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Optical Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which ...

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical ...

Optical Engineering Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical ...

Optical Engineering Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. As Optical Engineering Manager, you will lead a team of optical ...

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table alignment, sample preparation, and characterization within Luminit's established recording process. We are ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ...

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices. * Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of ...

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$153K - $198K/yr

... optical engineers for new display applications * Lead complex development projects by coordinating closely with diverse cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver state-of-the-art ...

Work in a group of optical engineers solving challenging technical problems Work in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and alignment Gain hands-on and ...

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Work in a group of optical engineers solving challenging technical problems * Work in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and alignment * Gain hands-on and ...

You will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing team of optical engineers while providing technical direction for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of laser ...

You will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing team of optical engineers while providing technical direction for the design, analysis, integration, and validation of laser ...

You will be responsible for building and leading a high‑performing team of optical engineers while providing technical direction for the design, analysis, integration and validation of laser ...

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Optical Engineers information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineers in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What cities are hiring for Optical Engineers jobs?

Cities with the most Optical Engineers job openings:

What states have the most Optical Engineers jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Engineers jobs include:

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For Optical Engineers jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineers job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX • On-site

Neuralink
Biotechnology Research and Development • 201 - 500 employees

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Team Description:

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables-manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub-micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:

  • Designing and simulating optical imaging systems
  • Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems
  • Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems
  • Testing and verification of optics consumables
  • Building and testing of beam-scanning instruments
  • Developing image acquisition and processing software
  • Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications:

  • Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field
  • Bachelor of Science or higher-level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 3+ years of optical engineering experience
  • 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in designing and testing of in-vivo imaging systems
  • Experience in handling high power laser instruments
  • Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography
  • Hands-on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing