ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Optical Physicist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. We are seeking an Optical Physicist to develop the next generation ...

New

Russell Tobin

Optical Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field. ● 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field. Experience using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE ...

Atom Computing

Optical Physicist

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing. We are seeking an Optical Physicist to develop the next generation ...

New

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field. Experience in lens design fundamentals. Preferred Qualifications Master's or ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field. Experience in lens design fundamentals. Experience in the area of lens design ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university * Eight or more years of experience in roles of increasing ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

S. national security and scientific discovery. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team of ... Operate and analyze data from optical metrology equipment including interferometers ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical field from an accredited university * Eight or more years of experience in roles of increasing ...

CACI International, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will consider Physics or Electrical Engineering. * 5+ years of demonstrate detailed knowledge of basic ...

CACI International Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$87 - $182/hr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will consider Physics or Electrical Engineering.5+ years of demonstrate detailed knowledge of basic optical ...

Hach Company

Optical Engineer, Core Systems

Loveland, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

MS preferred in Optical Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline. * 5+ years of experience in Optical Engineering. * Demonstrated experience developing optics for products.

Apple

Optical Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in Optical Sciences, Imaging Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field 3+ years of relevant industry experience developing ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsOptical Scientist Jobs

Optical Scientist information

See salary details

$11

$21

$56

How much do optical scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical scientist in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical scientist do?

An Optical Scientist researches and develops technologies related to the behavior and manipulation of light. They work in fields like telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and manufacturing, applying principles of optics, physics, and engineering to solve complex problems. Their work often involves designing optical systems, developing new imaging techniques, or enhancing laser technologies. Optical Scientists may also collaborate with engineers and researchers to create cutting-edge optical devices for practical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical scientist?

To thrive as an Optical Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, optics, or a related field, often supported by an advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. Expertise with laser systems, optical simulation software (like Zemax or Code V), and laboratory instrumentation is commonly required in this role. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative skills help Optical Scientists excel in multidisciplinary research and development teams. These abilities are vital for advancing innovative optical technologies, solving complex problems, and driving successful project outcomes.

More about Optical Scientist jobs

What cities are hiring for Optical Scientist jobs?

Cities with the most Optical Scientist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Scientist jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Scientist jobs are:

What states have the most Optical Scientist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Scientist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Optical Scientist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Scientist jobs are:

Optical Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,349 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Optical Physicist

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.
We are seeking an Optical Physicist to develop the next generation of optical devices required to scale our quantum computers. In this role, you will conceptualize, model, and prototype optical devices with fundamentally new modes of operation. Working with a talented team of engineers, you will rigorously qualify these devices and integrate them into state-of-the-art quantum computers.
This position is tailored for PhD-level physicists or optical scientists focused on optoelectronics, optical cavities and modulators, and laser physics. Prior experience in neutral atom trapping or cold atom physics is not required.
Responsibilities
  • Perform theoretical modeling (both analytical and numerical), prototyping, and experimental validation to translate novel optical concepts into deployable hardware for scaling quantum processors.
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experimental physicists, quantum theorists, optical engineers, and hardware and software engineers to integrate new technologies into our quantum computers.
  • Analyze experimental findings and communicate insights to guide hardware design.
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Required Qualifications
  • Education: Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Optical Sciences, or a closely related discipline with a strong focus on experimental optics
  • Deep theoretical and experimental mastery of advanced optical physics (e.g., optical cavities, frequency combs, optical modulators, or nonlinear optics)
  • Proven experience designing, building, and characterizing complex experimental optical setups from first principles
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers

Preferred Qualifications
  • Postdoctoral or industry experience in electro-optics, precision optics, or laser physics
  • Proficiency with Python and Git for experimental automation, control, and data analysis
  • Experience working in a fast-paced hardware development or start-up environment

$160,000 - $185,000 a year
Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, we offer unlimited paid time off, 401(k) company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance. We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices every day!
The base salary range for this position is between $160,000 - $185,000 commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and incentive stock options for equity in the company.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Apply