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Optical Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mindrift

Research Physicist - Freelance AI Trainer

$76/hr

Design original optics problems that simulate real physics research workflows; * Ensure problems are computationally intensive and cannot be solved manually within reasonable timeframes (days/weeks)

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Madison, WI

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

Infleqtion

Quantum Physicist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

PhD in atomic physics, optical physics, or related field; or equivalent related professional experience (4+ years); If you have substantially more experience than this and are excited to apply ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

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Optical Physicist information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 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.

More about Optical Physicist jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Physicist jobs? Cities with the most Optical Physicist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Physicist jobs? The most popular types of Optical Physicist jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Physicist jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Physicist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Physicist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Physicist jobs are:
Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics

Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, smart people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the unrivaled and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple's customers every single day.
In this Optical Design Engineer role, you will leverage your experience in designing and tolerancing optical systems to lead efforts to design and manufacture ultra-compact, high-precision micro-optical systems. You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production.
BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldExperience with at least one commercial optics simulation tools, such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalentProgramming experience using MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools
3+ years of relevant industry experienceMS or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related fieldUnderstanding of optical physics fundamentalsFamiliarity with the design, simulation, optimization, sensitivity and tolerance analysis of complex free space optical systems, with a preference for high-precision micro-optical system design experienceExperience designing incoherent and coherent optical systemsExperience with the design of optics systems for sensing or metrology applications.Experience in one or more of the following areas: optics design for manufacturability, stray light analysis, physical optics, or coherent optical effectsThe ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team environment

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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