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Optical Engineer Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact. PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser ...

Senior Optical Engineer Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact. PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser ...

Role model, lead and deliver exceptional care, supporting patients and customers to make appropriate choices regarding optical and healthcare products and services * Work flexibly across the ...

Role model, lead and deliver exceptional care, supporting patients and customers to make appropriate choices regarding optical and healthcare products and services * Work flexibly across the ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Alberta salary details

$30K

$112K

$178.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Alberta is $112,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Alberta? For Optical Engineer jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in AB? For Optical Engineer jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Alberta as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,025 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Pulse Medica

Edmonton, AB โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Senior Optical Engineer


Help advance and integrate proven optical technologies into next-generation ophthalmic systems with real clinical impact.

PulseMedica is building ophthalmic imaging and laser systems using established optical technologies. While our team is based in Edmonton, Alberta, we welcome applicants from across Canada, the United States, and internationally. For the right candidate, we offer relocation assistance, immigration support, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful clinical technology.


As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will take technical ownership of advanced optical systems from design through deployment, and play a key role in bringing next-generation imaging and laser treatment technologies from concept to clinical use. You will work closely with a fast-moving, multidisciplinary engineering team where your expertise directly influences system performance, reliability, and patient impact.


If you're passionate about applying your optical engineering expertise to meaningful, real-world medical applications, this is an opportunity to help shape a system that will make a difference in ophthalmic care.


About Us

PulseMedica is redefining the landscape of ophthalmic technology by developing breakthrough imaging and laser technologies for ophthalmic disease. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years, we've built a culture where innovation thrives and multidisciplinary teams solve complex challenges at speed. Our technology blends realtime computer vision, deep learning, and 3D imaging with highprecision laser systems to create new treatment solutions to prevent vision loss. By uniting cuttingedge research with scalable engineering, PulseMedica is creating treatment solutions that position the company to be at the forefront of the next generation in eye care.


The Opportunity

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of multi-channel integrated laser scanning imaging and treatment systems for ophthalmic clinical applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, hands-on experience with optical systems, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while working in a fast-paced, cross-functional team environment.


In this role, you will:

  • Drive end-to-end optical system development-from early-stage concepting and modeling to prototype validation and integration into clinical devices.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical, electronics, software, and systems engineers to ensure cohesive system performance.
  • Serve as a technical mentor to optical and junior engineers, strengthening the team's technical depth.
  • Contribute to both research-driven development and product-focused engineering, helping translate proven technologies into reliable medical devices.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, development, and optimization of optical imaging and laser treatment systems for ophthalmology applications.
  • Specify and select optical and photonic materials, components, and devices.
  • Analyze and optimize end-to-end optical system performance.
    Design and execute experiments, test plans, and qualifications for optical components and systems.
  • Develop and implement system test methods to validate optical performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical designs into final products.
  • Design new fixtures and equipment to support optical system development and qualification.
    Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
  • Manage project tasks, ensuring milestones are met within established timelines.


Qualifications & Experience

  • Master's or Doctorate in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field with relevant coursework in geometric optics, physical optics, radiometry, Fourier optics, and fiber optics.
  • Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience with optical imaging devices, multimodal systems, and optical test equipment.
  • Experience working in a lab environment to validate system characteristics and performance.
    Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically at both the system and component levels.
  • Ability to balance cost, schedule, and quality objectives while maintaining technical excellence.
  • Experience with technical leadership and mentoring.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects concurrently.


Preferred Qualifications (Assets)

  • Experience in ophthalmology imaging and laser treatments.
  • Knowledge of modeling and simulation of optical systems.
  • Experience analyzing, tolerancing, and designing optical systems using CODEV (or Zemax). Advanced modelling skills integrating macros and Matlab or Python COM interfaces, are desired.
  • Proven laboratory skills including design, documentation, and execution of complex optical experiments.
  • Experience designing optical systems for medical/ophthalmological equipment.
  • Strong leadership skills in a cross-functional engineering environment.
  • Experience specifying optical components using both MIL standards and ISO 10110.
  • Experience reading and specifying mechanical drawings with some understanding of GD&T.
  • Excellent written communication and documentation skills.
  • Experience with femtosecond-based devices.
  • Experience with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) technology.


Anticipated Start Date: as soon as a suitable candidate is found

Duration: Full time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Salary: Commensurate to experience and qualifications

Location: Edmonton


What you can expect from PulseMedica:

  • Competitive compensation, health, dental and vision benefits and the option to participate in our employee stock option plan
  • A role that contributes to helping change people's lives by enhancing their vision
  • A unique opportunity to build, grow, and be part of a team that is going to revolutionize a multi-billion dollar industry
  • Hybrid work
  • Free on-site gym (Jackson's Gym)
  • Growth Opportunities
  • Monthly team social events
  • Working for a company that was recently Great Place to Work certified!


We believe that diverse teams perform better and that fostering an inclusive work environment is a key part of growing a successful team. We welcome people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply for this position.