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Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Hands-on experience with room-temperature optical test setups Preferred Qualifications: * 5+ years ... Strong programming skills for data analysis and experimental automation software, and experience ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Test Setup Engineer

Boston, MA

$110K - $144K/yr

As a Senior Optical Test Setup Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Test Technician

Keene, NH · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

The candidate will also be responsible to help develop test methods and procedures to characterize ... QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 1. Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related field 2. Basic ...

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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
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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.
Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

IonQ

Boston, MA • On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Other

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Location: This role will be based on-site at our Boston, MA office. 
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID: 1632 

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Photonics Test Engineer to join our Quantum Interconnect Division. As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems. In this role, you will be responsible for the characterization and test development of on-chip photonic devices. The ideal candidate is someone who is a detail-oriented problem solver with strong teamwork skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, upgrade, and expand the testing infrastructure for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices and components (passive and active) at chip and wafer level scale, utilizing both room-temperature and cryogenic setups.
  • Develop and perform robust testing procedures for component-level characterization.
  • Automate the test pipeline, including instrument setup, data acquisition, and analysis, while maintaining high-quality, scalable, and well-tested scripts.
  • Conduct characterization using room-temperature and cryogenic setups and provide data-driven feedback to design engineers to improve component performance.
  • Collaborate with design, packaging, and system teams to optimize testing features and develop a library of testing structures for platform improvement.

Requirements:

  • 3+ years of professional experience in the hands-on characterization of PIC devices or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Master or Ph.D. in engineering or related field/discipline or equivalent practical experience.
  • Programming experience in a general-purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.) for test automation.
  • Experience with test instrumentation and methods for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices.
  • Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills.
  • Hands-on experience with room-temperature optical test setups

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of design and characterization experience of classical integrated photonics devices.
  • 3+ years of industry experience.
  • Familiarity with free-space optics and imaging systems.
  • Hands-on experience with cryogenic optical test setups.
  • Experience working with laser sources and fiber components.
  • Strong programming skills for data analysis and experimental automation software, and experience with version control systems such as git.
  • Familiarity with fabrication processes and design constraints for PICs.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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