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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northwoodspace

Simulation Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$124.44K - $168.36K/yr

Basic understanding, or the ability to learn, optical fiber networks and protocols * Solid ... Simulation Engineer/Level 2: $124,440 - $168,360 per year Your actual level and base salary will be ...

Apple

Display Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126.80K - $220.90K/yr

Description Apple's display team is searching for a candidate on the optical simulation, design ... A broad engineering background encompassing display technologies, optical simulation (LightTools ...

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection ... simulation tools. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems engineering, GNC, payload ...

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection ... simulation tools. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems engineering, GNC, payload ...

APEX TK

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... optics/radar/RF) * Use and develop cutting-edge modeling and simulation tools and algorithms to ... Bachelor's Degree in a STEM related field such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace ...

SAIC

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Conduct sensor phenomenology studies, including optical, infrared, or radar modeling for detection ... simulation tools. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (systems engineering, GNC, payload ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Optical Simulation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs are:
Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Simulation Engineer

Northwoodspace

Torrance, CA • On-site

$124.44K - $168.36K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between Earth and space. Satellites are only as powerful as the ground systems that connect to them - without that critical infrastructure, they can't be steered or send their data back to Earth. Northwood's global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail. We take a vertically integrated approach to building an end-to-end ground system, delivering technology that is scalable and reliable for both government and commercial customers.
Backed by over $100M from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Washington Harbour Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, Founders Fund, and others, Northwood has proven its ability to move fast - we've stood up a fully operational site in Australia in just 3 months, where similar efforts typically take years.
Northwood is rapidly scaling its global footprint, with 30+ sites planned across 2026 and 2027. We're building and deploying infrastructure at a pace the industry hasn't seen before. If you thrive on building quickly, solving hard problems, and seeing your work deployed globally on critical missions, we want you at Northwood.
SIMULATION ENGINEER (GLOBAL GROUND/SATELLITE NETWORKS)
Northwood is building a global network of next-generation ground stations, and we're looking for a Simulation Engineer to lead network architecting and modeling. You will own and develop analysis tools that enable insights into the network and planning of ground sites. You will answer questions such as "how many antennas should each site have to satisfy customer utilization?" And "where in the world should our next sites go?" You'll partner closely with business development, sites rollout, RF, and software teams. This is a high leverage role that will guide the company's direction and our global network rollout. This position is based at our Los Angeles headquarters with possible travel to customer or ground station locations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design and develop internal simulation tools to model, analyze, and visualize Northwood's global ground network architecture.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with business development and customer stakeholders to translate mission requirements into scalable network designs and execution plans.
  • Optimize network capacity, utilization, and site performance to maximize revenue generation and operational efficiency.
  • Own critical network design decisions, including antenna count per site, coverage geometry, throughput sizing, fault-tolerance, and global deployment timing.
  • Generate data-driven insights and communicate actionable plans to engineering and operations.
  • Present network strategies, trade studies, and investment decisions to executive leadership, with clear linkage to revenue impact and deployment timelines.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or mathematics
  • 3+ years of experience in a related field with a proven track record of executing projects and developing high-fidelity models and simulations
  • Ability to code in Python, Java, C++, or other related languages

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Familiarity with RF link budgets and orbital mechanics
  • Proven ability to work across disciplines, with internal and/or external teams
  • Solid understanding of the current space industry, technologies, and major players
  • Basic understanding, or the ability to learn, optical fiber networks and protocols
  • Solid fundamentals in engineering, physics, math or similar
  • Proven experience building and testing software or hardware systems from scratch
  • Strong ability to analyze and visualize large datasets
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill highly technical information
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a security clearance

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Simulation Engineer/Level 2: $124,440 - $168,360 per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. You may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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.
Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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