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Optics Engineer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$100 - $175/hr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state ...

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Acme Corporation

Optical Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$142K - $183K/yr

This optical engineer will be responsible for the design, tolerancing, manufacturing support, and testing design of systems. Will support product development and OEM business.

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

In this role, you will shape the development of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience. * 5+ years of ...

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

In this role, you will shape the development of emerging Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) and Co-Packaged ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent practical experience. * 5+ years of ...

Ciena

Senior Fiber Coupling Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

Ciena

Senior Fiber Coupling Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

Ciena's xPO Micro-Optics Team is driving the future of high-speed connectivity by developing ... Drive technical decision-making as a lead engineer on development projects. The must haves: * 5+ ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptics Engineer JobsOptics Engineer Jobs in New York

Optics Engineer information

See New York salary details

$90.8K

$157.1K

$184.3K

How much do optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics engineer in New York is $157,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $182,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optics engineers face when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Optics Engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields such as mechanical engineering, electronics, and software development. A common challenge is ensuring that optical specifications align with mechanical constraints and electronic system requirements, which may require frequent communication and compromise. Misunderstandings can arise due to differences in terminology or priorities, so effective cross-disciplinary communication is essential. Additionally, balancing project timelines and integrating feedback from various stakeholders can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

What is the difference between Optics Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptics EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; often requires experience in design and analysisAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field; focuses on assembly and testing
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesManufacturing floors, testing labs, assembly lines
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, research institutionsManufacturers, optical labs, repair facilities

Optics Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring advanced education and analytical skills. Optical Technicians primarily handle assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

What does an optics engineer do?

An Optics Engineer designs, tests, and improves devices and systems that use light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They apply principles of physics and engineering to develop technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. Their work involves research, computer modeling, prototyping, and working closely with other engineers to ensure optimal performance and efficiency of optical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optics engineer?

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure precise optical system design, innovation, and successful project execution in industries like telecommunications, defense, and medical devices.
What are popular job titles related to Optics Engineer jobs in New York? For Optics Engineer jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optics Engineer jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Optics Engineer jobs in New York are:
What are popular job titles related to Optics Engineer jobs in NY? For Optics Engineer jobs in NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Engineer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,115 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Sr Optical Engineer

Ametek

Denville, NJ

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optical Engineer based in Denville, NJ to support optical development for our Special Optics business. This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering.

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create optical designs and conduct tolerance analysis to customers' specifications and requirements.
  • Develop analysis tools and procedures for assembly testing processes.
  • Monitor fabrication and assembly to provide technical guidance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to improve processes.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to our customers.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light analysis preferred.
  • Proficiency with ZEMAX or CODE V and basic programming of macros.
  • Knowledge of lens characterization methodology and instrumentation; experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, MTF testing) preferred.
  • Drives to deliver consistent, high-quality results
  • Problem-solver who seeks opportunities to improve process
  • Understands and relates to customers
  • Organized, contentious and focused
  • Communicates, influences and collaborates across functions and levels

Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience. 

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

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