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

Meta

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$154K - $217K/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. Responsibilities ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

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 ...

Collabera Digital

Photonics Engineer III

Redmond, WA · On-site

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 ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

BlackSky

Tukwila, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Staff Electro-Optical Payload Engineer
About Us:
BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.
BlackSky is looking for a strong Staff EO Payload Engineer to work with BlackSky's Payload and Constellation Engineering teams to architect, design, and test new EO payload concepts to broaden our growing portfolio of imaging payloads. You'll have the opportunity to influence the design and development of new payloads, develop the associated integration and test strategies, and support instruments through on-orbit commissioning and longer-term characterization and calibration. You'll work closely with and support our Image Processing and Satellite Operations organizations to help design the processing and operations frameworks to characterize, optimize, and improve payload performance for satellites throughout their operational lifetimes on orbit. Your particular emphasis will be on the testing and satellite integration of a new payload and its sensors across its entire lifecycle. You will have the exciting opportunity to not only develop a new payload but also a new optical test facility for it.
Because of the emphasis on testing and integration, this role needs to be proximal to our satellite production facility in Tukwila, WA once hardware starts arriving. This means that while a candidate can start remote but must be local by the end of 2026 and comfortable in a hybrid capacity.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop comprehensive integration, requirements verification, and test strategies for EO payloads.
  • Develop and maintain optical and sensor test facilities.
  • Test payloads and support the production team as they integrate your payloads onto satellites.
  • Partner with engineering, program management, and production to ensure comprehensive and efficient end-to-end validation of payload test from plan through design and execution.
  • Define requirements for and oversee the design and build of test Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and other test infrastructure for the payload.
  • Support the development of new EO payload architectures and concepts.
  • Simulate and analyses new sensors, designs, and/or phenomonologies to support R&D and technical strategy development.
  • Develop optical system requirements associated with new designs.
  • Provide technical assistance and oversight with design procurement and integration.
  • Support the characterization and commissioning activities of orbital imaging systems.
  • Evaluate on-orbit imaging systems performance, compare with your ground predictions, and evolve your test & performance prediction capabilities.
  • Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • At least 10 years of experience in technical engineering roles involving the specification, modeling, design, integration, and/or test of imaging or non-imaging optical systems and associated components/subsystems, particularly the testing of space-based optical systems.
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other area of appropriate technical focus (or equivalent experience of four additional years).
  • Hands-on laboratory experience and familiarity with typical optical test and meteorology instrumentation and practices, e.g., interferometers, theodolite/laser tracker, optical alignment.
  • Proficiency in at least one computer language with an emphasis on numerical or technical computing.
  • Strong technical grasp of the physics of optical image formation and associated detector phenomenology, especially in the visible and infrared spectra.
  • Proficiency with radiometry, optical imaging and detection figures of merit, and optical system performance modeling/estimation/simulation.
  • Adept with developing concise specifications for optical systems within a well-defined, systematic requirements framework.
  • Familiarity with satellite/payload interface and CONOPs constraints and associated systems engineering.
  • Due to program requirements, this position requires holding US citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Post graduate degree in a relevant technical field.
  • Direct experience in spaceborne optical remote sensing systems.
  • Direct experience in focal plane array design and engineering.
  • Direct experience in satellite radiometric, spatial, and spectral calibration.
  • Proficiency with numerical and technical programming in Python.
  • Familiarity and experience with a technical discipline complementary to optics, e.g., mechanical, thermal, electrical engineering.

Life at BlackSky for full-time US benefits eligible employees includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
    • BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
  • 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
  • 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
  • Employer matching donations
  • Professional development
  • Mac or PC? Your choice!
  • Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Seattle, WA is $155,000-180,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Seattle, WA.
BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. #LI-Hybrid
EEO/ Pay Transparency Statements:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf
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About BlackSky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2013

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