1

Optical Physicist Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Staff Optical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

D. in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a tightly relevant technical track. * 5+ years of industry experience as an optical design engineer developing advanced optical systems from ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Dallas, TX · 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 ...

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience, or equivalent work experience. * Hands-on ...

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience, or equivalent work experience. * Hands-on ...

Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 3 years of industry experience, or equivalent work experience. * Hands-on ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Optics, Lasers, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design * Experience with laser alignment and measurement techniques including spatial, temporal and spectral laser profiling * Familiarity of laser ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Physicist information

See Texas salary details

$36.8K

$88.3K

$211K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Texas is $88,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $104,300.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Physicist jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Optical Physicist jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,325 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Staff Optical Design Engineer

Neurophos Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Neurophos
The demand for new data centers and AI compute is rapidly outpacing the planet's energy capacity. Digital solutions are hitting a power wall as we approach the physical limits of traditional silicon. Conquering this bottleneck means rethinking the fundamental architecture of inference compute. The industry's current path can't meet the need, so we're taking a different approach.
Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable metasurface to perform matrix multiplications at the speed of light. Our optical cells are 10,000x smaller than traditional photonic components, enabling unprecedented density. By using photonics instead of electricity, our chips become more efficient as they scale. This architecture will deliver up to 100 times the energy efficiency of existing solutions while significantly improving performance for large-scale AI inference.
We've assembled a world-class team of industry veterans and recently raised a $110M Series A led by Gates Frontier. Participants include M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), Carbon Direct Capital, Aramco Ventures, Bosch Ventures, Tectonic Ventures, Space Capital, and others.
Join us and shape the future of computing!
Location: Austin, TX. Full-time onsite position.
Reports To: VP of Optics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview
The optical team is responsible for the optical design and simulation of the OPU's free-space optical path. This system is critical to enabling our optical processing engine to meet the performance requirements for analog compute. The Staff Optical Design Engineer will own the optical architecture and performance of the optical system and/or components from concept through production and will be an expert in optical design and simulation, working closely with optomechanical design, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Optical design/optimization and simulation of complex optical systems and components.
  • Utilize Zemax or other optical design tools to perform tolerance analysis, sensitivity, and stray light simulations.
  • Collaborate directly with external suppliers on technical specifications (DFM).
  • Partner closely with optomechanical, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.
  • Support laboratory efforts to align, debug, and characterize optical systems and components.
  • Represent optical design in system reviews, own relevant sections of system requirement documents, and communicate status and risk to engineers and executives.

Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a tightly relevant technical track.
  • 5+ years of industry experience as an optical design engineer developing advanced optical systems from concept to market introduction.
  • Deep expertise in imaging optical system design, including beam shaping.
  • Advanced knowledge of aberration theory, tolerancing, DFx, and ghost/straylight simulation.
  • Proficiency using Zemax, LightTools, or other optical design software for sequential and non-sequential ray tracing.
  • Programming skills like Python, Zemax Macro language.
  • Strong communicator, able to convey complex optical design concepts to both technical and executive audiences.

Preferred Skills
  • Prior experience in a fast-moving startup environment.
  • Experience in designing freeform optical systems.
  • Advanced knowledge of optical metrology, alignment, and assembly concepts.

What We Offer
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware. Work on game-changing technology at the intersection of photonics and AI as part of a collaborative, brilliant team. You'll contribute to a platform that redefines computational performance and accelerates the future of artificial intelligence. Come help us bring this transformative technology to the world.
Benefits
Join a team that invests in your future and your well-being. At Neurophos, we offer:
  • 100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
  • Unlimited PTO. No rigid vacation banks, just a focus on delivery.
  • 401(k) matching and stock option opportunities to ensure our success is your success.
  • Full suite of voluntary benefits, including Dental, Vision, Life, Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance.
  • Personalized Benefits. Choose the plans that fit your life and take the cash back for those that don't.