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Optical Engineering Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/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 ...

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$100 - $175/hr

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 ...

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/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 ...

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field and 5 or more years of professional experience, a Master's degree and 3 or more years of ...

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field and 5 or more years of professional experience, a Master's degree and 3 or more years of ...

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field and 5 or more years of professional experience, a Master's degree and 3 or more years of ...

Our Bridgewater location is home to a large, multidisciplinary Optical Engineering team dedicated to the innovation, design, development, and prototyping of next-generation wavelength selective ...

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

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Optical Engineering information

See New York salary details

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$56

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in New York is $56.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.36 and $91.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and related software tools. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as industries continue to adopt advanced optical technologies.

What can you do with an optical engineering degree?

An optical engineering degree prepares individuals for roles designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. Graduates often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics, utilizing skills in optics, physics, and computer-aided design. Certification and hands-on experience with optical simulation tools can enhance job prospects.

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,154 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Optical Engineering Manager

Koch Industries

Bridgewater, NJ • On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing field-proven wavelength management solutions from components to modules and integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplifier technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.
In Bridgewater NJ, we serve large, global clients in telecom and datacom industries in providing next generation optical modules to support the growing need for data and communications. We are developing optical connectivity solutions, optoelectronic solutions, Wavelength Selective Solutions assembly and fiber optic assemblies and arrays.
We are looking for a Optical Engineering Manager with a focus on holistic viewpoint of optical systems. The Optical Engineering Manager leads development of complex free-space optical systems by, generating optical design concept, considering the entire product from optical point of view, solving design issues, optimizing the system design in terms of performance, cost and schedule. This person must have strong understanding of optical principles and extensive experience in various fields including physics, electronics, mechanical, software, reliability and project management to lead the optical product development effort. As a principal member of the team, this position is responsible for all the optical aspects of a new product development as well as new technology development activities. This expertise will lead to the advancement of our products and services in the fields of optical communication.
What You Will Do
  • Innovation of optical system design of Molex free space optical systems
  • Manage a team of optical engineers for new product development, R&D, manufacturing supports
  • Mentor other engineers and cross functional groups on optical engineering
  • Conduct thorough analysis of products' optical requirements and specifications
  • Plan and manage optical system engineering for product development which requires collaboration with electrical, mechanical, SW, reliability engineering teams
  • Monitor and R&D for new technologies and components we can utilize in our products
  • Work with marketing team to generate technology development strategy for future product applications

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Photonics or related technical field. PhD. is plus
  • At least 15 years of industry experience with free-space optical systems
  • Experienced in leading the development of free space optical systems
  • Experience in managing a team of engineers
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies
  • Excellent understanding and experience with optical simulation tools such as Zemax
  • Strong hands-on experience with optical benchtops and fiber coupling techniques
  • Experience with optical system design for manufacturing, design and cost

For this role, we anticipate paying $180,000 - $250,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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