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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Skylimit Systems

Senior GNC Engineer

Houston, TX

$100K - $140K/yr

Execute and analyze 6-DOF simulations to evaluate spacecraft performance and mission objectives ... Familiarity with GNC hardware including IMUs, Star Trackers, GPS, LIDAR, and Optical Navigation ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

Quaise Energy, Inc

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

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All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$79.3K

$137.1K

$160.9K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Houston, TX is $137,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,200.00 and $159,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Simulation Engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an Optical Simulation Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

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

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $137,144 per year, or $65.9 per hour.
R&D Laser Design and Modeling Engineer

R&D Laser Design and Modeling Engineer

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc.

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Apply design packages, commercial software, and self-written scripts to model and simulate high-speed or high-power laser devices.

  • Design process flow and photomask in collaboration with device fabrication engineers.

  • Coordinate design verification and analyze experimental results with internal teams to improve laser designs or models.

Job description

Summary
AOI is a leading supplier of high-speed transceivers used in fiber optical communications. We are looking for a highly motivated Semiconductor Laser Design and Modeling Engineer. Responsibilities include design, modeling, and simulations of InP and GaAs based high-speed and high-power semiconductor lasers. The candidate is responsible for creating models and software to develop next-generation new optoelectronics products in a young & dynamic RD team.
Responsibilities
  • Apply in-house design packages, commercial software, and self-written scripts to create high-speed or high-power laser device modeling and simulations, including optical waveguide, DC, RF, and thermal simulations.
  • Design process flow and photomask with device fabrication engineers.
  • Coordinate design verification with in-house Growth, Processing, Packaging, Characterization, and Reliability teams.
  • Analyze experimental results to improve the design or model.
  • Work as a team to propose new laser designs and provide supports to design optimizations.
  • Provide regular written and oral reports on design tasks and progresses.

Qualifications
  • Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics or other related fields; or M.S. degree with 5+ years relevant laser design experiences.
  • 2+ years of work experience in semiconductor laser design is preferred.
  • Education can generally be substituted for required specialized experience.
  • Preferably having previous design experiences in one or more of the following areas: high-speed laser, electro absorption modulated laser (EML), vertical cavity surface- emitting laser (VCSEL), and high power laser.
  • Mastery of Matlab or other programming languages.
  • Fully understand theories of semiconductor laser, photodetector, and other optoelectronic devices.
  • Knowledge of basic semiconductor device fabrication process is a plus
  • Self-motivated, careful, detail-oriented, and ability to think logically.

Location
This position will be on-site based in Sugar Land, Texas.
WHY AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers
  • Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
  • Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
  • Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
  • Relocation package available within US
  • Immigration sponsorships (Must be currently authorized to work in the US)

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.

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