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

Meta

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$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 ...

SpaceX

DSP Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

DSP ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys ... between simulation and RTL FPGA implementation * Experience modeling RF and Optical and channel ...

SpaceX

DSP Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

DSP ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys ... between simulation and RTL FPGA implementation * Experience modeling RF and Optical and channel ...

SpaceX

DSP Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

DSP ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys ... between simulation and RTL FPGA implementation * Experience modeling RF and Optical and channel ...

BC Forward

Test Engineer III (Metrology)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$49 - $53/hr

Test Engineer III (Metrology) Location: Redmond, WA Duration: Contract - 12 months Pay Range: $49 ... Experience with optical design or simulation tools such as Zemax or LightTools. Experience with ...

BC Forward

Test Engineer III (Metrology)

Redmond, WA

$49 - $53/hr

Test Engineer III (Metrology) Location: Redmond, WA Duration: Contract - 12 months Pay Range: $49 ... Experience with optical design or simulation tools such as Zemax or LightTools. Experience with ...

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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 Jun 11, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.
Display Research Scientist

Display Research Scientist

Meta

Redmond, WA • On-site

$154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 188 rated software companies

Job description

Reality Labs focuses on delivering Meta's roadmap through creating advanced AI enabled AR devices. Come work alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that makes AR devices pervasive and universal. Our scientists have experience designing, modeling, and prototyping advanced display systems. This role is focused on long term research typically aiming for a 5+ year horizon for potential intercept.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 Scientist Responsibilities:
  • Achieve breakthroughs in future AI enabled AR devices system architecture by identifying and solving fundamental problems to enable immersive AR experiences
  • Research and develop advanced optical elements for future AR display systems, including designing, modeling, and fabricating novel optical components that serve as building blocks for AR display systems
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with optical system designers, simulation engineers, and other research teams to co-develop new display architectures and integrate device-level innovations into system-level solutions
  • Explore emerging optical technologies and evaluate their potential to advance AR display performance, including novel materials, device concepts, and fabrication methods

Minimum Qualifications:
  • PhD degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, computer science, computer engineering, relevant technical field, and/or equivalent practical experience
  • 3+ years of experience in one or more of the following disciplines: optical design and simulation, optical fabrication, display technologies, computational imaging
  • Experience with AR display systems and understanding of their optical requirements
  • Demonstrated experience to identify core research problems and drive them to solution with initiative

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in optics, photonics, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field or equivalent practical experiences
  • 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following disciplines: optical design and simulation, optical fabrication, display technologies, computational imaging
  • Experience with holographic optical elements (HOE), volume Bragg gratings (VBG), or photopolymer materials
  • Hands-on experiences on designing and executing optical experiments, working in a lab environment as a core part of the job
  • Experience designing/building near-eye display prototypes (AR/VR)
  • Solid understanding of diffractive optics and holography
  • Computational simulation experience with light including: ray-tracing, Fourier optics, electromagnetic simulations (RCWA, FDTD), computer graphics, etc
  • Experience building complex experimental systems with lasers, interferometry or diffractive imaging systems
  • Experience with various spatial light modulators and display panel technologies
  • Track record of novel research (publications, prototypes, or demonstrated technical impact)
  • Proficiency with AI tools for scientific research, including computing, design and simulation, experiments, and data analysis
  • Experience with advanced nano-photonics technologies including design and fabrication

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.
$154,000/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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