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Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA

$136K - $176K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced, agile team ...

Muon Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$159K - $184K/yr

About the role Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II to join our team in Mountain View, CA developing ... Previous experience designing test campaigns, developing ground support equipment, and integrating ...

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Tech Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Technical Lead Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Optical solutions. This senior role drives optical and electro-optical ...

Muon Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$159K - $184K/yr

About the role Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II to join our team in Mountain View, CA developing ... Previous experience designing test campaigns, developing ground support equipment, and integrating ...

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Tech Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $215K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Technical Lead Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Optical solutions. This senior role drives optical and electro-optical ...

US Conec, Ltd.

Senior Optical Test Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

Role Overview We're looking for a Senior Optical Test Engineer to lead the testing and qualification of fiber-optic connectors and ferrules. You'll partner with Product Management, Applications and ...

West Coast Consulting

Test Engineer III 70853

Redmond, WA · On-site

$75 - $80/hr

Redmond, WA Optical Test Engineer Seeking a highly skilled Optical Test Engineer for a temporary assignment supporting our Display Systems Engineering Team. This role is based in Redmond, WA, and ...

Samtec

Optics Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

$90K - $120K/yr

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

Samtec

Optics Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO

$90K - $120K/yr

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

samtec

Optics Test Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

BC Forward

Test Engineer III (Metrology)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$49 - $53/hr

We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to join our display systems engineering team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in optical testing, calibration, data analysis, and test ...

Nokia

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA

$127K - $164K/yr

As an Optical Test Development Engineer, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of optical technology. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating innovative testing methodologies and ...

Nokia

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$88K - $163K/yr

As an Optical Test Development Engineer, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of optical technology. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating innovative testing methodologies and ...

Nokia

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$88K - $163K/yr

As an Optical Test Development Engineer, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of optical technology. Your expertise will be instrumental in creating innovative testing methodologies and ...

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All JobsOptical Test Engineer Jobs

Optical Test Engineer information

See salary details

$79.5K

$139.9K

$187.5K

How much do optical test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical test engineer in the United States is $139,917.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Test Engineer job?

An Optical Test Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and conducting tests on optical components and systems to ensure they meet performance and quality standards. They work with lasers, lenses, fiber optics, and imaging devices, using specialized equipment to analyze optical performance. Their role includes troubleshooting issues, optimizing system performance, and documenting test results. Optical Test Engineers often collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to refine processes and improve product reliability.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Optical Test Engineer?

As an Optical Test Engineer, your daily tasks often include setting up and performing tests on optical components or systems, analyzing measurement data, troubleshooting issues, and preparing detailed reports. You’ll regularly work with advanced optical instruments to verify system performance and might collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to address technical challenges. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with industry standards are also important parts of the job. This role provides a dynamic mix of hands-on technical work and problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those interested in optics and precision engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Test Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical testing. Familiarity with optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrometers, and software like LabVIEW or MATLAB is highly valuable, and certifications in optics or quality assurance can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this field. Mastery of these technical and interpersonal skills ensures precise testing, reliable product quality, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

More about Optical Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Optical Test Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Test Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Test Engineer jobs are:
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Optical Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Test 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 $139,917 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
Optical Test Engineer II

Optical Test Engineer II

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA

$136K - $176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse, you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
  • Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft optomechanical components
  • Fully own key test assets and major test programs while collaborating with wide ranging teams across the company
  • Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to meet project technical and schedule objectives
  • Perform test setup, hardware inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed
  • Conduct test operations geared toward rapidly developing hardware for spaceflight
  • Resolve technical issues with innovative and resourceful solutions 

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, optical, aerospace, electrical engineering or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in hardware development testing
  • Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis
  • Prior hands-on operational experience working with test facilities
  • Previously demonstrated ownership of test stand design and build-up
  • Able to identify and procure appropriate test equipment 
  • Proficient with data acquisition and control methods
  • Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working well in small teams

  • Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline
  • 4+ years of experience in hardware development testing
  • Demonstrated hardware testing experience with star trackers, cameras, lasers or other spacecraft optical components
  • Experience with Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or similar optical modeling tools
  • Familiarity with environmental qualification testing for flight hardware
  • Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology
  • Experience in a startup or agile development environment

Additional Requirements: 

  • Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed 

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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