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Optical Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Lead Optical Systems Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel:

Photonium builds next-generation design software for optical systems, and they are seeking a Founding Machine Learning Engineer to design and implement their optical design agent. The role involves ...

Reliability Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

You will work closely with experts in optics, mechanics, electronics, manufacturing, and systems engineering to ensure innovative designs achieve world-class reliability and long-term field ...

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.

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 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:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $157,115 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Component Engineer (Optical Suppliers & Transceivers) - Hybrid

Cisco

Holmdel, NJ • Hybrid

$143K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work closely with optical suppliers and internal teams to guide product qualification and module assembly.

  • Lead optical device and assembly process qualification for optical transceiver products.

  • Assess, develop, and qualify suppliers and technologies for wavelength line management and optical transceivers.


Cisco Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 10/18/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Candidate must be local to one of these 4 locations only:Holmdel, New Jersey or Maynard, Massachusetts or San Jose, California or Allentown, Pennsylvania; and come into the office a minimum of 1 day a week.

Meet the Team

You will work closely with a network of Cisco optical suppliers and internal Cisco teams to guide optical transceiver, optical module, and optical transport product qualification and module assembly. You will operate in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment that includes engineering, operations, and supply chain teams to develop next-generation optical transport and optical transceiver technologies. This role offers high cross-organizational visibility and the opportunity to influence critical technology development and commodity strategy for Cisco's various product platforms.

Your Impact

As a Senior Optical Component Engineer, you will lead optical device and assembly process qualification for Cisco's optical transport and optical transceiver products. You will partner with internal design teams to assess, develop, and qualify suppliers and technologies for wavelength line management (WLM) and optical transceivers. You will own the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of these components from the design phase through to end-of-life.

Responsibilities:

Assess, develop, and qualify suppliers and technologies for wavelength line management (WLM) and optical transceivers.

Conduct technical assessments of optical suppliers, including next-generation technologies, material systems, packaging solutions, and quality/reliability.

Perform design and process reviews and audits to ensure design robustness, quality, and manufacturing readiness.

Own the quality, reliability, and manufacturability of optical sub-modules/daughter cards and optical transceivers from design phase to end-of-life.

Assess business-impacting issues and drive product/component failure analysis, containment, and corrective actions.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Candidate must be local to one of these 4 locations only - Holmdel, New Jersey, Maynard, Massachusetts, San Jose, California, or Allentown, Pennsylvania; and come into the local office a minimum of 1 day a week

  • 5+ years of relevant experience in optics, specifically in opto-electronics or optical materials.

  • Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a similar field.

  • Demonstrated understanding of design, working principles, physics, and failure modes of optical sub-assemblies (e.g. TOSA/ROSA, tunable lasers).

  • Proven experience in reliability engineering, quality metrics, and resolving design/manufacturing reliability issues.

  • Demonstrated ability to work within a cross-functional environment and manage external suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to troubleshoot optical device reliability and assembly process issues.

  • Experience in 8D or model-based problem solving.

  • Knowledge of statistical process control and facility with data analysis.

  • Proficiency in optical component and semiconductor failure analysis techniques.

  • Strong communication, project management, and influencing skills.

Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $143,100.00 to $185,900.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$143,100.00 - $213,800.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$130,300.00 - $189,600.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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