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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Electro-Optical Systems Engineer's primary responsibility will be to design, integrate and characterize electro-optical test systems in support of SBIR Market segments (Infrared Scene Projectors ...

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

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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:
What states have the most Optical Systems Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Systems Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Senior Optical Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Senior Optical Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Boeing

El Segundo, CA

$111K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 hours ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 604 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Senior Optical Systems Engineer - Millennium Space Systems

Company:

Millennium Space Systems

Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.

Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.

The Optical Engineering Team provides all optical systems engineering services to Millennium's direct programs, studies, proposals, and Internal Research & Development (IRAD) efforts. They are systems engineers managing interfaces between the space vehicle and Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) payloads and laser system/laser communication payloads. The team models mission phenomenology and detection performance of EO/IR and active sensors considering the spectral, spatial, and radiometric attributes of the sensor. They design and develop optical hardware, including star trackers and sensor suites that support autonomous navigation and docking maneuvers. They determine what on-orbit and ground image processing algorithms should be implemented to support mission requirements. They work closely with mission and systems engineering teams, as well as manufacturing and testing teams to lead payload systems efforts end-to-end.

An Optical Systems Engineer possesses a strong background in spaceborne electro-optical sensor technology (visible to infrared; active and passive). You will overseeoptical systemson our programs, ensuring system specifications meet mission needs. You will own mission performance requirements for remote sensing missions and or space-to-space missions, and model mission phenomenology and detection performance. You will be the primary interface between the optical payload, space vehicle team, and mission data processing team, managing interfaces between these elements. Successful Optical Systems Engineers have experience with modeling, simulation, analysis, and calibration of optical hardware.

This position's internal job code is Electrophysics Engr/Scientist. Our team is currently hiring for aLevel 4-5.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and validate mission and unit level requirements for Electro-optical (EO)/Infrared (IR) sensors, Laser systems (Laser rangefinders and Optical Communications Terminals), and space vehicle interfaces

  • Design and implement modeling and simulation of optical systems

  • Develop and execute unit and system level tests on the ground and on-orbit to verify performance

  • Manage supplier and partner performance

  • Manage complex projects by coordinating work statements, setting and tracking budget/schedule, and measuring technical performance

  • Support large-scale new business proposals

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering or the physical sciences / computer science

  • 7+ years industry experience in optical engineering

  • Experience with space-to-space and/or space-to-ground laser communication

  • Experience with performance/phenomenology/modeling of space-based EO sensors

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US GovernmentrequiresUS Citizenship.An interim and/or final U.S. secret clearance Post Start is required

Preferred Qualifications
  • 10+ industry experience working with satellite optical instrumentation, design, and/or operation.

  • Ability to train and mentor other members of the team

  • On-orbit experience in the operation and performance validation of OCTs

  • Ability to develop and maintain an OCT link budget

  • Experience with design, integration, qualification, and test of satellite optical hardware such as EO/IR payloads, star trackers, laser range finders, etc.

  • Experience with onboard and ground processing of optical data to extract mission-related information

  • Active TS/SCI clearance

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process

Drug Free Workplace:

Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Total Rewards:

At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range:

Level 4: $121,000 - $215000

Level 5: $146000 - $260,000

Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Export Control Requirement:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 is required. "U.S. Person" includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position does not require a Security Clearance.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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