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Optical Physicist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Optical Architect - AI Accelerators

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, and/or equivalent practical experience * 8+ years of experience in optical systems engineering and/or other ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

About the team BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Master's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent - 5+ years of experience in optical systems development across full product life cycles - concept ...

PTR Global

Optical Engineer III

Redmond, WA · On-site

$70 - $75/hr

Advanced degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience. About PTR Global: PTR Global is a leading provider of information technology and ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. * Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink)

INSPYR Solutions

Optical Engineer III

Redmond, WA · On-site

$46 - $66/hr

MS or preferably PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a related field. Nice-to-Have Skills * Active PIC design, fabrication, and validation (especially LiNbO or BTO platforms)

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

... Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience - Expertise in imaging and non-imaging optical design using Zemax or other software - Ability to lead interdisciplinary ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Physicist JobsOptical Physicist Jobs in Seattle, WA

Optical Physicist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45K

$108K

$257.9K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in Seattle, WA is $107,951.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $127,500.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA? For Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Physicist jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,951 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Senior Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a Senior Physicist for our bleeding edge quantum computers that are based on trapped ion technology. You'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to operate and improve IonQ's industry-leading quantum computers. In the first three months on the job, you'd be learning how to maintain our quantum computers' hardware and software. Recent graduates in physics and related fields are encouraged to apply; we will train you in quantum computer maintenance and operation!

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in follow-the-sun on-call rotations to keep our systems running at peak performance.
  • Ensure high uptime and performance of our commercial quantum computers, through alert response, monitoring, and engineering of state-of-the-art quantum computers.
  • Work collaboratively with other System Operators on improvements and processes and practices to make operating quantum systems easier and more efficient.
  • Communicate with customers to coordinate access and inform on system status.
  • Remotely interfacing with quantum systems to impact performance using documented procedures.
  • Interpreting telemetry to aid in deeper understanding of quantum system status. 
  • Clearly communicating with teams working across multiple timezones.

Requirements:

  • PhD degree in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Desire and capability to work closely on a team that is distributed - excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset
  • Hands on experience with optical alignments, laser stabilization, and/or AOMs
  • A propensity for learning new things and fascination with emerging technologies
  • Formal training or education in statistics
  • Capable of adapting for an ever-growing and ever-changing work environment
  • Disposition to work flexible working hours, on a 24/7 oncall shift where the rotation changes as needed
  • 3+ year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD or Postdoc in experimental AMO physics
  • Deep experience with Javascript or Python
  • A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning
  • Software Engineering experience

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: 5% or less
Job ID: 1491 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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