You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical ...
You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical ...
Senior Software Engineer I
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Software Engineer I
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Aerospace, Software/Computer Science, Electrical, Electronic, Electro-Optical, Mechanical, or other ... Systems Engineering Simulation and Modeling concepts (preferred) * Systems Engineering methods ...
Aerospace, Software/Computer Science, Electrical, Electronic, Electro-Optical, Mechanical, or other ... Systems Engineering Simulation and Modeling concepts (preferred) * Systems Engineering methods ...
We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to support the design, development, integration, and validation ... optical systems, helping ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of cutting-edge ...
We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to support the design, development, integration, and validation ... optical systems, helping ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of cutting-edge ...
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of ...
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of ...
Senior Software Engineer I
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Software Engineer I
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Software Engineer I
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Software Engineer I
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Software Engineer I
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Quick apply
Senior Software Engineer I
$115K - $152K/yr
SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Mechanical Design Engineer - Test Systems
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$62 - $67/hr
We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to support the design, development, integration, and validation ... optical systems, helping ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of cutting-edge ...
Mechanical Design Engineer - Test Systems
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$62 - $67/hr
We are seeking Mechanical Engineers to support the design, development, integration, and validation ... optical systems, helping ensure the reliability, performance, and quality of cutting-edge ...
Senior Systems Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...
Quick apply
Senior Systems Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...
Senior Systems Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...
Quick apply
Senior Systems Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...
... systems that are critical to our next-generation products. The successful candidate will develop and lead a team of optical, opto-electronic and opto-mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of ...
... systems that are critical to our next-generation products. The successful candidate will develop and lead a team of optical, opto-electronic and opto-mechanical engineers, fostering a culture of ...
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor ... analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and ...
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor ... analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and ...
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor ... analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and ...
This Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineering position is for an individual-contributor ... analysis, optics, communications, thermal design and analysis, or spacecraft integration and ...
Principal Electrical Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$131K - $160K/yr
PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Principal Electrical Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$131K - $160K/yr
PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Senior Embedded Software Engineer II
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$120 - $170/hr
Senior Embedded Software Engineer II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of ...
Senior Embedded Software Engineer II
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$120 - $170/hr
Senior Embedded Software Engineer II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of ...
Systems Engineer - Level 3
Gilbert, AZ · On-site
... optics, communications, rocket propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing * Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI ...
Systems Engineer - Level 3
Gilbert, AZ · On-site
... optics, communications, rocket propulsion, thermal engineering, or spacecraft integration and testing * Knowledge of Launch Vehicles, System Safety, System Reliability, Contamination Control, EMI ...
Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal with Security Clearance
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$161K - $196K/yr
Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: Tucson, AZ ... Hands-on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems
Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal with Security Clearance
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$161K - $196K/yr
Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer II/Principal Mechanical Engineer Location: Tucson, AZ ... Hands-on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems
Principal Electrical Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
Principal Electrical Engineer Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of ...
New
Principal Electrical Engineer
Tucson, AZ · On-site
$120 - $150/hr
Principal Electrical Engineer Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission‑critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of ...
New
Principal Electrical Engineer
$131K - $160K/yr
PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Quick apply
Principal Electrical Engineer
$131K - $160K/yr
PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...
Optical Systems Engineer information
See Arizona salary details
$77.3K - $84.6K
0% of jobs
$84.6K - $91.8K
0% of jobs
$91.8K - $99.1K
0% of jobs
$99.1K - $106.3K
0% of jobs
$106.3K - $113.6K
0% of jobs
$118.3K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$113.6K - $120.8K
38% of jobs
The median wage is $124.1K / yr.
$120.8K - $128K
26% of jobs
$128K - $135.3K
0% of jobs
$135.3K - $142.5K
0% of jobs
$142.5K - $149.8K
0% of jobs
$152K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$149.8K - $157K
36% of jobs
$77.3K
$133.8K
$157K
How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?
What is an optical systems engineer?
What types of projects and teams do optical systems engineers typically work with, and how does collaboration factor into daily responsibilities?
What is the difference between Optical Systems Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?
| Aspect | Optical Systems Engineer | Optical Design Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical design | Bachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software |
| Work Environment | Research labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teams | Design studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Optical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industries | Optical, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical devices |
Optical Systems Engineers focus on integrating optical components into complete systems, ensuring functionality and performance. Optical Design Engineers primarily develop and optimize individual optical components and assemblies. Both roles require strong optical knowledge, but their focus differs from system integration to component design.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical systems engineer?

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 16 days ago
Keysight Technologies rating
8.1
Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers
Job description
Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.
Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.
You Are:You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical engineering, you have hands-on experience designing and manufacturing electro-optical devices and thrive at the intersection of technology and market needs. You are passionate about translating complex customer requirements into actionable product feature plans for R&D and excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, marketing, and sales. Your knowledge of EM solver software (including FDTD, RCWA, and beam propagation tools) is complemented by your ability to grasp emerging trends in AI, solid modeling, and photonics.
You are comfortable engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and participating in industry events to keep your finger on the pulse of market evolution. You are equally adept at crafting technical marketing materials and supporting the sales process as you are at guiding agile software development cycles. Your communication skills are top-notch, enabling you to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, and you thrive in a fast-paced, global environment. Travel excites you as an opportunity to build relationships and champion Keysight’s optical solutions worldwide. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continuous learning make you a valued team member and a catalyst for innovation.
Responsibilities
- Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Design Engineering team.
- Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Keysight and stay current with optical technology trends.
- Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
- Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
- Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
- Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
- Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
- Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
- Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
- Drive the evolution of Keysight’s optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
- Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, lasers and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
- Enhance Keysight’s market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
- Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
- Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
- Strengthen Keysight’s global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Design Engineering team.
Qualifications
- BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
- Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
- Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
- Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
- Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
- Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
- Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
- Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
- Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.
The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills.
California pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280
Note:
This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program
US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision
- Health Savings Account
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life, Accident, Disability insurance
- Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
- Paid Family Leave
- Discounts, Perks
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Adoption Assistance
- ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.
- BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
- Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
- Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
- Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
- Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
- Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
- Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
- Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
- Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
- Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.
The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills.
California pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280
Note:
This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program
US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision
- Health Savings Account
- Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life, Accident, Disability insurance
- Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
- Paid Family Leave
- Discounts, Perks
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Adoption Assistance
- ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.
What Keysight Technologies employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
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About Keysight Technologies
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Santa Rosa, CA, US
Year founded
1937