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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

GNC Engineer (Optical Systems)

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer (Optical Systems) at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of and provide outstanding technical contribution to star trackers and optical navigation ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

Collaborate with the systems engineering team to integrate optical networking hardware into the broader IonQ quantum computer architecture. * Execute rigorous experimental validation of optical ...

Arista Networks

Senior Optical System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in optical systems, CPO/OCI architectures, system ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is actively seeking a Laser Optical Engineer to join our dynamic team ...

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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.
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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.

GNC Engineer (Optical Systems)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

As a Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer (Optical Systems) at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of and provide outstanding technical contribution to star trackers and optical navigation systems in all phases of development and operation while working closely with a fast paced, agile team. 
  • Implement GNC flight, analysis, and test artifacts for high-performance GNC-adjacent optical systems produced at scale 
  • Develop robust identification, attitude resolution, and object detection algorithms for star trackers and other imaging systems 
  • Support relative navigation through imaging systems 
  • Quantify and verify expected sensor performance via first-principles, simulation, and hardware verification 
  • Contribute to vehicle-level attitude determination improvements and analyses 
  • Participate in software development, both flight code and simulation 
  • Create tools for ground and on-orbit development, alignments, and verification, enabling new iterations and design decisions to be realized quickly 
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative, resourceful solutions 
  • Communicate design needs, intent, and capability to the broader engineering team 
  • For Senior and higher, mentor other engineers and define the best practices for sensor-level design and integration into space vehicles 
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline 
  • 2+ years of experience in image processing and optical analysis 
  • Proficiency in Matlab and C++ 
  • Demonstrated experience with camera systems and fundamentals of attitude determination 
  • Experience with sensor noise modeling, photometric calibration, or low-light imaging 
  • Master's or PhD in aerospace, electrical, computer science, or related degree 
  • Strong mathematical background in Kalman filtering and probability analysis
  • Demonstrated experience in developing star tracker starlight-in-quaternion-out algorithms 
  • Experience with ground-based testing of optical systems 
  • Experience with computer vision, machine learning, or pattern recognition in imaging systems 
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment 
  • Experience in spacecraft GNC fundamentals and vehicle interactions with high-performance optical systems 

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.  
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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