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Optical Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

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 ...

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

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Optical Physics information

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How much do optical physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical physics in the United States is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical physics?

Optical physics is a branch of physics that focuses on the study of light, including its generation, transmission, detection, and interaction with matter. It encompasses the behavior and properties of light, such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and polarization, as well as the development and application of optical instruments like lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. Optical physicists work in a variety of fields, including telecommunications, imaging, medical technology, and quantum computing, to develop new technologies and improve our understanding of light.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Physicist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by at least a master's or doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as COMSOL, Zemax, or MATLAB), laboratory instrumentation, and experimental techniques is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are important soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for advancing research, developing innovative optical systems, and solving complex technical challenges in industry or academia.

What is the difference between Optical Physics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical PhysicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhysics degree, advanced degrees often preferredEngineering degree, specialized training in optics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, academiaManufacturing, product development, industry settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, scientific institutionsOptical systems design, product development, manufacturing
Common Search/ComparisonUnderstanding fundamental optical phenomenaDesigning and implementing optical systems

Optical Physics focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of light and optics through research and theoretical work, often in academic or research settings. Optical Engineers apply these principles to design, develop, and improve optical devices and systems in industry. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Optical Physics emphasizes scientific research, whereas Optical Engineering centers on practical application and product development.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical physics research and development?

Optical physics professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision in experimental setups, dealing with complex instrumentation, and troubleshooting unexpected results due to subtle environmental factors like temperature or vibration. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, material scientists, and software developers—requires clear communication and adaptability. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly advancing technologies and publishing research findings can be demanding but is essential for career growth in this field.
More about Optical Physics jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Physics jobs? Cities with the most Optical Physics job openings:
What states have the most Optical Physics jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Physics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Physics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Optical Characterization Engineer

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Optical Characterization Engineer to lead the experimental validation and performance testing of advanced metasurface and meta-optic components. This role is hands-on and lab-focused, involving the design, automation, and execution of optical experiments to quantify device performance across a range of wavelengths and operating conditions.

The ideal candidate will combine strong optical physics knowledge, experimental expertise, and hardwaresoftware integration skills (LabVIEW/Python) to build scalable, automated characterization platforms and extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.

Optical Testing & Characterization

  • Design and execute experiments to characterize metasurfaces and meta-optics, including:
  • Optics testing
  • Transmission / reflection efficiency
  • Phase and amplitude response
  • Beam steering / wavefront shaping
  • Polarization response
  • Spectral performance (UVVISIR as applicable)
  • Set up and operate optical test benches (lasers, detectors, spectrometers, interferometers, cameras, etc.)
  • Perform alignment, calibration, and validation of optical measurement systems

Test Automation & HW/SW Integration

  • Develop and maintain automated test systems using:
  • LabVIEW, Python, or similar tools
  • Interface with lab hardware (e.g., motion stages, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, DAQ systems)
  • Implement synchronized data acquisition and control loops for high-throughput testing
  • Build modular, scalable test frameworks for repeated measurements and production-like environments

Data Analysis & Post-Processing

  • Analyze experimental data to extract optical performance metrics and compare with simulations/design models
  • Develop data processing pipelines using Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas, etc.) or MATLAB
  • Perform:
  • Fourier optics analysis
  • Phase retrieval / wavefront reconstruction
  • Statistical analysis across wafers/devices
  • Generate clear technical reports, plots, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

Collaboration & Development

  • Work closely with design, fabrication, and system teams to correlate measured performance with design intent
  • Provide feedback to improve metasurface designs and fabrication processes
  • Support system-level integration and validation (e.g., imaging systems, lasercom, sensing platforms)

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years (M.S.) or 02 years (Ph.D.) of hands-on optical lab experience
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Fourier optics and wave optics
  • Optical instrumentation and measurement techniques
  • Polarization, coherence, and diffraction phenomena
  • Experience with test automation and instrumentation control:
  • LabVIEW and/or Python (PyVISA, instrument drivers, etc.)
  • Experience with optical lab equipment such as:
  • Lasers (CW/pulsed), detectors, cameras
  • Spectrometers, interferometers
  • Motorized stages, beam profiling tools

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Direct experience with metasurfaces / meta-optics / diffractive optics
  • Experience with IR systems (LWIR/MWIR) or free-space optical systems (lasercom)
  • Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, Zemax, COMSOL)
  • Experience with cleanroom-fabricated devices and wafer-level testing
  • Knowledge of optical system integration (imaging, sensing, or communication systems)
  • Experience with version control (Git) and structured code development

What We Offer:

  • Opportunity to work at the forefront of the rapidly growing space economy
  • Collaborative startup environment with high impact
  • Competitive salary and benefits
  • Opportunity to grow with the company as we scale

Join Us

If you're excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we'd love to talk.

About Ravee Optics:

The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.