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Optical Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

... Mechanical Engineer as a senior designer responsible for the realization of precision opto ... Using emerging optical technologies from academia and industry and contributing to their physical ...

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

... Mechanical Engineer as a senior designer responsible for the realization of precision opto ... Using emerging optical technologies from academia and industry and contributing to their physical ...

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Louisville, CO ยท On-site

$109K - $144K/yr

... Mechanical Engineer as a senior designer responsible for the realization of precision opto ... Using emerging optical technologies from academia and industry and contributing to their physical ...

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

... Mechanical Engineer as a senior designer responsible for the realization of precision opto ... Using emerging optical technologies from academia and industry and contributing to their physical ...

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$108K - $143K/yr

... Mechanical Engineer as a senior designer responsible for the realization of precision opto ... Using emerging optical technologies from academia and industry and contributing to their physical ...

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA

$136K - $176K/yr

Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft ... Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis * Prior hands-on ...

Eng Sr Prin - Mech

Merrimack, NH ยท Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical - Mechanical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical ...

The Mechanical Engineer will primarily design, build and test electro-optical-mechanical and mechanical products such as laser-based pointing and illuminating systems, non-lethal ocular interrupters ...

Eng Sr Prin - Mech

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical - Mechanical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical ...

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Optical Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do optical mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Optical Mechanical Engineers?

Optical Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and integrate mechanical components and systems that support optical devices, such as lenses, mirrors, lasers, and cameras. They ensure that these components maintain precise alignment, stability, and functionality in complex optical systems. Their work often involves collaborating with optical and electrical engineers to create products like microscopes, telescopes, medical imaging devices, and laser systems. Additionally, they use specialized software to model and simulate mechanical designs, ensuring durability and reliability under various environmental conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, optics, and materials science, ideally supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), optical design tools (like Zemax or Code V), and experience with precision manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies enable engineers to design and develop complex optical systems that meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability standards.

What is the difference between Optical Mechanical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Mechanical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical, Mechanical, or related engineeringBachelor's or Master's in Optical, Physics, or related field
Work environmentDesigning and testing optical-mechanical systems, often in labs or manufacturingDeveloping optical systems, testing, and analysis, often in R&D or production
Industry usageOptics, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptics, telecommunications, imaging, laser systems

Optical Mechanical Engineers focus on integrating optical components with mechanical systems, while Optical Engineers primarily work on designing and analyzing optical systems. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industries like aerospace and medical devices, but their core responsibilities differ in system integration versus optical design.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Mechanical Engineers when integrating optical and mechanical components?

Optical Mechanical Engineers often encounter challenges related to aligning precise optical elements within mechanical assemblies while maintaining stability and minimizing distortion. Achieving tight tolerances is critical, as even slight misalignments can impact system performance. Additionally, they must consider factors such as thermal expansion, vibration, and environmental conditions, which can affect both mechanical and optical integrity. Collaboration with optical designers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance is essential to address these challenges effectively and ensure successful product development.
More about Optical Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
Principal Mechanical Engineer- Precision & Optical Systems

Principal Mechanical Engineer- Precision & Optical Systems

Optikos Corporation

Wakefield, MA โ€ข On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description:

This role is responsible for architecting complex precision mechanical systems that support advanced optical and imaging products. The Principal Engineer provides strategic technical direction, leads high-impact programs, mentors engineering staff, and ensures mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.


This position combines deep hands-on engineering expertise with cross-functional leadership and long-term technical vision.


Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead mechanical design efforts for optical systems and instruments.
  • Serve as a system architect for optomechanical assemblies and opto-mechatronics.
  • Drive product development from concept through manufacturing, including:
  • System architecture and conceptualization
  • Modeling and simulation
  • Prototyping and laboratory testing
  • Design and develop precision mechanical systems incorporating:
  • High-precision motorized mechanisms
  • Lens and mirror mounts (large and small)
  • Flexures and kinematic mounts
  • Metal castings, plastic moldings, and additive manufacturing
  • Apply principles of Design for Manufacture and support production systems and automated material handling.
  • Perform FEA analysis (static, modal, thermal) to validate designs.
  • Utilize SolidWorks or similar CAD software for detailed design work.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product realization.
  • Participate hands-on in the build and test phases of your designs.
  • Mentor senior and junior engineers; elevate overall engineering standards
  • Serve as a technical representative in high-level customer or partner discussions

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in mechanical engineering; masterโ€™s degree preferred.
  • 15+ years of innovative work designing optomechanical assemblies and opto-mechatronics.
  • Proven track record of precision mechanical system development, including design, analysis, and product realization.
  • Expert-level knowledge in mechanical engineering principles.
  • Experience with FEA (static, modal, thermal).
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
  • Ability to innovate and apply new technologies or existing methods to solve complex design challenges.
  • Strong communication skills to address technical issues with clarity and insight.
  • Highly motivated and enjoys hands-on work.
  • Project management experience is a plus, but technical contribution is the primary focus.

About Optikos:


For more than 40 years, Optikosยฎ has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Labโ„ข Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer markets, and our experience with a wide variety of applications has enabled our staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team continues to improve existing metrology product lines and develop new products that Optikos manufactures and installs around the globe.


If you are an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual looking for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to develop professionally, send us your resume.


This is a 100% in-office position located in our headquarters in Wakefield, Massachusetts. We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.


Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.

Requirements: