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Optical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Collabera LLC

Optical Network Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$66 - $68/hr

Optical DWDM Expertise: Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with the rollout of large DWDM networks, optical network technologies, and optical planning/modeling tools. Candidates ...

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 ...

Actalent

Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

The 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 platform.

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 ...

EOS

Mobility and Optical Consulting Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$145K - $188K/yr

Consulting engineer supporting a lab in the 4G/5G domain is expected to have a combination of technical expertise, operational skills, and customer engagement capabilities tailored to the ...

Meta

Optical Architect - AI Accelerators

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Optical Engineers at Meta will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wearable systems, exploring uncharted territories for next-generation wearable devices. This role involves designing ...

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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 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Seattle, WA is $163,433.00, 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 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:

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 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Optical Network Engineer

Collabera LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$66 - $68/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Pay Range : $66/hr to $68/hr


Day to Day:



  • 25% Field Coordination & Tech Guidance: Serving as the remote "eyes and ears" to drive and guide on-the-ground technicians within data center environments (onsite outages, site validations, verifications, installations, racking, powering, and hardware upgrades).

  • 25% High/Low-Level Design & Documentation: Translating network needs into technical documentation (drafting HLD/LLD, documenting outage results, and providing technical recommendations based on cost, efficiency, time, and level of effort).

  • 20 25% Product Mastery & Solution Design: Learning and deeply understanding specific products/solutions; designing DWDM solutions, determining required tests, and creating option variations for existing or net-new product rollouts.

  • 10% Workflows & Execution: Completing cutsheets, planning, auditing the Span, and running required build workflows to execute the deployment.


  • 10% Meetings & Escalations: Aligning with peers, leadership, project stakeholders, and handling any necessary escalations.



Must Haves:



  • Experience Level: junior level as long as they have some hands on dwdm experience can explain how and why and thought process. Minimum 3+ years of industry experience handling, designing, developing, and operating networks actively handling live customer production traffic.

  • Optical DWDM Expertise: Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience with the rollout of large DWDM networks, optical network technologies, and optical planning/modeling tools. Candidates must be able to truly speak DWDM and explain the "how" and "why."

  • IP Networking & Router Integration: Strong knowledge of router connectivity, IP networking fundamentals, and extensive experience with IP protocol applications. Must understand cross-layer implications and the interplay between the DWDM layer and the IP router layer.

  • Routing Protocols & Platforms: In-depth knowledge of major internet routing protocols (specifically BGP and OSPF) and major router platforms (specifically Cisco 37xx, 49xx, 65xx, 73xx, 76xx platforms including compatible supervisory and line cards).

  • Troubleshooting & Technical Protocols: Robust network analysis and troubleshooting skills with significant experience in DWDM, T1/OTN, IPv4 & IPv6, TCP (internals & flow control), HSRP/GLBP, PIMv2, IGMP, LDP, TACACS, IPSEC & VPNs, netflow, DNS, and HTTP.

  • Basic Automation (Python): Ability to read, fully understand, and make basic adjustments to existing Python code (building complex automation frameworks from scratch is not required).


  • Leadership Principles: Must strongly align with Ownership, Bias for Action, Earn Trust, and Deep Dive.



Plusses:



  • Advanced knowledge in writing code/scripts from scratch.

  • Candidates coming from recent layoffs within the DWDM space at Oracle or other telecom companies


The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid parking/public transportation, paid time off, paid sick and safe time, hours of paid vacation time, weeks of paid parental leave, and paid holidays annually as applicable.

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