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Optical Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Senior Coating Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Develop and optimize optical coating designs to meet customer performance requirements and ... Represent coating engineering in customer technical discussions, issue resolution activities ...

Senior Coating Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Develop and optimize optical coating designs to meet customer performance requirements and ... Represent coating engineering in customer technical discussions, issue resolution activities ...

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline preferred; equivalent ...

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, or a related engineering discipline preferred; equivalent ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$80.4K

$139.2K

$163.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in New Mexico is $139,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,000.00 and $161,800.00 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?

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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico? For Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in NM? For Optical Engineer jobs in NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,169 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Boeing

Farmington, NM • On-site

$136K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Experienced or Senior Optical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The role supports the Air Force Research Lab in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities using ground-based telescopes. We are seeking candidates with experience in optical design, integration of optical systems, and field testing of systems. This position will work with extremely talented, high-performing, multi-disciplined engineering teams to work on state-of-the-art adaptive optics and optical imaging systems.

Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements in adaptive optics, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, laser systems to achieve research objectives.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the design, fabrication, and integration of high-precision optical systems, facilitating the transition of conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional experimental hardware
  • Establish and validate technical specifications for optical systems and components to ensure adherence to performance standards
  • Execute trade studies and simulations to optimize system performance and design
  • Resolve complex optical challenges through innovative engineering and analysis
  • Support project management by providing work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and by reporting project status
  • Writes appropriate sections of proposals to support development of new business

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

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience):

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
  • 4+ years of experience in optical design
  • 4+ years' experience with optical software, Zemax, Code V, or OSLO

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Advanced study in Optical Specialization
  • Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance
  • Experience working with adaptive optics systems
  • Experience with advanced engineering hardware design, fabrication, evaluating, and testing processes
  • 5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica
  • A strong dedication to a teaming dynamic, strong written and verbal skills, and detail oriented

Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range:

  • Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security.
  • You'll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems.
  • You'll assumeownershipfor the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application.
  • You'll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields.
  • We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace 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.

Pay and Benefits:

At Boeing, 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.

The Boeing Company 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.

Experienced (Level 3) Summary pay range: $112,200 - $151,800

Senior (Level 4) Summary pay range: $136,850 - $185,150

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. Top 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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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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