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Optical Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in physics, optics, or related fields. Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

... Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Thorough understanding and experiences in optical instruments (imaging and non-imaging) design, modeling and ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field.Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience in lens design, optical metrology, tolerance ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Camera & Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

... Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field • Minimum 10 years of experience in optical system design and camera integration • Proficiency in optical design tools (ZEMAX, CODE V, or ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or equivalent work experience EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: * Experience with LED properties * Knowledgeable of ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or equivalent work experience EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: * Experience with LED properties * Knowledgeable of ...

Apple

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $220K/yr

Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image processing, machine learning, or computer science. Experience using programming languages ...

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Optical Physicist information

See salary details

$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.
Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

Physicist - Resilience Engineering & Operations

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $150K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

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 Role: 

We're looking for a Senior System Operations Engineer 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:

  • Bachelor's or Master's 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
  • 1+ year laboratory experience in atomic and/or optical physics

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in physics, engineering, or another physical science
  • Deep experience with Javascript or Python
  • A background in data analysis, data science, or machine learning
  • Software Engineering experience

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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