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Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Boeing Laser and Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS), is looking for highly skilled and adaptable Entry Level Systems Engineers to provide Systems Engineering support on a multi-disciplinary team ...

The Boeing Laser and Electro-Optical Systems (LEOS), is looking for highly skilled and adaptable Entry Level Systems Engineers to provide Systems Engineering support on a multi-disciplinary team ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

Job Summary The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands ... Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Entry Level Lab Technician

Farmington, NM · On-site

$44.20K - $59.80K/yr

Entry Level Lab Technician Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is ... Assists engineers and senior technicians with efforts such as optical alignment, maintenance, and ...

Entry Level Lab Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$44.20K - $59.80K/yr

Entry Level Lab Technician Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is ... Assists engineers and senior technicians with efforts such as optical alignment, maintenance, and ...

Entry Level Lab Technician

Farmington, NM · On-site

$44.20K - $59.80K/yr

Entry Level Lab Technician Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is ... Assists engineers and senior technicians with efforts such as optical alignment, maintenance, and ...

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Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level 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 is an Optical Engineer Entry Level job?

An Optical Engineer Entry Level job involves designing, testing, and improving optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, under the supervision of senior engineers. Responsibilities may include running simulations, performing laboratory experiments, and assisting in product development. Entry-level optical engineers often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or manufacturing. Strong analytical skills, a background in physics or engineering, and proficiency with optical design software are essential. This role provides hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth in optical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Engineer Entry Level position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Entry Level, a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles—usually acquired through a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is typically expected for hands-on work and simulations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective team communication make candidates stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies are crucial for successfully designing, testing, and refining optical systems used in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and manufacturing.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level Optical Engineer?

As an entry-level Optical Engineer, you will typically support the design, prototyping, and testing of optical components and systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Your daily tasks may include conducting simulations, preparing reports on experimental results, assembling optical setups in the lab, and troubleshooting equipment. You’ll often collaborate with cross-functional teams that include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to real-world product development, and learn from experienced mentors while laying the groundwork for future advancement in the optical engineering field.
What cities are hiring for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 15% Contract. 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 Systems Engineer (Entry Level) - Millennium Space Systems

Optical Systems Engineer (Entry Level) - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$137.40K - $177.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 585 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 514 rated manufacturers


Job description

Optical Systems Engineer (Entry Level) - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

Job Summary

The Optical Engineering Team provides all optical systems engineering services to Millennium's direct programs, studies, proposals, and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts. They are systems engineers managing interfaces between the space vehicle and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) payloads and also Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs). The team models mission phenomenology and detection performance of EO/IR and OCT considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. They also design and develop optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor suites that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They determine what on-orbit and ground image processing algorithms should be implemented to support mission requirements. They work closely with mission and systems engineering teams, as well as manufacturing and testing teams to lead payload systems efforts end-to-end.

An Entry Level Optical Systems Engineer possesses a background in optical engineering and physics, and preferably spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared). You will perform optical lab testing to support sensor development for flight missions. You will help define mission performance requirements and model optical system performance for active and passive sensors. You will support the interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team. Successful Optical Systems Engineers have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, calibration, and optical lab testing.

This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Our team is currently hiring for Levels 1-2.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute unit and system level optical tests to verify performance

  • Design and implement system/payload performance modeling and simulation

  • Support trade studies and other forms of analysis to predict system performance

  • Support supplier and partner performance

  • Support internal optical product development

  • Support development and validation of mission and unit level requirements for electro-optical (EO) sensors, associated image processing, and space vehicle interfaces

  • Other duties as assigned

This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options.

Security Clearance and Export Control Requirements

This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a "US Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 is required. "US Person" includes US Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences

  • 2+ years of Education or Experience in Optical Engineering

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or other relevant engineering discipline

  • 2+ experience working with space-related optical instrumentation.

  • 2+ years experience in satellite design and/or operation

  • Experience with mission requirements flow down to low level EO requirements

  • Experience with performance/phenomenology of EO sensors

  • Experience with modeling and simulation of EO sensors

  • Experience in modeling and simulation of satellite systems

  • Experience with optical end-to-end testing

  • Familiarity with the design, development, and qualification of optical hardware

  • Experience with optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, optical communications terminals, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.

  • Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information

  • Experience managing subcontractors providing optical hardware

  • Experience developing rapid design and models to support proposal efforts

  • Must be versatile and able to perform and manage multiple tasks concurrently

  • Good communication and presentation skills

  • Active TS/SCI clearance

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Shift:

  • This role will be on 1st

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range:

  • Level 1: $70,550 - $103,750

  • Level 2: $85,850- $126,250

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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