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Optical Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lumilens

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

About the Role As the Optical Systems Engineer Lead at Lumilens, you will drive the development of next-generation optical-transceiver-based interconnect solutions for data center and AI applications.

Logiqal

Optical Systems Engineer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

$125/hr

About the Role We are looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to design, build, and test manufacturable optical systems for quantum processors, which are the most crucial elements of our hardware ...

Ravee Optics

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies. * Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization ...

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 ...

Nokia

Optical Systems Architect

San Jose, CA · On-site

$284K/yr

As part of Nokia's Optical Architecture group, you will have a unique opportunity to lead the design and architecture ofnovel optical DWDM communication systems. You will be responsible for ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies. * Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization ...

Atln

Optical Systems Engineering Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$120K - $202K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical systems, project management experience, and a passion for innovation in aerospace and defense. You will oversee team recruitment and ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Optical Engineer (Remote)

Dayton, OH · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies. * Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization ...

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Optical Systems information

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How much do optical systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical systems in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are optical systems?

Optical systems are assemblies or setups that use light and lenses, mirrors, or other optical components to manipulate, control, or detect light for a variety of applications. These systems are found in devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optics. They are essential in fields such as telecommunications, imaging, scientific research, and manufacturing, enabling precise measurement, visualization, and data transmission. Specialists in optical systems design, build, and maintain these complex assemblies to achieve specific optical performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical systems, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Systems, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as optical engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with technical tools like Zemax, MATLAB, and CAD software, as well as experience with optical testing equipment, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and implementing high-performance optical solutions that meet precise technical requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Systems often encounter challenges such as precise alignment of optical components, maintaining system stability, and minimizing signal loss or distortion. These issues can be addressed by employing advanced alignment tools, rigorous quality control procedures, and thorough testing protocols. Collaboration with engineers and cross-disciplinary teams is also essential to troubleshoot and refine system designs. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and standards in optics further helps in overcoming these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Optical Systems vs Optical Technicians?

AspectOptical SystemsOptical Technicians
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optical engineering or related fieldOften requires technical certification or associate degree in optics or electronics
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing settingsOptical labs, repair shops, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsCommonly employed in optical manufacturing, repair, and maintenance

Optical Systems professionals focus on designing and developing optical devices and systems, often requiring advanced degrees. Optical Technicians support these efforts through hands-on assembly, testing, and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the optics industry but differ mainly in their responsibilities and educational requirements.

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Optical Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,172 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

GNC Engineer (Optical Systems)

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Impulse Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Impulse Spaceexternal

$125K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

GNC Engineer (Optical Systems)
Department: Autonomous Systems
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $125,000 - $155,000 / year
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.
Responsibilities
  • 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

Minimum Qualifications
  • 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

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 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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