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Optical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Amazon

Optical Engineer, Amazon Leo - OISL

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

You will support the manufacture and test of optical communications hardware, and contribute to the design of next-generation optical communications system. Export Control Requirement: Due to ...

Amazon

Optical Engineer, Amazon Leo - OISL

Redmond, WA

$144K - $187K/yr

You will support the manufacture and test of optical communications hardware, and contribute to the design of next-generation optical communications system. Export Control Requirement: Due to ...

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 ...

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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

$94.8K

$164.1K

$192.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Seattle, WA is $164,073.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $147,400.00 and $190,800.00 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 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:

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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $164,073 per year, or $78.9 per hour.

Staff Optical Test & Calibration Engineer, AR/VR Displays - EagleEye

Anduril Industries

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$145K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,845 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM
Our Warfighter Systems division is pioneering a future where mixed reality (MR), creates immersive, intuitive, and life-saving technologies. By seamlessly integrating real-time data with cutting-edge visualization tools, we are empowering warfighters with unparalleled situational awareness, enhanced training experiences, and operational superiority. This team is consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible with our EagleEye system, and are shaping a future where technology and defense unite to protect our nation.
ABOUT THE JOB
Come join one of the strongest performing mixed reality teams in the industry, dedicated to revolutionizing experiences for the warfighter. You will help develop and optimize advanced display test and calibration processes and station architectures to enable top of the line display system development and manufacture. This role requires a blend of deep technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills as you contribute to national defense initiatives while pushing the boundaries of mixed reality.
WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Lead the integration and test for novel optical test stations, with a focus on near-to-eye displays
  • Work with optical suppliers to procure optical elements, including regular status updates, technical oversight, acceptance test verification, and anomaly resolutions
  • Develop and bring up display test stations from requirements and equipment specification through vendor build, installation, and qualification at the contract manufacturer
  • Generate alignment plans and procedures for optical test equipment
  • Manage integration and test vendors to successfully scale production of complex display assemblies.
  • Develop and review test setups, procedures, and data to transition products and systems from R&D to production
  • Qualify measurement capability through Gauge R&R, MSA, and measurement uncertainty analysis, and set defensible test limits against product specifications
  • Evaluate and analyze prototype and production optical system performance errors to determine root cause
  • Interface with test and evaluation teams to qualify optical performance through lab and field testing.
  • Support NPI builds on site and provide rapid-response test support during ramp

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • BS in Optical Engineering, related field or equivalent experience
  • Experience with delivering production-ready optical test stations to a supplier factory
  • Knowledge of image quality metrics and data analysis methods
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to test equipment vendors and contract manufacturer sites, up to 25%
  • Knowledge of how electro-optical systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested
  • Working knowledge of display and imaging metrics: luminance, chromaticity and white point, uniformity, contrast, MTF or SFR, distortion, etc
  • Demonstrated experience in the integration, test, and performance requirements verification and validation of optical systems
  • Experience working with international suppliers of optical or display products
  • Experience in prototype and production development, including testing and demonstration

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • MS in Optical Science or Optical Engineering
  • Demonstrated first principles approach to complex opto-mechanical problems
  • Statistical fluency with Gauge R&R, MSA, SPC, Cp and Cpk, DOE, and measurement uncertainty analysis
  • Experience with the design, analysis and development of diffraction limited imaging systems in dynamic environments
  • Experience with optical tolerancing, athermalization evaluation, lens manufacturing methods, and drawing standards
  • Demonstrated team leadership experience and mentoring of junior staff
  • Knowledge of common materials used in optical systems and limitations of fabrication methods of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

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