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Optical Engineering Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$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 ...

Ametek

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 ...

Applied Physics

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 ...

Applied Physics

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 ...

Acme Corporation

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.

Acme Corporation

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.

Peraton

Senior Optical Engineer

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Our research and engineering protects mission-critical systems and a broad range of initiatives in ... Creating optical systems for prototyping and field deployable systems as well as testing external ...

Peraton

Senior Optical Engineer

Woodbridge, NJ · On-site

$146K - $234K/yr

Our research and engineering protects mission-critical systems and a broad range of initiatives in ... Creating optical systems for prototyping and field deployable systems as well as testing external ...

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Optical Engineering information

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 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 can you do with an optical engineering degree?

Optical engineering degrees prepare 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 testing tools can enhance employment opportunities.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in New York? For Optical Engineering jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in New York as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,154 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Sr Optical Engineer

Ametek

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optical Engineer based in Denville, NJ to support optical development for our Special Optics business. 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 Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create optical designs and conduct tolerance analysis to customers' specifications and requirements.
  • Develop analysis tools and procedures for assembly testing processes.
  • Monitor fabrication and assembly to provide technical guidance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to improve processes.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to our customers.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light analysis preferred.
  • Proficiency with ZEMAX or CODE V and basic programming of macros.
  • Knowledge of lens characterization methodology and instrumentation; experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, MTF testing) preferred.
  • Drives to deliver consistent, high-quality results
  • Problem-solver who seeks opportunities to improve process
  • Understands and relates to customers
  • Organized, contentious and focused
  • Communicates, influences and collaborates across functions and levels

Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience. 

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

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