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Optical Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Focused Energy Inc

Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Master's or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field * Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex physical systems * Ability to couple ...

BAE Systems

Eng I - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$64K - $110K/yr

In this role, you will execute advanced, precision assembly and microelectronic packaging processes for focal planes that operate at the intersection of optical physics, advanced materials science ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

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 ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

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 ...

OmniVision Technologies

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3‑6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0‑3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

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How much do optical physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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:
What job categories do people searching Optical Physics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Physics jobs are:
Optical Physics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

Focused Energy Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.
We are seeking an Optical Engineer for our Digital Twin efforts to develop, validate, and apply advanced optical and multiphysics simulation tools that form the backbone of our laser Digital Twin. As part of our Laser team, you will integrate optical and multiphysics models into a coherent, predictive framework that supports system design, optimization, and experimental validation of our laser point designs. Your work will directly reduce design risk, accelerate development cycles, and enable system-level optimization of the high-energy laser systems powering our fusion program.
What You'll Do
  • Develop and maintain integrated optical and multiphysics simulation frameworks (optical, thermal, mechanical coupling) for Digital Twin applications
  • Model complex laser amplifier architectures, including gain media, pump geometries, and thermal effects
  • Build, integrate, and continuously refine the Digital Twin environment for system-level prediction and optimization
  • Validate simulation models against experimental data and perform sensitivity and uncertainty analysis
  • Develop reduced-order and surrogate models for efficient Digital Twin deployment
  • Collaborate with optical engineers, laser physicists, and experimental teams to translate simulation results into engineering design decisions
  • Interface with Digital Twin architects, systems engineers, and program management to ensure models meet project requirements
Who You Are
Requirements
  • Master's or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field
  • Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex physical systems
  • Ability to couple multiple physical domains (optical, thermal, mechanical, fluid) into coherent system-level models
  • Solid understanding of laser and optical physics (propagation, amplification, spectral and nonlinear effects)
  • Experience in model validation, uncertainty quantification, and data-driven refinement
  • Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar
  • Experience with simulation tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, Zemax, CodeV, or FRED
  • Ability to communicate complex simulation results clearly to non-specialists
  • Strong collaboration skills across interdisciplinary teams
  • Structured and analytical problem-solving approach
  • Ability to work independently while aligning with broader system goals
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills in English
Preferred
  • Proven experience developing and maintaining Digital Twin models or equivalent system-level simulation frameworks, including data integration and validation
  • Preferred: Experience translating simulation outputs into predictive tools for system design and performance forecasting
  • Familiarity with MDO workflows (UQ, DoE, ML training) and metamodelling / surrogate techniques (ROM, Digital Twin)
  • Experience with HPC batch schedulers and automation scripts
  • Familiarity with Monte Carlo techniques
  • Interest in fusion energy, high-energy-density physics, or advanced laser technologies
  • Hands-on R&D testing experience with laser systems or optomechanical assemblies
  • Proactive approach to improving simulation workflows and methodologies

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

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