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Optical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

ADEX

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

Optical Transport Engineer (IXC) Resources will be required to work on client's site in Melbourne, FL. Non-local candidates will be compensated accordingly for long-term assignment in Melbourne. Adex ...

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

$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 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

$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 ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

Actalent

Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

The Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer will play a key role in architecting, designing, integrating, and testing advanced electro-optical payloads for a cutting-edge space-based intelligence ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Optical Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$94.5K

$163.4K

$191.8K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Seattle, WA is $163,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,800.00 and $190,000.00 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?

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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,430 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer, Optical Fiber (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$110K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, OPTICAL FIBER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we are deploying Starlink, the world's most advanced satellite constellation, to provide broadband internet access to the world. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system - from the hardware in customers' homes to the satellites on orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

As a Manufacturing Engineer for Optical Fiber, you will develop manufacturing and test processes for optical fiber assemblies. You will work closely with design teams, integration and test teams, and suppliers to bring products from NPI to high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing manufacturing and test procedures with the intent of improving optical fiber reliability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage new product introduction and develop production processes for optical fiber assemblies
  • Design and implement development and production test procedures for optical fiber assemblies to improve reliability
  • Work with manufacturers and suppliers to implement process improvements to improve optical fiber reliability
  • Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products
  • Lead investigation on non-conforming hardware to determine root cause and implement reliability improvements
  • Collaborate with design teams and provide design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability
  • Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internships/co-ops and club projects can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced technical degree
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing optical fiber assemblies
  • Hands-on experience with optical fiber testing (insertion loss, return loss, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various fiber technologies (single mode, multi-mode, polarization maintaining etc.)
  • Knowledge of optical fiber harness manufacturing and processing techniques (splicing, cleaving, crimping etc.)
  • High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various optical fiber classes and standards (OM3, OM4, graded index etc.)
  • Experience with environmental testing of optical assemblies
  • Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
  • Knowledge of statistical analyses and statistical process control
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel to our launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:                          

Pay range:          
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year  
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year    
    
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
 
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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