1

Optical Engineer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a motivated and talented Optical Engineer to join our Optical System Integration/ Verification team. The successful candidate would implement and test electrical and optical hardware ...

We are seeking a motivated and talented Optical Engineer to join our Optical System Integration/ Verification team. The successful candidate would implement and test electrical and optical hardware ...

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive testing, validation, and performance characterization of the next generation of coherent linecards and ...

Master's degree in physics or aerospace engineering * Experience with optical design and Zemax OpticStudio * Familiarity with optomechanical design and sourcing/selection of optomechanical components

Senior Optical Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$94K - CA$150K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer at Ciena Canada ULC, this role contributes to the design, analysis, and validation of advanced optical communication systems that enable next-generation networks. The ...

Optical systems engineering Optical communications product design and development * Write engineering and design specifications * Write test plans, review test results and judge design margins to ...

We are looking for a senior optical engineer with experience across a broad spectrum of optical components, systems, and technologies. The successful candidate will also have a strong background in a ...

We are looking for an optical testing engineer with experience across a broad spectrum of optical systems and technologies. The candidate should have a strong background in automation and optical ...

Overview The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for the design, verification, and manufacturing support of pluggable optical transceiver modules used in datacenter, metro, and core network ...

Optical Design Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$94K - CA$150K/yr

Ciena is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to contribute to the Hardware Sustaining function of our Converged Packet Optical R&D organization. This role focuses on the design, characterization ...

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Optical Engineering, Firmware (FW), Hardware Systems, DSP, and Product Development teams to deliver industry-leading optical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Engineer information

See Ontario salary details

$30K

$112K

$178.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Ontario 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 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 Ontario?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Ontario?

For Optical Engineer jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in ON?

For Optical Engineer jobs in ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Ontario as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,025 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Kanata, ON • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Social networking, machine learning, and big data analytics demand ever-increasing network connectivity. RANOVUS, with operations in Ottawa, Canada, Nuremberg, Germany, and San Jose, USA, is a solution provider for the next generation data center infrastructures. We aim to deliver advanced technology that minimizes environmental impact through lower power dissipation.

Working with world class fabrication partners, RANOVUS is the leader in the application of unique new technologies to fiber-optic communications products for data centers.

We are seeking a motivated and talented Optical Engineer to join our Optical System Integration/ Verification team. The successful candidate would implement and test electrical and optical hardware/system for leading-edge optical communication modules for customer delivery.

Responsibilities include:
Collaborate with multi-functional groups (photonics, hardware and software) to bring-up, validate, debug, calibrate, optimize and characterize optical engine performance.
Understand product requirements, define test objectives, and develop detailed optical performance test plans that outline test strategies, scope, configurations, deliverables, and schedules.
Establish complex lab setups using various high-speed electrical/optical lab equipment (oscilloscope, network analyzer, spectrum analyzer, BERT, etc.).
Design, develop and maintain automated test scripts to adjust operating conditions of the device and capture the measurement data.
Root-causes analysis of optical performance issues through lab experimentation and collaboration with design teams.
Create test reports that summarize test results, key findings, and bug fixes.
Support interworking between AE and the R&D team and the marketing team.
Collaborate with external instrument vendors for equipment procurement and ensure seamless software and control integration.

Requirements:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
2 to 5 years relevant work experience on optical systems or opto-electronics devices (lasers, detectors, modulators, transceivers).
Knowledge of optical systems and components, digital communication systems, HW, PCB, SW/FW.
Experience in Python or Matlab script languages.
Experience in a lab environment including troubleshooting issues.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable skills:
Knowledge of very high-speed interconnects (electrical and optical) for Ethernet, PCIe/CXL etc.
Exposure to programming and debugging embedded software on microcontrollers.

If you have a passion for technology and innovation and want to be part of a team pushing the boundaries, we encourage you to apply.

Ranovus is an equal opportunity employer.