ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$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.

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers. KEY ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

Peraton

Senior Optical Engineer

Woodbridge, NJ

$146K - $234K/yr

Experience with in-depth analysis of optical systems for reverse engineering * Knowledge of electro-optically guided missile system operation and/or countermeasure techniques * Top Secret Clearance ...

New

Peraton

Senior Optical Engineer

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Experience with in-depth analysis of optical systems for reverse engineering * Knowledge of electro-optically guided missile system operation and/or countermeasure techniques * Top Secret Clearance ...

New

Peraton

Senior Optical Engineer

Woodbridge, NJ

$146K - $234K/yr

Experience with in-depth analysis of optical systems for reverse engineering * Knowledge of electro-optically guided missile system operation and/or countermeasure techniques * Top Secret Clearance ...

New

Orion Innovation

Optical Network Engineer

Middletown, NJ · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Seeking a highly experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead the evaluation and optimization of optical technologies across our next-generation transport networks. In this critical role, you will be ...

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

New Providence, NJ

$133K - $212K/yr

... Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience. * 5+ years of proven hands-on laboratory experience setting up and experimentally characterizing DSP-based high-speed optical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in New York

Optical Engineer information

See New York salary details

$90.8K

$157.1K

$184.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in New York is $157,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $182,700.00 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in New York? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in New York? For Optical Engineer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in New York with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in NY? For Optical Engineer jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,115 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Sr Optical Engineer

Ametek

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. 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.

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create optical designs and conduct tolerance analysis to customers' specifications and requirements.
  • Develop analysis tools and procedures for assembly testing processes.
  • Monitor fabrication and assembly to provide technical guidance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to improve processes.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to our customers.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light analysis preferred.
  • Proficiency with ZEMAX or CODE V and basic programming of macros.
  • Knowledge of lens characterization methodology and instrumentation; experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, MTF testing) preferred.
  • Drives to deliver consistent, high-quality results
  • Problem-solver who seeks opportunities to improve process
  • Understands and relates to customers
  • Organized, contentious and focused
  • Communicates, influences and collaborates across functions and levels

Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience. 

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

What AMETEK employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply