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Optical Engineer Jobs in Redmond, WA (NOW HIRING)

Rivet Industries

Optical Test Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

C. 1324b(a)(3). Summary As an Optical Test Engineer, you will own the characterization, calibration, and validation of advanced optical sensing and display systems. You'll design and automate ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Redmond, WA

Optical Engineer information

See Redmond, WA salary details

$93K

$160.8K

$188.7K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Redmond, WA is $160,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,500.00 and $187,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Redmond, WA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Redmond, WA are:

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

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

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

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

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Redmond, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $160,837 per year, or $77.3 per hour.

Optical Test Engineer

Rivet Industries

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

About Rivet
Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems - fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking - for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world's toughest environments.
We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority.
At Rivet, you'll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve.
Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and compliance with federal regulations, all candidates must be a "U.S. Person". Upon hire, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your status as a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Summary
As an Optical Test Engineer, you will own the characterization, calibration, and validation of advanced optical sensing and display systems. You'll design and automate experiments to measure system performance, develop calibration procedures and analysis pipelines, and work cross-functionally with optical, electrical, firmware, and systems teams to rapidly improve hardware performance and reliability. This role is highly hands-on and ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building lab infrastructure and automation tools, and can turn complex experimental data into actionable engineering insights.
Responsibilities
  • Design and execute characterization experiments to evaluate optical sensor and display performance, including range, accuracy, resolution, brightness, noise floor, linearity, and field of view
  • Develop automated test systems and analysis pipelines for efficient system and component evaluation and calibration
  • Develop, implement, and validate calibration algorithms and procedures for intrinsic and extrinsic sensor parameters (e.g., beam pointing, intensity, temperature compensation)
  • Build automated test setups and data acquisition pipelines using Python
  • Analyze large datasets from sensor characterization campaigns; identify failure modes, performance trends, and areas for improvement
  • Maintain detailed lab documentation including test plans, experimental procedures, calibration records, and characterization reports
  • Collaborate with optical, electrical, firmware, and systems engineering teams to close the loop between characterization findings and hardware/firmware iterations
  • Support bring-up and evaluation of new sensor hardware revisions in a lab environment

Requirements
  • B.S., M.S., or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field
  • 3-5 years of hands-on experience in sensor characterization, optical systems testing, or related hardware validation roles
  • Proficiency in Python for test automation, data analysis, and visualization (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib or equivalent)
  • Experience with optical measurement equipment (e.g., integrating spheres, optical power meters, beam profilers, oscilloscopes)
  • Ability to design controlled experiments and draw statistically sound conclusions from data
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to document work clearly and concisely
  • Background working in a hardware startup or similarly fast-paced, resource-constrained environment preferred
  • Experience supporting transfer of calibration processes to manufacturing/NPI environments preferred

Compensation may vary within the posted range based on relevant experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.
Rivet is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Certain roles may require U.S. Person status, security clearance eligibility, or other requirements imposed by law or government contract.

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