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Optical Physicist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Novanta Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130 - $175/hr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience. * Preferred: Master's degree in Optical ...

Novanta

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience. * Preferred: Master's degree in Optical ...

Draper

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering. As a technical leader, you will also ...

Novanta, Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience. * Preferred: Master's degree in Optical ...

Draper

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering. As a technical leader, you will also ...

Draper Labs

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering. As a technical leader, you will also ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$111.30 - $226.20/hr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline; master's degree is preferred; certifications in optical engineering are a plus * 8+ years' experience in optical engineering ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

Optikos, LLC.

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Proficiency in optical design and simulation ...

Optikos Corporation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline; Master's or PhD strongly preferred. * 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Deep ...

Optikos, LLC.

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline; Master's or PhD strongly preferred. * 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing. * Deep ...

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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 Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Boston, MA is $102,990.00, 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 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 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 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 $102,990 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. 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 designing, building, and testing optical systems. The ideal candidate will combine a solid fundamental understanding of optics with strong laboratory skills and a desire to grow as an engineer within an enterprise engineering environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Execute hands-on laboratory work-assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems-and contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the R&D/science team to support cutting-edge R&D and help translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed, support off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with the local support team).

Qualifications

  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred).
  • 2-5 years work experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Strong system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills and CAD design skills (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks)
  • Working knowledge in several of the areas of
    • Free-space optics
    • Fiber optics
    • Modulators
    • Electro-optics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or to bringing optical systems from concept to production.
  • Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings ($130,000-$170,000), we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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