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Optical Experts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating ... An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts ...

Actalent

Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · Hybrid

$180K - $200K/yr

Principal Optical Engineer We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design ... experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

At Nexthop AI, we are a team of industry-leading experts with deep experience across silicon design ... As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for the qualification, validation, and system ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

At Nexthop AI, we are a team of industry-leading experts with deep experience across silicon design ... As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for the qualification, validation, and system ...

Intuitive Machines LLC

Jr Optical Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Our world-class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development ... Intuitive Machines is seeking a Jr Optical Engineer to support the planning, development, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$164K - $213K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Keene, NH · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

Gooch & Housego Keene

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Keene, NH · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$110K - $143K/yr

Design, model, and optimize optical subsystems that include beam train assemblies; beam directors ... non-experts. * The ability to work in a multidisciplinary team collaborating closely with ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work ... Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ...

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Optical Experts information

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How much do optical experts jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical experts in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Experts vs Optical Technicians?

AspectOptical ExpertsOptical Technicians
CredentialsOften require specialized training or certifications in optics or related fieldsTypically need technical diplomas or certifications in optical technology
Work EnvironmentWork in labs, research facilities, or specialized optical companiesWork in retail stores, clinics, or manufacturing settings
Job RoleDesign, analyze, and develop optical systems; provide expert consultationAssist with optical device assembly, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting

Optical Experts focus on advanced design and analysis of optical systems, often requiring specialized certifications and working in research or high-tech environments. Optical Technicians support manufacturing and maintenance tasks, typically working in retail or production settings. While both roles involve optics, Optical Experts have a more specialized and analytical focus compared to the hands-on technical support provided by Optical Technicians.

More about Optical Experts jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Experts jobs? Cities with the most Optical Experts job openings:
What states have the most Optical Experts jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Experts jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Experts jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Experts jobs are:
Optical Experts jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Experts job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 33% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 26% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Neuralink

Austin, TX • On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Neuralink:
We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
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

Expected Compensation:
The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees' success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
Base Salary Range:
$86,000-$143,000 USD
What We Offer:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
  • Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Commuter benefits
  • Meals provided
  • Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
  • Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

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