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Optical Engineering Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with NOC, field technicians, vendors, and engineering teams to resolve faults and perform root cause analysis. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to optical transport equipment and ...

Optical Process Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Your Job We are looking for an Optical Process Engineer to monitor, evaluate, and improve optical ... Facilitate the implementation of engineering changes and process improvements throughout product ...

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience. * 5+ years of ... Proven experience using state-of-the-art optical and high-speed electronic test and measurement ...

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience. * 5+ years of ... Proven experience using state-of-the-art optical and high-speed electronic test and measurement ...

Reliability Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

You will work closely with experts in optics, mechanics, electronics, manufacturing, and systems engineering to ensure innovative designs achieve world-class reliability and long-term field ...

The must haves: * 5+ years of industry experience in micro-optics, optical engineering, or a related field. * Expert-level proficiency with Zemax optics simulation software. * Hands-on experience in ...

The must haves: * 5+ years of industry experience in micro-optics, optical engineering, or a related field. * Expert-level proficiency with Zemax optics simulation software. * Hands-on experience in ...

Photonium builds next-generation design software for optical systems, and they are seeking a Founding Machine Learning Engineer to design and implement their optical design agent. The role involves ...

Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing. * Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such ...

Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing. * Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such ...

Master's degree or higher in Physics, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. * Strong understanding of optics ...

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing. * Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Engineering information

See New York salary details

$24

$56

$127

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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 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:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,154 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Network Engineer - Optical

Koch Industries

Bridgewater, NJ • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Network Engineer to join our Network Operations team. In this role, you will be responsible for the deployment, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of high-capacity optical transport networks. You'll play a critical part in ensuring network reliability, scalability, and performance for our customers and internal systems. As a member of this team, you will have an abundance of opportunities to be involved in projects related to planning, implementation, deployment, monitoring & network operations of various optical, backbone and edge networks. The ideal candidate is an engineer who is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and constantly evolving network. A fast learner, proactive, and highly motivated engineer, with a proven record of implementing novel solutions and workarounds to solve unique challenges.
Our Team
Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing and field-proven optical solutions, from components and modules to integrated line-cards. We provide cutting edge wavelength management and amplifier technologies. Our comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software integration capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks.
What You Will Do
  • Support build activities including design, configuration, deployment and migration in large-scale optical networks that spans long-haul terrestrial & regional metros. Interconnecting Data Centers and Point of Presence (POP) sites across the globe.
  • Plan, schedule and perform complex optical and backbone network deployments and migrations. Perform network maintenance, upgrades, and provisioning of new circuits or services
  • Work closely with NOC, field technicians, vendors, and engineering teams to resolve faults and perform root cause analysis. Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to optical transport equipment and network connectivity.
  • Maintain standards for all builds and design packages for metro, regional and long-haul DWDM systems.
  • Maintain and update network documentation, including fiber routes, equipment inventory, and change logs.
  • Participate in on-call rotation and respond to network emergencies after hours
  • Generate implementation plans and provide technical leadership and guidance during deployment activities
  • Review and maintain acceptance documents provided by vendors and subcontractors deploying equipment on our network
  • Provide technical expertise to network provisioning engineers for troubleshooting out-of-service or faulty circuits
  • Proactively contributes to documentation, automation and processes as they evolve
  • Support multiple stakeholder organizations by understanding, anticipating, and influencing business outcomes.
  • Exhibit proactive communication and think with a product and customer mindset
  • Leverage a data driven approach to influence business and network health metrics
  • Generate and analyze network performance reports; proactively identify areas for improvement
  • Travel required as needed basis (maybe up to 50%)

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Science or a related field of discipline.
  • At least 5 years' experience with Live network deployment, migration and operations
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience deploying and migrating optical networks
  • Experience with optical network design, installation and maintenance for service providers or enterprise networks
  • Experience with optical transport systems and troubleshooting.
  • Experience with optical fiber types, fiber characterization, OTDR
  • Experience with optical technologies: DWDM, CWDM, ROADM, OTN, SONET/SDH, and Ethernet over fiber.
  • Experience with individual components of optical networks such as Transponders, Mux/Demux, WSS, EDFA, RAMAN, OSC, OTDR.
  • Experience with field-based work in POPs, carrier hotels, data centers and Central Office environments
  • Experience with optical test equipment and optical troubleshooting experience using OTDR, OSA, BERT and optical power meters
  • Proficiency with network management tools (e.g., Ciena OneControl, Infinera DNA, Nokia NFM-T).
  • Experience with data center network design.
  • Experience with automation/scripting (Python, Ansible) in a networking environment. Experience in creating, troubleshooting and analyzing network code

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Master's degree in engineering discipline.

For this role, we anticipate paying $150,000 - $180,000 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
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
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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