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Optical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advantest

Optical Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices.

L3HHCM20

Specialist, Optical Engineering

Rochester, NY

$84.50K - $157K/yr

Specialist, Optical Engineering Job Code: 37312 Job Location: Rochester, NY Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off ...

Advantest

Optical Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices.

Orbotech

Optical Engineering Manager (E)

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$84.80K - $144.20K/yr

The engineer will work in a team of opto-mechanical design engineers and optical engineers responsible for core optics modules across different divisions within the corporation. The engineer owns the ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114.75K - $150.24K/yr

Collaborate with the systems engineering team to integrate optical networking hardware into the broader IonQ quantum computer architecture. * Execute rigorous experimental validation of optical ...

Ametek

MTS Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$123.70K - $160.20K/yr

This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering. Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical ...

New

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for ... The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for ... The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology ...

Optikos

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the ... Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust ...

Optikos Corporation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the ... Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust ...

Optikos Corporation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross ... Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust ...

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in the United States is $51.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $83.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a deep understanding of 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 essential, and certifications like Certified Optical Engineer can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and translate technical concepts. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and improving optical systems that meet precise technical and commercial requirements.

What are some common challenges Optical Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex products such as cameras, sensors, or fiber optic systems. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical optical concepts to colleagues from other disciplines who may not share the same background. This requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to ensure design requirements are understood and integrated smoothly. Additionally, balancing optical performance with cost, manufacturability, and system constraints can be demanding but also provides valuable experience for career growth.

What is optical engineering?

Optical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and application of optical systems and devices, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. Optical engineers use knowledge of physics and materials science to manipulate light and create products that rely on light and vision technologies. This field is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, consumer electronics, and aerospace. Optical engineers often work on improving performance, efficiency, and functionality of optical components and systems.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineeringOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related area
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing companiesManufacturing floors, assembly lines, testing labs
Job FocusDesigning optical systems, developing new technologiesAssembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defense

Optical engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and specialized skills. Optical technicians support these efforts by assembling and testing optical components, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

More about Optical Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Optical Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Optical Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs are:
Optical Engineering jobs near you

Optical Engineering Intern

Advantest

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices. While the mechanical team builds the motion system, your role is to define, measure, and optimize the optical coupling efficiency and signal integrity during the automated test cycle.
You will be the bridge between the physical connector and the light path, ensuring that automated mating achieves the performance required for next-generation data center interconnects.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Optical Characterization: Quantify Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), and Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) across the automated mating cycle.
  • Coupling Optimization: Develop and refine "Active Alignment" algorithms-determining how the system should "search" for the peak optical signal once a coarse mate is achieved.
  • Fiber End-Face Analysis: Use automated interferometers and digital scopes to characterize the impact of "mating dust" and surface scratches on optical performance.
  • Beam Profiling: Analyze the mode-field diameter (MFD) and beam divergence at the connector interface to determine sensitivity to Z-gap and angular tilt.
  • Signal Stability Testing: Monitor optical power stability over time to identify "micro-fretting" or mechanical drift caused by the automation hardware.
  • Failure Mapping: Create a "Failure Catalog" documenting the mechanical and optical thresholds where the system performance degrades (e.g., insertion loss spikes or physical material wear).
  • Critical Skills & Requirements
    • Fiber Optics Fundamentals:Deep understanding of single-mode fiber (SMF) theory, including evanescent fields, NA (Numerical Aperture), and dB/dBm calculations.
    • Optical Lab Tooling:Proficiency with Power Meters, Light Sources, VOAs (Variable Optical Attenuators), and OSAs (Optical Spectrum Analyzers).
    • Software/Scripting:Experience using Python or LabVIEW to control optical instruments via GPIB/TCP-IP (SCPI commands).
    • Data Visualization:Ability to plot "Coupling Maps" (heat maps) to visualize how spatial misalignment translates to optical loss.
    • Excellent teamwork and communication skills; ability to work effectively within a software engineering team.
    • Analytical thinking and a structured approach to problem solving.
    • Knowledge of semiconductor testing is a plus but not required.

  • Education:Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with an Optics focus.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with optical simulation tools like Zemax, Lumerical, or RSoft.
  • Familiarity with different connector types (MPO, SN-MT, LC/PC) and fiber polishing standards.
  • Basic understanding of Silicon Photonics (SiPh) grating couplers and edge couplers.

What You Will Gain
You will work at the leading edge of optical interconnect technology. You will gain hands-on experience in how high-speed data is physically routed in a CPO environment and learn how to translate theoretical optical design into a robust, high-volume automated testing process.

Apply