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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Computer Vision Engineer

Bellevue, WA

$154K/yr

Working knowledge of imaging systems and optics simulation * Direct background in machine learning ... Master's or PhD in engineering, physics, or computer science * Background in AR/VR * Familiarity ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is ... Design, simulate and test new and novel quantum networking applications. * Implement automated ...

Meta

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA

$154K/yr

You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of optical scientists, simulation engineers, and display architects to advance the state of the art in AI enabled AR devices. Display Research ...

Aetherflux

Senior Spacecraft Analysis Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical / brightness * Familiarity with engineering simulation tools (e.g., FEA, thermal modeling, MATLAB/Python-based analysis) * Strong fundamentals in physics-based modeling, numerical methods ...

Oxford Global Resources

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

There would be an advantage of a mechanical engineer with a broader systems engineering view of the ... SolidWorks, Simulation, and GD&T best practices * Experience working with optics and opto ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$94.5K

$163.4K

$191.8K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Seattle, WA is $163,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,800.00 and $190,000.00 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 Seattle, WA?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Computer Vision Engineer

Meta

Bellevue, WA

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is looking for a computer vision engineer with background in machine learning, classical image analysis, 3D geometric modeling, feature extraction, and physics of imaging systems to lead projects on feature-based eye tracking and human eye simulation to power AR/VR eye tracking solutions in our products including the Quest line. This role collaborates with cross-functional teams on image simulation, core AI, computer graphics, machine vision research, and HW design. The immediate team for this role is composed of Computer Vision, Machine Learning and SW Engineers.
Computer Vision Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Lead development, refinement, and launch of CV/ML solutions for explicit and NERF-based simulation of eye and upper face images used in training of AR/VR eye tracking models and system evaluation
  • Explore, innovate, and leverage novel approaches, from internal and external sources, to improve the accuracy, performance, and generalizability of geometric and explicit optical models used in eye tracking pipelines
  • Contribute to data-driven and geometric modeling of eye imaging including NERF and Gaussian splatting for novel view synthesis, 3D graphical rendering of eye features, and classical feature and keypoint detection and extraction from eye and face images
  • Drive cross-functional collaborations with partner teams including but not limited to physics simulation, ML modeling, hardware development, and product design
  • Contribute to recruitment, mentoring, onboarding, and growing ML engineers/scientists, interns, and contractors

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • Background in computer vision, classical image processing, and 2D/3D spatial data analysis
  • Experience with computer graphics, and physics-based/geometric modeling
  • Working knowledge of imaging systems and optics simulation
  • Direct background in machine learning, deep learning, neural networks and similar data-driven techniques
  • Experience mentoring and acting as project technical lead

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with latest graphics techniques such as NERF and Gaussian splatting
  • Experience in eye and face simulation and image generation
  • Knowledge of eye tracking techniques and models
  • Master's or PhD in engineering, physics, or computer science
  • Background in AR/VR
  • Familiarity with procedural rendering engines, ray tracing, and path tracing

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$154,003/year to $217,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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