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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Engineer, Optical

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Engineer, Optical Reporting to: Director Engineering Location: San Jose, California ... Optical design skills and knowledge of ZEMAX or similar optical simulation packages. * Hands on ...

This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating ...

This role balances optical simulation pipeline development with hands-on responsibility for defining engineering builds, designing experiments, conducting failure mode analysis, and translating ...

... optics, software, and systems. Eridu is working with best-in-class supply chain partners including ... Position Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Network Simulation Engineer to lead the ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$151.20 - $236.25/hr

Principal Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking a senior ... Expertise with optical simulation software (e.g., Zemax) Preferred: * Experience with quantum ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

Optical Systems Engineer

North Reading, MA ยท On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced ... Familiarity with optical design, simulation, or data analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the ... Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax ...

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA ยท On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced ... Familiarity with optical design, simulation, or data analysis tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, MATLAB ...

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... Design, simulate, and optimize optical subsystems for metrology and inspection tools used in ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Radiance Technologies

Beavercreek, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Radiance Technologies is seeking a motivated, skilled, and experienced Mid-Level Modeling and Simulation Engineer to join our team as we advance the State-of-the-Art in highly congested electromagnetic environment Modeling and Simulation. The products that you develop will be used to improve our nation's capability by accurately modeling systems and systems interactions under study by the US Navy and Department of War.

Are you looking for an opportunity to utilize your technical skills as an integral part of an engineering design team to develop models and modeling frameworks? These models include radio frequency (RF) electronic warfare (EW), Electro Optical/InfraRed (EO/IR) and infrared countermeasure (IRCM) systems. Your ability to interact, analyze, and translate customer requirements and processes will make you a key member of this model-based engineering team. You will not only be responsible for developing digital models but also the frameworks and simulation capabilities within the core simulation system.

Radiance Technologies is a quickly growing employee-owned company with benefits unmatched by most companies in the area. Employee ownership, generous 401K and profit sharing, health/dental/life/vision insurance benefits, educational reimbursements, competitive salaries, pleasant work environments, and stimulating assignments combine to make Radiance Technologies a great place to work and succeed.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

  • 3 years of experience in C++, C#, Python, Java development or development of simulation frameworks

  • Strong communication and organizational skills

  • Experience with the Microsoft Office suite of tools

  • Experience with integrated development environments (Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, etc.)

  • Experience following agile development processes

  • Experience in modeling military systems

  • M&S experience related to sensor systems, communication devices, and related areas

  • Experience developing, integrating, and refining physics-based models in simulation frameworks

  • US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience developing novel model frameworks and tools to enhance kinematic and EW simulation

  • Experience developing software using Agile methodologies

  • Experience using modeling and simulation tools

  • Experience in designing and developing MS&A visualization tools and enhancements

  • Experience with SysML and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools

  • Experience using AFSIM

  • Experience in target tracking and target tracking systems

  • Experience conducting quantitative analysis

  • Experience in modeling military systems

  • Experience in supporting government customers

  • Experience developing, integrating, and refining physics-based models in simulation frameworks

  • Familiarity with DoD security practices

Radiance Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.