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Optical Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

AIAA

Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite ...

Amazon

Optical Network Dev Engineer, DCNE

Seattle, WA

$146K - $190K/yr

Key job responsibilities As an Optical Network Development Engineer working within AWS Infrastructure you will: Build, Operate and rollout our global DWDM networks Drive scaling current DWDM designs ...

Amazon

Optical Network Dev Engineer, DCNE

Seattle, WA · On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

Key job responsibilities As an Optical Network Development Engineer working within AWS Infrastructure you will: • Build, Operate and rollout our global DWDM networks • Drive scaling current DWDM ...

Amazon

Optical Network Dev Engineer, DCNE

Seattle, WA · On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

Key job responsibilities As an Optical Network Development Engineer working within AWS Infrastructure you will: Build, Operate and rollout our global DWDM networks Drive scaling current DWDM designs ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA

Optical Engineer information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$94.3K

$163.2K

$191.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Bothell, WA is $163,248.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,600.00 and $189,800.00 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,248 per year, or $78.5 per hour.

Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

AIAA

Tukwila, WA • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world’s most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky’s data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world’s most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky’s data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop comprehensive integration, requirements verification, and test strategies for EO payloads.
  • Develop and maintain optical and sensor test facilities.
  • Test payloads and support the production team as they integrate your payloads onto satellites.
  • Partner with engineering, program management, and production to ensure comprehensive and efficient end-to-end validation of payload test from plan through design and execution.
  • Define requirements for and oversee the design and build of test Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and other test infrastructure for the payload.
  • Support the development of new EO payload architectures and concepts.
  • Simulate and analyses new sensors, designs, and/or phenomonologies to support R&D and technical strategy development.
  • Develop optical system requirements associated with new designs.
  • Provide technical assistance and oversight with design procurement and integration.
  • Support the characterization and commissioning activities of orbital imaging systems.
  • Evaluate on-orbit imaging systems performance, compare with your ground predictions, and evolve your test & performance prediction capabilities.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
  • At least 10 years of experience in technical engineering roles involving the specification, modeling, design, integration, and/or test of imaging or non-imaging optical systems and associated components/subsystems, particularly the testing of space-based optical systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other area of appropriate technical focus (or equivalent experience of four additional years).
  • Hands-on laboratory experience and familiarity with typical optical test and meteorology instrumentation and practices, e.g., interferometers, theodolite/laser tracker, optical alignment.
  • Proficiency in at least one computer language with an emphasis on numerical or technical computing.
  • Strong technical grasp of the physics of optical image formation and associated detector phenomenology, especially in the visible and infrared spectra.
  • Proficiency with radiometry, optical imaging and detection figures of merit, and optical system performance modeling/estimation/simulation.
  • Adept with developing concise specifications for optical systems within a well-defined, systematic requirements framework.
  • Familiarity with satellite/payload interface and CONOPs constraints and associated systems engineering.
  • Due to program requirements, this position requires holding US citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Post graduate degree in a relevant technical field.
  • Direct experience in spaceborne optical remote sensing systems.
  • Direct experience in focal plane array design and engineering.
  • Direct experience in satellite radiometric, spatial, and spectral calibration.
  • Proficiency with numerical and technical programming in Python.
  • Familiarity and experience with a technical discipline complementary to optics, e.g., mechanical, thermal, electrical engineering.
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