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Optical Engineer Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gentex Corp

Optical Physicist

Simpson, PA

Act as an internal technical and opportunity consultant in optics, supporting business, value ... Coach and mentor engineers, scientists, and technicians. Interface with military and commercial ...

MAG Aerospace

Systems Engineer III

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

Serves as Lead Systems Engineer on assigned DOD C5ISR system development programs, with duties as ... Serve as consultant to other team members and mentor workforce on electro-optic system development ...

Gentex Corp.

Optical Physicist

Simpson, PA · On-site

... consultant in optics, supporting business, value stream, and new product development teams in ... D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline ...

C Squared Systems LLC

RF Field Engineer

Auburn, NH · On-site

... fiber optic communication technology * Must be able to work effectively within a diverse work force including engineers, project managers, skilled craft workers, consultants, customers, and ...

C Squared Systems LLC

RF Field Engineer

Auburn, NH · On-site

... fiber optic communication technology * Must be able to work effectively within a diverse work force including engineers, project managers, skilled craft workers, consultants, customers, and ...

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA

$82K - $220K/yr

A Senior Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical ... May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members. Development of ...

Draper

Senior Condensed Matter Physicist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $220K/yr

A Senior Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical ... technical consultation and work leadership to other team members. • Development of quantum ...

MAG Aerospace

Systems Engineer III

Fort Belvoir, VA

$100K - $180K/yr

Serves as Lead Systems Engineer on assigned DOD C5ISR system development programs, with duties as ... Serve as consultant to other team members and mentor workforce on electro-optic system development ...

GPD Optoelectronics

Lead Optical Packaging Engineer

Salem, NH · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

As the Lead Optical Packaging Engineer, you will oversee developing advanced packaging solutions ... outside consultants. Responsibilities include the development of advanced packaging solutions of ...

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How much do optical engineer consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer consultant in the United States is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects does an Optical Engineer Consultant typically work on, and how does collaboration with multidisciplinary teams influence project outcomes?

As an Optical Engineer Consultant, you may be involved in projects ranging from designing optical systems for medical devices to optimizing imaging components for consumer electronics or aerospace applications. Collaboration is integral, as you will frequently work alongside mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and product managers to ensure optical systems meet all functional and regulatory requirements. This multidisciplinary teamwork helps identify potential integration challenges early, fosters innovative problem-solving, and leads to more robust and manufacturable product designs. Consultants often serve as the bridge between optical theory and practical implementation, making communication skills and adaptability essential.

What are Optical Engineer Consultants?

Optical Engineer Consultants are experts who provide specialized advice and solutions in the field of optics and photonics. They work on designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices for various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. These consultants often assist companies with project development, prototype testing, and product optimization, bringing advanced technical knowledge to solve complex optical challenges. Their role may also involve training, technical documentation, and supporting research and development teams.

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

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Consultant, you need strong expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools such as Zemax, Code V, and MATLAB, as well as familiarity with relevant industry standards, is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and project management help you excel in client-facing and collaborative environments. These skills and qualities are critical for delivering innovative, precise optical solutions that meet client specifications and industry demands.
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Consultant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,661 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Photonics Integration Engineer and Technical Lead

Advantest

San Jose, CA • On-site

$122K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

We are seeking innovative and self-driven individuals to join our US Research & Venture Team. This team is part of a global initiative to integrate advances in electrical, photonic, thermal, software, and AI/Machine Learning technologies into our test and measurement solutions across the semiconductor value chain.
We are looking for a highly experienced Photonics Engineer to join our optical test integration team. This role involves developing co-packaged optical test systems integrated into our semiconductor testing systems. As the Optical Integration Engineering Lead on the Research & Venture Team, you will work collaboratively with Advantest Technology groups, Business Units, partners, and suppliers to specify components and systems that address signal integrity and reliability concerns. The development activities include working with the overall handler and tester teams as well as customers and the Account Team to specify the components used in the signal path (based on customer's test needs), ensuring the system designs address concerns related to signal integrity and reliability over time, and laser safety. The engineer will also develop the optical system validation strategy, develop needed test vehicles/optical device simulators, and complete the testing/validation/characterization of the integrated optical test hardware. The engineer must be comfortable with hands-on work, and the instrumentation required to complete the testing activities as well as compiling the test reports.
Your responsibilities will include conducting feasibility studies, developing engineering prototypes and testing new and modified designs. You will be assigned independent mechanical design projects, allowing for innovation and technical leadership. You will be involved in product development teams, providing direction and training to junior staff and contractors. Additionally, you may address field issues and provide guidance to field teams.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Develop optical signal path for CPO (co-packaged optical) test systems integrated into semiconductor testing systems.
  • Work with the handler and tester teams, as well as customers, to specify optical signal path components and ensure Optical Signal Integrity of the system.
  • Ensure that optical system designs address signal integrity, reliability, and laser safety.
  • Develop and implement optical system validation strategies, including test vehicles and optical device simulators.
  • Conduct the testing, validation, and characterization of integrated optical test hardware.
  • Align optical systems, cables, connectors, and probes, considering mechanical aspects affecting optical signal integrity.
  • Lead optical signal path design and signal integrity analysis.
  • Oversee system integration into mechatronic systems and scale prototypes to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Devise test strategies, design test vehicles, operate optical test equipment, and generate test reports.
  • Collaborate with foundries for wafer and packaged device creation when necessary.
  • Participate in product development teams, providing direction and training to junior staff and contractors.
  • Participate in the preparation of patent applications and memos of invention for trade secrets.
  • Act as a customer contact on selective technical matters and analyze customer requirements.
  • Identify risk areas and optimization opportunities.
  • Take on project ownership and management; determine technology requirements and develop strategies.
  • Drive design completion, provide design inputs, and work closely with external technology partners on projects.
  • Create test plans, procure necessary collaterals, and oversee test execution.
  • Maintain project schedules, including keeping the Gantt chart current and ensuring effective handoffs to Applications, Design, and Manufacturing.
  • Conduct top-level tolerance analysis and function as an expert consultant when needed.
  • May be assigned independent design projects and all other duties and tasks as required.

Required:
  • BS in Photonics, Optical Engineering, or related field; MS in a relevant field is preferred.
  • BS + 10 years min or MS + 7 years min in the Semiconductor Test industry, optical integration, or high-technology environments.
  • Optical Signal Integrity Knowledge
    • High level of optical signal integrity knowledge
    • Understanding of optical measurement and instruments (stimulus and measurement instruments)
    • Knowledge of effects on signal integrity due to laser power and polarization
    • Understanding of optical interconnects and losses
  • Optical Signal Path Design Knowledge and Experience
    • Design of optical signal path and signal integrity analysis
    • Knowledge of discontinuities in signal paths
  • System Integration Knowledge and Experience
    • Understanding of thermal considerations (e.g. optical engine heat dissipation and temperature requirements) in system integration
    • Integration into mechatronic systems
    • Experience with system integration and scaling prototypes to high-volume manufacturing (HVM)
    • Understanding of alignment of optical systems, cables, connectors, and probes
    • Knowledge of mechanical aspects affecting optical signal integrity
  • Test Strategy and Instrumentation Knowledge and Experience
    • Ability to devise test strategies, design test vehicles and optical device simulators
    • Understanding of optical instruments and their use in various scenarios
    • Ability to set up and operate optical test equipment, characterize system performance/losses, and create reports
    • Hands-on approach with practical experience in running tests and making modifications
    • Ability to work with foundries to create specific wafers and packaged devices as needed to create optical device simulators
  • Additional Considerations
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, alongside strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
    • Competent in multitasking, prioritizing, and managing time effectively.
    • Strong problem-solving, communication, multitasking, organizational, and project management skills.
    • Ability to travel as required.

Desired:
  • MS in a relevant field is preferred.
  • Automated Test Systems
    • Knowledge of automated test systems at wafer level and Final Test/System Level Test
  • Experience with electronic packaging and testing
  • Experience with designing, certifying, and deploying semiconductor capital equipment.
  • Intermediate software skills, including experiment instrumentation and execution (meters, power supplies, IR camera, force, etc.).
  • Ability to read, write, and speak Japanese.

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