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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Optical Test Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

We proudly engineer high-performance systems for critical, fast-growing industries including data ... Our team develops an advanced portfolio of optical solutions, ranging from cutting-edge optical ...

Nokia

Optical DWDM Transmission SDVT Engineer

Murray Hill, NJ · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Experience in DWDM system design, architecture, and testing * Practical experience in development and modelling of link engineering rules and optical network characteristics * Familiarity with Nokia ...

Ciena

Optical System Architect

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$117K - $188K/yr

... scale systems. This role shapes the architecture of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co ... Master's degree (+) in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with industry ...

Ciena

Optical System Architect

New Providence, NJ

$117K - $188K/yr

... scale systems. This role shapes the architecture of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co ... Master's degree (+) in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with industry ...

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Koch Industries

Optical Process Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Your Job We are looking for an Optical Process Engineer to monitor, evaluate, and improve optical ... Experience manufacturing of optical component/sub-system manufacturing or a related components.

QCi

Test Engineer,Hardware- Photonics

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

Test Engineer, Hardware Location: Cranbury, NJ About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT ... Experience in developing, scripting, and running test software for optical components and systems ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Systems Engineer JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs in New York

Optical Systems Engineer information

See New York salary details

$90.8K

$157.1K

$184.3K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in New York is $157,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $182,700.00 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 New York?

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

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

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

What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Optical Systems Engineer job openings:

Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,115 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer

Eastern Communications

Long Island City, NY • Remote

$107K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Are you inspired by the idea of supporting our nation’s critical infrastructure and securing communications for first responders, utilities, and transportation?
 
Are you an independent, self-motivated individual contributor also capable of rolling up your sleeves and supporting your teammates when unexpected challenges arise?
 
Company Overview
Eastern Communications, Ltd. is a critical communications provider based in Long Island City, Queens, NY. Founded in 1976, and acquired from original ownership in 2020, Eastern provides infrastructure, technical services, field replacement parts, and maintenance to a range of end users including public safety, transportation, utilities, and the federal government. The company has earned its exceptional reputation for delivering the highest quality products and services over its 40+ year history. In February 2023, Eastern acquired Marshalltown, Iowa-based RACOM Corporation and in November 2025, acquired PMC Wireless in New Jersey. It now comprises 240 employees across 17 locations nationwide.
 
Role Overview
Reporting to the System Engineering Manager, the role of Senior Systems Engineer is to conduct systems engineering aspects of design, development, and production and testing for projects of Land Mobile Radio wireless communications systems for Public Safety, Transportation and Utility Customers. System Designs and test plans are developed to meet customer requirements. Technical oversight for Eastern Communications and its team of subcontractors are often required to meet customer commitments.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Development of design documentation to include application descriptions, interface control documents, system design drawings, system integration, network configuration, and test plans
  • Participation in discussions with customers, consultants, vendors, subcontractors and other Eastern Communications personnel to complete contractural commitments and advance projects.
  • Technical planning, system parts ordering, system integration, verification and validation cost and risk and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total systems
  • Analysis at all levels of system product to include concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal
  • Logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems and subsystem solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints
  • Provide Systems Engineering project ownership after contract award including final design and equipment selection, implementation, as-built documentation, factory and on-site installation, and system optimization
  • Partnering with internal stakeholders, to include Project Managers, Network Engineers, and other System Engineers to ensure complete project lifecycle integration
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar technical degree with a minimum 5 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Willingness to travel domestically (~25%travel)
Preferred Skills
  • Must be able to successfully interact with project teams, able to delegate as well as accept project responsibilities
  • Current GSEC, or SSCP certification; Security+
  • Network Security, Computer Aided Dispatch, RF antenna systems
  • Experience working with RF, system design, networking, configuration, system programming
  • Design and field experience in IT integration, NetworkAssurance/Security, Network Deployments, Land Mobile Radio Systems consisting of Base Station Repeaters, Interoperability Gateway, RF, Dispatch, fixed, mobile and portable radio operation and programming
  • Working knowledge in Networking, Wireless Communications, Fiber Optic, T1, MPLS, Microwave and Radio Coverage Analysis and verification
  • Knowledge of virtual machine servers, software application and installation, Windows Server, and Linux server operating systems
  • Experience working with Federal agencies
  • Strong presentation skills
Benefits We Can Offer You
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • 401k and company match
  • Annual Performance Review and Accompanied bonus
  • Paid holidays, vacation and sick days
  • Ongoing technical training
  • Advancement opportunities
  • Company-provided uniforms and safety equipment
  • Safe, clean & friendly work environment
If you are a talented and experienced Senior Systems Engineer who is looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, we encourage you to apply.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.