ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Physicist Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical area * 5 years minimum ...

PZI International

Aero-Optics Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical area * 5 years minimum ...

Varsity Tutors

Physics 2 Tutor

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Varsity Tutors

Physics 2 Tutor

Tuscaloosa, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Varsity Tutors

Physics 2 Tutor

Montgomery, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Varsity Tutors

Physics 2 Tutor

Birmingham, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect while preparing students for advanced physics coursework, engineering applications, and MCAT ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Tuscaloosa, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Montgomery, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Birmingham, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics including special relativity and quantum phenomena. Ability to explain Newton ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Montgomery, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics including special relativity and quantum phenomena. Ability to explain Newton ...

Varsity Tutors

High School Physics Tutor

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of mechanics including kinematics and dynamics, energy, waves and sound, light and optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ...

Varsity Tutors

College Physics Tutor

Tuscaloosa, AL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism, and modern physics including special relativity and quantum phenomena. Ability to explain Newton ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Physicist JobsOptical Physicist Jobs in Alabama

Optical Physicist information

See Alabama salary details

$35.8K

$85.9K

$205.3K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Alabama is $85,930.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I might have as an optical physicist?

As an Optical Physicist, your daily work might include designing and testing optical systems, conducting experiments to analyze light behavior, developing simulations, and troubleshooting system performance. You could work on projects involving telecommunications, laser technologies, imaging devices, or even cutting-edge research in quantum optics. Collaboration is common, as you’ll often partner with engineers, other scientists, or product development teams to bring new optical technologies to life. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work and theoretical analysis, providing opportunities to grow your skills and contribute to innovative solutions.

What does an optical physicist do?

An Optical Physicist studies the behavior and properties of light, including how it interacts with different materials. They apply principles of optics to develop technologies like lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Their work is used in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. They may conduct experiments, develop mathematical models, and collaborate with engineers to create optical devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the optical physicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need deep knowledge of optics, photonics, and physics principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software such as Zemax or COMSOL, experience using laboratory equipment like spectrometers and lasers, and sometimes industry certifications are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for designing and analyzing complex optical systems, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects, and advancing innovation in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Physicist jobs in Alabama? For Optical Physicist jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Physicist jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Physicist jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Optical Physicist jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Optical Physicist job openings:
Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,930 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist (Job ID:4429)

Valkyrie Enterprises

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist
Purpose:
Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking a Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist
  • At Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL for weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning and analysis, which may include:
    • Optical system requirements, design, development and analysis
    • Scene projector optics and integration with seeker/sensor
    • Laser and infrared radiometry and testing of cameras and sources.
  • The ideal candidate will have experience in optical systems, optical engineering, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation.
  • The successful candidate will play a role in expanding our technology solutions to customers and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems. Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors.
Job Description:
  • Provide optical engineering design, development, integration, test, verification and analysis expertise to activities for scene projection and weapon system integration and test.
  • Serve as an optical engineering team member and coordinate with other optics subject matter experts (SMEs)
  • Design and develop laser and optical solutions for testing with seekers/sensors
  • Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems
  • Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors
  • Position requires comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex problems and provide solutions
  • Collaborate continuously and mentor team members and others.
  • Support the preparation of regular program status reports for senior leadership and government customers
  • Identify and mitigate program risks while developing contingency plans
Qualifications:
  • Must have a BA/BS in optical engineering, physics or related area and at least 0-10 years of related experience.
  • Must have the ability to conduct research and perform analysis on optical requirements and designs.
  • Must have optical design software experience for optical system design and ray tracing.
  • Must have higher level language programming (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization.
  • Must have passion for solving problems and providing workable solutions.
  • Must have strong analytical and reasoning skills and ability to visualize optical/laser systems.
  • Must have all-round communication skills and ability to work individually and collaboratively.
  • Must be self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
  • Must have analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Must have customer service orientation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or PhD in Optic Engineering,Physics and/or related degree, preferred.
  • Experience with optical design, assembly, ray tracing and/or HWIL testing, preferred.
  • Experience with HWIL equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, sources, sensors and/or optics, preferred.
  • Experience in ZEMAX, Code V, OSLO, or equivalent software languages, preferred.
  • Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs, preferred.
  • Prefer an Active Secret clearance
Security Requirements:
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Travel Requirements:
  • None to occasional travel; 10-25% or less
  • If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id).
Physical Requirements:
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
  • Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time
  • Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
  • Communicating with others to exchange information
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 25 pounds
Pre-Employment Requirements:
Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment.
Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics
Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)

Apply