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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Credo, Inc

Optical Systems Application Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Credo's Optical Systems Applications Engineering group is seeking an Optical Systems Validation Engineer to validate Credo's DSP devices with high-speed optical components for data rates ranging from ...

Compal

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

MS/Ph.D.inOptics,Physicsand/or Systems Engineering. * Expertisewith optical design tools. * Highvolume camera manufacturing experience, includingvalidation,PPAP, safe-launchand 8D ...

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Optical Systems Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Optical Systems Engineers?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

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.
More about Optical Systems Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Systems Engineer job openings:
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Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Sr. Optical System Engineer

Sr. Optical System Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Madison, WI • On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 402 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office
Job Description
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems

  • Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications

  • Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)

  • Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration

  • Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability

  • Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems

  • Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly

  • Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement

  • Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team

  • Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems

Requirements
  • Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization

  • Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax)

  • Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices

  • Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)

  • Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance

  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation

  • Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus

  • Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems

  • Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards

  • Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)

  • Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews

  • Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables

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