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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Neurophos Inc

Staff Optical Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This system is critical to enabling our optical processing engine to meet the performance requirements for analog compute. The Staff Optical Design Engineer will own the optical architecture and ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems ... As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems ... As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Collaborate with optical, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure alignment ... across product development stages. * Define and validate manufacturing tolerances for optical ...

Applied Concepts

Camera and Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Optical System DesignDesign, develop, and optimize optical systems, including lenses, sensors, and ... Camera and Optical Engineer - What you'll need to succeed:Bachelor's or Master's degree in a ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin II - Sys

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Systems Engineer to serve as the primary technical lead for an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EOIR) sensor program. This is a critical "hybrid ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

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All JobsOptical Systems Engineer JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs in Texas

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in Texas is $133,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Optical Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Optical Systems Engineer job openings:

Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,796 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Staff Optical Design Engineer

Neurophos Inc

Austin, TX • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Neurophos
The demand for new data centers and AI compute is rapidly outpacing the planet's energy capacity. Digital solutions are hitting a power wall as we approach the physical limits of traditional silicon. Conquering this bottleneck means rethinking the fundamental architecture of inference compute. The industry's current path can't meet the need, so we're taking a different approach.
Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable metasurface to perform matrix multiplications at the speed of light. Our optical cells are 10,000x smaller than traditional photonic components, enabling unprecedented density. By using photonics instead of electricity, our chips become more efficient as they scale. This architecture will deliver up to 100 times the energy efficiency of existing solutions while significantly improving performance for large-scale AI inference.
We've assembled a world-class team of industry veterans and recently raised a $110M Series A led by Gates Frontier. Participants include M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), Carbon Direct Capital, Aramco Ventures, Bosch Ventures, Tectonic Ventures, Space Capital, and others.
Join us and shape the future of computing!
Location: Austin, TX. Full-time onsite position.
Reports To: VP of Optics
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview
The optical team is responsible for the optical design and simulation of the OPU's free-space optical path. This system is critical to enabling our optical processing engine to meet the performance requirements for analog compute. The Staff Optical Design Engineer will own the optical architecture and performance of the optical system and/or components from concept through production and will be an expert in optical design and simulation, working closely with optomechanical design, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
  • Optical design/optimization and simulation of complex optical systems and components.
  • Utilize Zemax or other optical design tools to perform tolerance analysis, sensitivity, and stray light simulations.
  • Collaborate directly with external suppliers on technical specifications (DFM).
  • Partner closely with optomechanical, photonics, electrical, and system engineering teams.
  • Support laboratory efforts to align, debug, and characterize optical systems and components.
  • Represent optical design in system reviews, own relevant sections of system requirement documents, and communicate status and risk to engineers and executives.

Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a tightly relevant technical track.
  • 5+ years of industry experience as an optical design engineer developing advanced optical systems from concept to market introduction.
  • Deep expertise in imaging optical system design, including beam shaping.
  • Advanced knowledge of aberration theory, tolerancing, DFx, and ghost/straylight simulation.
  • Proficiency using Zemax, LightTools, or other optical design software for sequential and non-sequential ray tracing.
  • Programming skills like Python, Zemax Macro language.
  • Strong communicator, able to convey complex optical design concepts to both technical and executive audiences.

Preferred Skills
  • Prior experience in a fast-moving startup environment.
  • Experience in designing freeform optical systems.
  • Advanced knowledge of optical metrology, alignment, and assembly concepts.

What We Offer
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware. Work on game-changing technology at the intersection of photonics and AI as part of a collaborative, brilliant team. You'll contribute to a platform that redefines computational performance and accelerates the future of artificial intelligence. Come help us bring this transformative technology to the world.
Benefits
Join a team that invests in your future and your well-being. At Neurophos, we offer:
  • 100% coverage of base health plan premiums for you and your dependents, plus HSA contributions.
  • Unlimited PTO. No rigid vacation banks, just a focus on delivery.
  • 401(k) matching and stock option opportunities to ensure our success is your success.
  • Full suite of voluntary benefits, including Dental, Vision, Life, Hospital, Critical Illness, and Accident insurance.
  • Personalized Benefits. Choose the plans that fit your life and take the cash back for those that don't.

Apply