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Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photonics Research Engineer III

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related technical discipline * PhD thesis or work ... Prior experience working on Government-funded R&D programs * Demonstrated experience working in a ...

Photonics Research Engineer III

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related technical discipline * PhD thesis or work ... Prior experience working on Government-funded R&D programs * Demonstrated experience working in a ...

... engineer on our team, you will research practical ML algorithms and build with us the next ... optical flow, perceptual quality, ML for video or data compression Excellent written and oral ...

R&D Optical Engineer

Skaneateles, NY ยท On-site

$87K - $163K/yr

R&D Optical Engineer Are you passionate about advancing optical technologies and creating innovative solutions? Do you enjoy working on complex optical systems while collaborating with ...

R&D Optical Engineer Are you passionate about advancing optical technologies and creating innovative solutions? Do you enjoy working on complex optical systems while collaborating with ...

... optics and photonics, systems and controls, telecommunications, and VLSI systems and digital design: and the School is either home to or a key player in almost 20 research centers and consortia. ECE ...

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced optical engineers and multi-functional ... Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems Minimum Qualifications ...

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced optical engineers and multi-functional ... Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems Minimum Qualifications ...

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced optical engineers and multi-functional ... Internship or research experience related to optics or imaging systems Minimum Qualifications ...

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Optical Research Engineer information

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$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.

More about Optical Research Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Research Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Research Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Research Engineer jobs include:

HPE Labs - Research Engineer (Post-doc)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP

Santa Barbara, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

HPE Labs - Research Engineer (Post-doc)
This role has been designed as ''Onsite' with an expectation that you will primarily work from an HPE office.
Who We Are:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is the global edge-to-cloud company advancing the way people live and work. We help companies connect, protect, analyze, and act on their data and applications wherever they live, from edge to cloud, so they can turn insights into outcomes at the speed required to thrive in today's complex world. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what's next. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good. If you are looking to stretch and grow your career our culture will embrace you. Open up opportunities with HPE.
Job Description:
The Large-Scale Integrated Photonics Lab (LSIP) at HPE Labs is currently seeking a highly qualified, self-motivated post-doc to accelerate research towards new applications, core methodologies and technologies. The main research topic is Silicon photonics, with the long-term goal of achieving a low-power consumption, high-speed photonic interconnect system for HPE data center business.
HPE Labs is an international research organization with its headquarters and largest facility located in Milpitas, California. As the central research organization for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), HPE Labs' purpose is to deliver breakthrough technologies and technology advancements that provide a competitive advantage for the company, by investing in fundamental science and technology in areas of interest to HPE and getting the resulting technologies ready for adoption into new and existing markets.
LSIP is a world-renowned research team producing outstanding research in nanophotonics and quantum optics, with recent publications in Nature, Nature Photonics, Physical Review Letters, Optics Letters, and Optics Express. Our program is well-funded internally and has an impressive record of attracting significant government funding. Our team members have enjoyed exceptional success in launching scientific and engineering careers in both industrial and academic settings. In addition, our regular research positions offer competitive salaries and benefits for qualified candidates.
We expect all our researchers (including interns and post-docs) to provide thought leadership and technical influence both internally and externally to HPE, as well as take innovative ideas and make them real - contributing along the full range from initial novel ideas to design, development, implementation, evaluation, and technology transfer. The ideal candidate can thrive in an applied research environment, balancing significant technical and scientific contributions with the ability to bring such contributions to practice through innovative solutions that address the needs of our customers and partners. We expect the successful candidate to collaborate with HPE Labs research teams as well as with external partners, and to work in alignment with HPE's broader innovation community.
Role and Responsibilities
  • Process Development Leadership: Lead the hands-on processing and fabrication of photonic devices on heterogenous photonic material platforms.
  • Research & Innovation: Conduct independent and collaborative research to explore next-generation applications in advanced optical information processing.
  • Measurement & Design Support: Collaborate with the team on device characterization and design to streamline the design-build-test cycle.
  • Knowledge Documentation: Summarize research findings for both proprietary management and publication in high-impact journals and presentations.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field (or an M.S. with equivalent industry/research experience).
  • Fabrication Expertise: Proven track record in cleanroom nanofabrication.
  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication for cross-functional collaboration, project reports, and institutional knowledge sharing.

Preferred Skills
  • Hands-on experience in developing LNOI and IIIV integrated photonic devices.
  • Hands-on experience with integration of heterogeneous photonic material platforms, such as through wafer bonding.
  • Experience in designing and characterizing both passive and active on-chip photonic components (e.g., microring, modulator, photodetector, and laser).

What We Can Offer You:
Health & Wellbeing
We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.
Personal & Professional Development
We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have - whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.
Unconditional Inclusion
We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.
Let's Stay Connected:
Follow @HPECareers on Instagram to see the latest on people, culture and tech at HPE.
#unitedstates
#interns
Job:
Administration
Job Level:
N/A
The expected salary/wage range for this position is provided below. Actual offer may vary from this range based upon geographic location, work experience, education/training, and/or skill level.
- United States of America: Annual Salary USD 99,320 - 149,760 in California
The listed salary range reflects base salary. Variable incentives may also be offered.
Information about employee benefits offered in the US can be found at https://myhperewards.com/main/new-hire-enrollment.html
HPE is an Equal Employment Opportunity/ Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or any other protected category, and all decisions we make are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Our goal is to be one global team that is representative of our customers, in an inclusive environment where we can continue to innovate and grow together. Please click here: Equal Employment Opportunity.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.
HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.
No Fees Notice & Recruitment Fraud Disclaimer
It has come to HPE's attention that there has been an increase in recruitment fraud whereby scammer impersonate HPE or HPE-authorized recruiting agencies and offer fake employment opportunities to candidates. These scammers often seek to obtain personal information or money from candidates.
Please note that Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and its authorized recruitment agencies/vendors will never charge any candidate a registration fee, hiring fee, or any other fee in connection with its recruitment and hiring process. The credentials of any hiring agency that claims to be working with HPE for recruitment of talent should be verified by candidates and candidates shall be solely responsible to conduct such verification. Any candidate/individual who relies on the erroneous representations made by fraudulent employment agencies does so at their own risk, and HPE disclaims liability for any damages or claims that may result from any such communication.