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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

CACI International, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Work in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will ...

CACI International Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$87 - $182/hr

Perform optical analyses of individual optics or optical systems using commercial and in-house ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will ...

ARKA Group

Principal Systems Engineer {D}

Danbury, CT · On-site

As a Principal Systems Engineer you will work in a team-based environment to develop Electro-Optical (EO) systems that operate in space environments. You will be expected to work in a technical ...

ASML

Optical Sensor Design Engineer

Wilton, CT · On-site

These systems typically include light sources, detectors, optical/electro-optical components, fiber ... As a design engineer, you will design, develop, build and integrate optical sensor systems. This ...

Ametek

Product Applications Engineer

Middlefield, CT

... optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge ... As a Product Applications Engineer , based in Middlefield (CT) , you will serve as a key technical ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Product Applications Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$95 - $115/hr

Experience with metrology, precision instrumentation, or optical systems * Strong problem‑solving ... Programming experience in Python or related languages * Familiarity with CAD and/or optical ...

Ametek

Product Applications Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

Experience with metrology, precision instrumentation, or optical systems * Strong problem-solving ... Programming experience in Python or related languages * Familiarity with CAD and/or optical ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Engineer (EE)

Middlefield, CT · On-site

... optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge ... The Electrical Manufacturing Engineer, based in Middlefield (CT) provides technical leadership and ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer I

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

... systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team ... As a Manufacturing Quality Engineer I , based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will provide hands ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Middlefield, CT

$72K - $93K/yr

... systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team ... As a Quality Engineer Manufacturing , based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will provide hands-on ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$95 - $115/hr

... systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team ... As a Quality Engineer Manufacturing , based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will provide hands-on ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

... systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team ... As a Quality Engineer Manufacturing , based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will provide hands-on ...

Ametek

Supplier Engineer - Mechanical

Middlefield, CT · On-site

... optical systems. Join our team, where your expertise will drive innovative solutions, address ... As a Supplier Engineer - Mechanical you will support and develop our global supply base for ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Engineering Tech

Middlefield, CT · On-site

For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation has been a global leader in advanced optical metrology systems ... As a Manufacturing Engineering Technician, in Middlefield CT, you will work with manufacturing ...

Ametek

Training and Methods Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

... optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems ... As a Training and Methods Engineer , based in Middlefield, CT you will be responsible for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Systems Engineer JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs in Connecticut

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$79K

$136.6K

$160.3K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in Connecticut is $136,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,700.00 and $158,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical systems engineer?

Optical Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems that use light, such as cameras, telescopes, lasers, and fiber optic communication devices. They apply principles of optics, physics, and engineering to create solutions for imaging, sensing, and transmitting information. Their work often involves selecting components, modeling optical performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical technologies into larger systems. Optical Systems Engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical systems engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Systems Engineer, you need strong knowledge in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory measurement instruments is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and solving complex problems. These skills and qualifications ensure precise system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in the development of advanced optical technologies.

What types of projects and teams do optical systems engineers typically work with, and how does collaboration factor into daily responsibilities?

Optical Systems Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and manufacturing specialists. Their daily responsibilities usually involve designing, testing, and optimizing optical components or systems, such as lenses, lasers, or imaging devices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they must integrate optical solutions with other engineering domains and ensure all system requirements are met. Collaborative problem-solving and regular cross-functional meetings are common, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this role.

What is the difference between Optical Systems Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Systems EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical designBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teamsDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industriesOptical, 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 popular job titles related to Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Connecticut?

For Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Connecticut are:

Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,615 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT • On-site

CACI International, Inc.
See more jobs at CACI International, Inc.external

$86K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Optical Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10%
Type of Travel: Local
* * *
The Opportunity:
  • Work in a group of optical engineers solving challenging technical problems
  • Work in inter-disciplinary groups on complex optical system design, manufacture, test, and alignment
  • Gain hands-on and analytical experience with optics and optical systems
  • Potential to see complex opto-electronic systems from beginning to end of cycle.

Responsibilities:
  • Perform optical analyses of individual optics or optical systems using commercial and in-house software
  • Work with individuals from other disciplines (systems, mechanical, thermal, e.g.)
  • Present analyses to small groups of internal and external customers
  • Document and review procedures used to manufacture and test optics and optical systems
  • Use optical modeling software (Zemax, Code V, FRED, other...) to model optical system performance
  • Work directly with other organizations to oversee testing of optics or optical systems

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, ideally Optical Engineering or Optical Science, although will consider Physics or Electrical Engineering.
  • 5+ years of demonstrate detailed knowledge of basic optical concepts (imaging, WFE, first order optics)
  • Basic skill in Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
  • Ability to work primarily onsite in Danbury as part of a team
  • History of working as a leader in a small technical team to solve problems
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
  • At least one of the desired items below must be demonstrated (but not all)

Desired:
  • Direct experience with designing optical systems using Code V, Zemax, or other software
  • Direct experience testing optical components or systems using standard methods
  • Detailed knowledge of physical optics, Fourier Transforms, pupil functions, point-spread functions

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$86,600 - $181,800
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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