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Optical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QCi

$141.10K - $182.70K/yr

Optical Engineering Reports to: Manager Optical Engineering About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ...

Rivet Industries

Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Strong foundation in geometric optics, physical optics, display and imaging metrics. * Proficiency with at least ...

L3HHCM20

Associate, Optical Engineer

Tulsa, OK

$12 - $14.75/hr

Support development of Optical Engineering tools and procedures for Optical Design, Analysis, Integration, and Test * Experience with optical design codes (Zemax, Code V, etc.) * Experience with ...

JPL

Optical Engineer IV

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140.50K - $181.90K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

SAFRAN DSI OPTRONICS

Optical Engineer

Bedford, NH · On-site

$127.20K - $164.60K/yr

Looking to join one of our interdisciplinary engineering teams that collaborates for success? The Optical Engineer will join a team focused on the development of new optical products and sub ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field • Experience with optical system design and analysis • Proficiency in Zemax optical design software • ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$152.30K - $197.20K/yr

We are now expanding our optical engineering team and looking for an Optical Test Engineer. As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for the qualification, validation, and system-level ...

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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
Quantum Optical Engineer - LiDAR, Vibrometry, and Entangled Communication Systems

Quantum Optical Engineer - LiDAR, Vibrometry, and Entangled Communication Systems

Quantum Computing Inc.

Hoboken, NJ • On-site

$141.10K - $182.70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Quantum Optical Engineer - LiDAR, Vibrometry, and Entangled Communication Systems
Location : Hoboken, NJ 07030
Division: CTO
Department : Optical Engineering
Reports to : Manager Optical Engineering
About Us
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.
Position Description
The Quantum Optical Engineer will contribute to the design, development, testing, and optimization of QCi's advanced remote sensing and secure communication systems. This role combines hands-on laboratory work with system-level optical design, supporting products from initial concept through production.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in optical engineering, photonics, quantum optics, and optoelectronics, along with experience testing and troubleshooting optical systems and analyzing experimental data. Working closely with a cross-disciplinary engineering team, this individual will help improve system performance, reliability, and scalability, while also contributing to quality assurance processes and workflow improvements.
This position is based in Hoboken, NJ, with optional partial work-from-home flexibility. Occasional business travel (less than 10%) may be required. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, growing environment and is eager to apply optical engineering principles to real-world, cutting-edge technologies.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design and development of optical setups for LiDAR experiments, including beam shaping, collimation, and range-gating techniques.
  • Development and testing of single-photon sensitive vibrometer and communications systems.
  • Experimental validation and characterization of optical components and subsystems.
  • Support of research on optical fault detection methodologies based on vibrometry.
  • Development of recording techniques for entangled photons used in secure communication and data processing systems.
  • Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (G R & R) testing to ensure measurement consistency and reliability in field and lab environments.
  • Collaborations with multi-disciplinary teams (hardware, software, firmware) to refine system performance.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Master's or PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or equivalent experience.
  • 3-5 years Hands-on experience with laser systems, free-space optics, and fiber optics.
  • Background in optoelectronics and WDM techniques for telecom applications.
  • Familiarity with LiDAR principles, time-of-flight measurements, and single-photon detection.
  • Experience with optical metrology and statistical measurement systems analysis (G R & R studies).

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above.
Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

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