobs

Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical 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 Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs? For Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 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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