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Optical Engineers Zemax Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer III

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Practical experience in hardware integration, optical ...

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 ... Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). * Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for ...

New

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Build and maintain optical system models using Zemax or Code V, including tolerance and stray light ... thermal engineers. * Define alignment budgets and verification procedures for deployable opto ...

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Join AIMECH USA LLC as an Optics Engineer in Niles, OH, where innovation meets precision. Be part ... Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V). * Strong analytical and problem ...

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax) * Experience integrating and testing ...

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Join AIMECH USA LLC as an Optics Engineer in Niles, OH, where innovation meets precision. Be part ... Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V). * Strong analytical and problem ...

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax) * Experience integrating and testing ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Design and analyze optical components and subsystems using Zemax (OpticStudio) * Perform optical ... Collaborate with opto-mechanical engineers to define alignment strategies and tolerances * Support ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Advanced proficiency with optical design/analysis software (Ansys/Zemax or CodeV) * Laboratory ... Ability to work in cross-functional teams with mechanical and electrical engineers * Proficiency ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

Design and analyze optical components and subsystems using Zemax (OpticStudio) * Perform optical ... Collaborate with opto-mechanical engineers to define alignment strategies and tolerances * Support ...

Optical Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Perform optical modeling and simulation using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, FRED, or equivalent to predict system performance and guide design decisions * Collaborate with electrical engineers to ...

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development ... Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Design and analyze optical components and subsystems using Zemax (OpticStudio) * Perform optical ... Collaborate with opto-mechanical engineers to define alignment strategies and tolerances * Support ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Portsmouth, NH · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Advanced proficiency with optical design/analysis software (Ansys/Zemax or CodeV) * Laboratory ... Ability to work in cross-functional teams with mechanical and electrical engineers * Proficiency ...

Optical Engineer IV

Campus, IL · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Our engineers apply leadership and expertise to the development of advanced ground and space-based ... Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax. * Extensive experience post-processing results from CODE ...

Our company atmosphere is ideal for those engineers who enjoy the full gamut of product development ... Proficiency in optical design and simulation software (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or ...

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development ... Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Experience in lens characterization ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineers Zemax information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical engineers zemax jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineers zemax 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 is the difference between Optical Engineers Zemax vs Optical Designers?

AspectOptical Engineers ZemaxOptical Designers
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; proficiency in Zemax softwareBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; familiarity with optical design tools
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, engineering firms, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageDeveloping optical systems, lenses, and imaging devices using Zemax

Optical Engineers Zemax focus on designing and analyzing optical systems primarily using Zemax software, often working in engineering environments. Optical Designers also create optical systems but may use various design tools and focus more on conceptual and detailed design stages. Both roles require strong technical skills and optical knowledge, but Optical Engineers Zemax typically emphasize software proficiency and system integration.

More about Optical Engineers Zemax jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Engineers Zemax jobs? Cities with the most Optical Engineers Zemax job openings:
What states have the most Optical Engineers Zemax jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Engineers Zemax jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineers Zemax job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

$125K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities:

The Instruments and Communications Division is known for the development and infusion of technologies that enableadvanced flight sensors, instruments, and deep space communications. Our expertise spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from Radio Frequency (RF) through ultraviolet(UV). Our product line ranges from quantum technology and flight systems, imaging spectrometers, microwave radiometers, scientific radars, mass spectrometers and other in situ instruments, ground and space-based RF and optical systems, and innovative sensors. Wecreate novel material systems and fabrication techniques that unlock new concepts andmission architecture. We pioneer deep space communication theory, implement advancedcommunicationsystems, and developnavigationaltrackingto understand where we are and how to ensure robustengineering and sciencedata return.

The Optics & Spectroscopy Section provides world-leading capability and expertise in a wide range of technologies that are critical to the development of optical instruments. Section leadership and expertise are specifically applied to the development of advanced ground and space-based optical systems in the following areas: research and development of optics-related technologies; system architecture and concept definition; detailed optical system design, opto-mechanical design, analysis and implementation; and alignment, test and calibration of optical instruments and systems.

We invite you to join the Optical Engineering group to serve as an Optical Engineer III. You will be reporting administratively to the Group Supervisor of the Group. The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, andin situsensing systems (telescopes, cameras, and spectrometers).

We seek an engineer to support development for various optical instruments being built within Section. The position is for an optical engineer in the Optical Engineering group. The optical engineer will contribute to the design and analysis of telescopes, cameras, and imaging spectrometers. They will participate in tolerancing, analyzing, and aligning novel telescopes, spectrometers, and cameras.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 6 years of related experience, or Master's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 4 years of related experience, or PhD in a related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of related experience.

  • Experience ray tracing in CODE V or Zemax.

  • Practical experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, or state-of-the-art measurement techniques.

  • Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science, engineering, and project results.

  • Demonstrated ability to interact cooperatively with co-workers.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with space optics.

  • Experience making optical error budgets.

  • Experience managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors.

  • Experience post-processing results from CODE V or Zemax using CODE V macro language, ZPL, Python, and/or Matlab.

  • Experience in specialized optical modeling such as thin film design, lens design, polarization optics, or straylight.

  • Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee's start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$152,880 - $188,448

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.