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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Viavi Solutions

Optical Testing Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

We are looking for an optical testing engineer with experience across a broad spectrum of optical systems and technologies. The candidate should have a strong background in automation and optical ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Optical Engineer II

Toronto, ON

CA$93K - CA$117K/yr

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary ... Master's degree in physics or aerospace engineering * Experience with optical design and Zemax ...

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$94K - CA$150K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer at Ciena Canada ULC, this role contributes to the design, analysis ... Analyze optical system performance using statistical data techniques to identify trends and ...

Nokia

Senior Optical Engineer

Kanata, ON

As a Senior technical contributor for the design and development of optical line system products ... Optical systems engineering Optical communications product design and development * Write ...

Viavi Solutions

Optical Component Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

We are looking for a senior optical engineer with experience across a broad spectrum of optical components, systems, and technologies. The successful candidate will also have a strong background in a ...

L3HHCM20

Applied Systems Engineer

Dundas, ON · On-site

CA$85K - CA$135K/yr

... most advanced optical sensor and targeting systems for global defense and military sectors ... Provide program engineering support to the Program Office for a variety of projects. Projects will ...

Q-Block Computing

Junior Quantum Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

The Junior Quantum Engineer will join Q-Block's R&D engineering team, working on the design ... The role spans optics, electronics, control systems, and systems integration depending on program ...

Weir

Systems Engineer - NETE

Ottawa, ON · Hybrid

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Halifax, Gatineau, Ottawa, or Montreal (LaSalle) Work Arrangement ... Structured cabling systems for data communications, including various copper and fibre optic cable ...

Weir

Senior Systems Engineer

Ottawa, ON · Hybrid

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Halifax, Gatineau, Ottawa, or Montreal (LaSalle) Work Arrangement ... Structured cabling systems for data communications, including various copper and fibre optic cable ...

Weir Group

Systems Engineer - NETE

Ottawa, ON · Hybrid

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Halifax, Gatineau, Ottawa, or Montreal (LaSalle) Work Arrangement ... Structured cabling systems for data communications, including various copper and fibre optic cable ...

Weir Group

Senior Systems Engineer

Ottawa, ON · Hybrid

Senior Systems Engineer Location: Halifax, Gatineau, Ottawa, or Montreal (LaSalle) Work Arrangement ... Structured cabling systems for data communications, including various copper and fibre optic cable ...

Q-Block Computing

Junior Quantum Engineer

Ottawa, ON · On-site

CA$85K - CA$110K/yr

The Junior Quantum Engineer will join Q-Block's R&D engineering team, working on the design ... The role spans optics, electronics, control systems, and systems integration depending on program ...

Nokia

Principal DSP Engineer

Kanata, ON · On-site

Proficiency in MATLAB and C programming languages * Understanding of application-specific ... Laboratory experience with real-time optical systems * Knowledge of RTL/Verilog * Familiarity with ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Systems Engineer JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs in Ontario

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Ontario salary details

$90.5K

$134.2K

$184K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in Ontario is $134,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $161,000.00 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 Ontario?

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

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

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

Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $134,169 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Optical Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Toronto, ON • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

OPTICAL ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab's site Sinclair Interplanetary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Optical Engineer II reports to the optical lead and is responsible for supporting development and maintenance of star tracker products.

 WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Undertake design, analysis and test to develop new star tracker products and maintain existing products
  • Develop, integrate and commission test setups for star tracker production, and research & development
  • Complete data collection and analysis to quantify part level and unit level performance
  • Support the quality team as needed for root cause analysis and disposition of non-conformances
  • Support the production team as needed to complete assembly, integration and test of star tracker products
  • Support the business development team in responding to customer inquiries

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in science or engineering
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
  • 2+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience designing, developing, or testing optical systems
  • Master's degree in physics or aerospace engineering
  • Experience with optical design and Zemax OpticStudio
  • Familiarity with optomechanical design and sourcing/selection of optomechanical components
  • Familiarity with spacecraft system design and the space environment
  • Familiarity with lens manufacture and assembly
  • Familiarity with stray light analysis and stray light mitigation techniques
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills
  • Experience with data analysis, visualization and interpretation using Python or Matlab
  • Experience with source control technologies like GIT or SVN
  • Experience with embedded microcontroller development in C

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

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