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Optical Physicist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench--from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench--from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench--from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the ...

Qunett

Quantum Memory Physicist

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will take ownership of day-to-day operation of a memory testbed and lead pulsed optical and ... PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field * Hands-on ...

Qunett

Quantum Memory Physicist

Boston, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will take ownership of day-to-day operation of a memory testbed and lead pulsed optical and ... PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field * Hands-on ...

Triwill Group

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$151.20 - $236.25/hr

D. in physics may be considered if they have sufficient professional experience beyond academia to establish themselves independently as a Principal‑level engineer. Key Job Responsibilities

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience ...

micro1 AI

Physics Modeling Expert - Remote

Lowell, MA · Remote

$80 - $140/hr

High Energy Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biophysics, Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter (including moiré systems, magnetism, PXP/Rydberg), AMO/Quantum Optics, Gravitation, Cosmology ...

micro1 AI

Physics Modeling Expert - Remote

Boston, MA · Remote

$80 - $140/hr

High Energy Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biophysics, Statistical Physics, Condensed Matter (including moiré systems, magnetism, PXP/Rydberg), AMO/Quantum Optics, Gravitation, Cosmology ...

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All JobsOptical Physicist JobsOptical Physicist Jobs in Boston, MA

Optical Physicist information

See Boston, MA salary details

$42.9K

$103K

$246.1K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Boston, MA is $102,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $121,700.00 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 Boston, MA?

For Optical Physicist jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Physicist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Physicist jobs in Boston, MA are:

Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,996 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Scientist: Senior Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics Scientist

Nanobiosym

Cambridge, MA

$100K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

Job description

Please fully fill out our online application and upload your cover letter and resume or your application will not be considered.

Description of Company:

Nanobiosym stands at the forefront of transforming personalized medicine, breakthrough technologies, and global healthcare delivery. Founded by a distinguished MIT- and Harvard-trained Physician and Physicist, Nanobiosym develops pioneering platform technologies that leverage cutting-edge advances in physics, biomedicine, and nanotechnology.
As the first-ever recipient of the XPRIZE for healthcare and the winner of multiple prestigious peer-reviewed research awards, Nanobiosym is expanding its world-class team as it transitions into a global commercial enterprise.
Senior Quantum Optics, Atomic Physics Scientist
We are seeking an exceptional Senior Optical Physicist with deep expertise in experimental and applied optics. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD (or equivalent experience) in Experimental Physics, Optical Physics, Atomic Physics (Advanced Instrumentation, Signal to noise optimization), Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of hands-on research experience.
Key Technical Qualifications
  • Extensive, hands-on optical bench expertise, including the design, construction, alignment, and maintenance of complex optical setups involving advanced laser sources.
  • Strong foundation in optical physics, with proven ability to model, analyze, troubleshoot, and refine sophisticated optical systems.
  • Experience in quantum optics and atomic physics, such as laser-matter interactions, single-molecule imaging, precision measurement techniques, advanced detection systems, or atomic-scale instrumentation (preferred).
  • Demonstrated experience in laser trapping and laser cooling for cold atoms or related precision laser-based manipulation applications (preferred).
  • Optical tweezers design and operation is required.
  • Mastery of high-precision optical alignment across multiple degrees of freedom.
  • Advanced programming proficiency in LabVIEW and MATLAB.
  • Strong competence in data acquisition, signal processing, and statistical analysis.
  • Experience working with acousto-optic modulators/deflectors and other high-precision photonics components.
  • Expertise in signal-to-noise optimization, including vibration isolation methodologies and noise-reduction strategies.
  • Additional experience with mechanical CAD, machine shop tools, and opto-mechanical design is a strong plus.
Professional Attributes
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple parallel projects within a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Demonstrates a proactive, solution-driven mindset with a strong "can-do" attitude.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Thrives in an interdisciplinary environment working alongside physicists, engineers, biologists, entrepreneurs, and senior executives

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