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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$200K - $240K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...

SAIC

Optical Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$200K - $240K/yr

Systems Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No Minimum Clearance Required: TS.SCI ... Optical Engineering and Fiber Optics: * Design, develop, and test optical components and systems ...

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 ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer - 888

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, and ... Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

SAIC

Laser Optical Engineer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

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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All JobsOptical Systems Engineer Jobs

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 21, 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
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Optical Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Specialist, Systems Engineering (Optical)

L3HHCM20

Palm Bay, FL

$89K - $122K/yr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Optical Systems Engineering 

Job Code:  39551

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80

 

Job Description:

The Optical Systems Engineer will support the program team performing critical functions such as requirements management, interface management, system design, risk and opportunity management, verification planning, test planning, and leading multiple event-based activities such as RCCAs, FRBs, MRBs, and addressing any open action items.  All Systems Engineers must be able to work and lead in collaborative environments, fostering the success of the overall team. 

This role is part of the L3Harris (LHX) Space Systems Sector within the Space and Mission Systems (SMS) Segment.  SMS is the largest and the fastest growing segment within LHX and well postured for continued growth and success in the domain.  The products we develop perform a variety of missions for our customers with both space-based and ground-based applications.  The Systems Engineers that support these missions lead the technology across the entire system lifecycle.  They engage in all the of critical phases and milestone reviews including pursuit, SDR, PDR, CDR, TRR, PSR, and system operation. 

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for optical communications, electrical engineering principles, and application into hardware
  • Evaluate customer and operational needs to help define and coordinate system performance requirements, integrate technical parameters and assure compatibility of all physical, functional and program interfaces
  • Supporting the integration of optical terminals into satellite architectures, collaborating with engineering teams on system design, testing, and validation.
  • Work with requirements management software such as DOORS, Jama
  • Support test and troubleshooting of systems, modules and sub-assemblies of RF modules, working directly with program engineering personnel as required
  • Interface with Engineering, Operations, Quality and other supporting functions to drive defect resolution to root cause
  • Generate and implement improvements in product and test design and methodologies to reduce cost, increase yield, and improve throughput
  • Generate and review the technical content of test procedures, drawings, engineering specifications, reports, Engineering Change Orders, and other documentation
  • Execute design trades to support technical decisions
  • Participate in and potentially lead business pursuit efforts
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
     

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience,


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Familiarity with the Space Development Agency (SDA) OCT Standard
  • Experience allocating requirements for free-space optical communication links and ground terminals.
  • Experience leading complex technical teams and programs to deliver hardware
  • Experience authoring Statements of Work (SOW) for vendors to propose

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