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Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Biomedical Research Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze ...

Subsense

Experimental Research Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Opportunity We are seeking a highly hands-on Research Engineer to lead and execute ... Coordinate multidisciplinary experiments involving hardware, software, optics, electromagnetics ...

Apple

Biomedical Research Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze ...

Apple

Biomedical Research Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$129K - $225K/yr

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... Description You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers ...

Apple

Biomedical Research Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... Description You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers ...

Altus LLC

Aeroballistics Research Engineer

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

Aeroballistics Research Engineer Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD ... optics, signature suppression devices, and ammunition concepts. • Develop and implement ...

E Ink

Research Engineer 1060S-5

Billerica, MA · Hybrid

$75K - $105K/yr

... Research Engineer! About the position: E Ink is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and ... Electro-optical testing * Establish quality control testing for new technologies * Deliver on ...

E Ink Corporation

Research Engineer 1060S-5

Billerica, MA · Hybrid

$75K - $105K/yr

... Research Engineer! About the position: E Ink is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and ... Electro-optical testing * Establish quality control testing for new technologies * Deliver on ...

E Ink

Research Engineer 1060S-5

Billerica, MA · On-site

$75K - $105K/yr

... Research Engineer! About the position: E Ink is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and ... Electro-optical testing * Establish quality control testing for new technologies * Deliver on ...

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All JobsOptical Research Engineer Jobs

Optical Research Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical research engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Research Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and conveying complex concepts. These skills and qualities are critical for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision in research, and successfully advancing projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Research Engineers face when transitioning from research to product development?

Optical Research Engineers often find that moving from theoretical research to practical product development brings new challenges, such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers and manufacturing specialists, to ensure optical systems meet both performance and production requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift rapidly during the development cycle. Gaining experience with industry-standard simulation tools and prototyping methods can help facilitate a smoother transition.

What does an Optical Research Engineer do?

An Optical Research Engineer specializes in the study, design, and development of optical systems and technologies, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging equipment. They conduct experiments, analyze optical phenomena, and contribute to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves using computer simulations, drafting technical reports, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve or invent new optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Research EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; focus on design and implementation
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsManufacturing, product development, engineering teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, universitiesOptical device manufacturers, telecom, aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Optical Research Engineers focus on developing new optical technologies and conducting experiments, often in research settings. Optical Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and implementing optical systems in commercial or industrial environments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ, with research engineers emphasizing innovation and development, and optical engineers focusing on practical application and product deployment.

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Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Biomedical Research Engineer

Biomedical Research Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 667 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Health Sensing Hardware team works on developing the next-generation of optical sensors which enable us to provide deeper insights into a user's health in a wearable form factor. The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant solutions to measuring complex physiological signals in a compact form-factor, thus enabling the next-generation of optical health sensors.
The successful candidate will be able to leverage deep expertise in physics, physiology and optics to develop the optical health sensors in the Apple Watch and AirPods. This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze user data to infer real-world performance trends and emergent behavior. The candidate must be able to employ simulation tools to develop models of sensor behavior. Lastly, a successful candidate will be able to distill complex technical concepts into concise technology assessments to cross-functional collaborators and senior management.
Description
You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for developing research platforms to investigate novel sensing solutions, leveraging modeling tools to exhaling empirical observations and lastly defining sensing requirements to multidisciplinary sensor architects for integration into products. In this role you will also be designing user studies and analyzing data to empirically prove the application of a sensing solution. Lastly, you will be responsible for summarizing your findings and communicating your findings to the larger team and senior leadership in a clear and succinct manner.
Minimum Qualifications
In-depth understanding of light propagation in biological tissue.
Experience with hands-on development of optical systems for biomedical optics applications.
Strong optical simulation skills using commercial ray-tracing packages.
Collaborative and willing to work in cross-functional fast-paced technology development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent documentation skills.
BS in Biomedical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with both coherent and non-coherent light-tissue interaction principles and their applications, e.g. spectroscopy.
Fundamental understanding of device physics governing typical light emitter and detectors.
Conversant in cross-functional aspects of system design; mechanical tolerance of system, sources of electrical noise.
MS/PhD in Biomedical, Optical Engineering or related field.

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About Apple

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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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