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Optics Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Quantinuum

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Guide and coordinate optical R&D efforts from concept to production release for multi-year projects ... D. or Masters in Optics, Applied Physics, or a related field * 6+ years' experience with optical ...

4406

Research Scientist, Optics, Levi Lab

Dallas, TX · On-site

... skin research Experience with optical imaging Experience with histology pipeline from tissue harvest to embedding, sectioning, staining, and confocal microscopy. Excellent written and oral ...

Tamus

Research Engineer III

Bryan, TX · On-site

Job Title Research Engineer III Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department Bush Combat ... ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO), and National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory ...

Aerodyne Industries

SR PROJECT STAFF ENGINEER

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$225K - $300K/yr

Minimum 30 years of progressive, highly specialized experience in active and adaptive optics research, wavefront science, and telescope performance optimization * Demonstrated hands-on experience and ...

QCi

$126K/yr

Technology, R&D Reports to: CTO About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... Position Description We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics to join our ...

QCi

Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics

Hoboken, NJ · On-site

$126K/yr

Technology, R&D Reports to: CTO About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... Position Description We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantum Optics to join our ...

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How much do optics research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics research in the United States is $80,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optics Research job?

An Optics Research job involves studying the behavior of light and its interactions with materials to develop new technologies and applications. Researchers in this field work on designing optical systems, improving imaging techniques, and developing laser technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. They often conduct experiments, analyze data, and collaborate with engineers and scientists to advance optical innovations.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily activities of someone working in Optics Research?

Professionals in Optics Research are commonly engaged in designing and conducting experiments to investigate the behavior of light and optical materials. Daily activities may include configuring laboratory equipment, running simulations, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as engineers and product designers. Researchers often document their findings for reports or publications and may also contribute to the development of new optical devices or technologies. The role blends independent lab work with teamwork and offers opportunities to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, or imaging systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optics Research position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Optics Research role, a strong background in physics, optical engineering, or a related field is essential, often accompanied by an advanced degree. Hands-on experience with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory instrumentation, and familiarity with data analysis tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top candidates. These competencies are vital for driving innovation, ensuring precise experimentation, and clearly presenting research findings within multidisciplinary teams.

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Optics Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,542 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Personnel Manager for a team of engineers and scientists whose charter is to conceptualize and execute optical system development, assembly tooling, and metasurface/diffractive fabrication for quantum computer systems
  • Collaborate with technical staff on developing photonic roadmaps, technology development, and advanced R&D activities
  • Guide and coordinate optical R&D efforts from concept to production release for multi-year projects
  • Plan and nurture career development of direct-reporting engineers/scientists through mentoring, coaching, and training
  • Implement best practices and behaviors in an R&D environment to ensure quality and requirements are met
  • Identify key technologies, innovations, infrastructure, and resources needed to improve optical development capabilities to meet business needs
  • Lead in recruiting and retaining high performing technical staff

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's Degree minimum
  • Minimum 8 years' of industry experience developing optical systems from concept to production
  • Minimum 3 years' experience managing technical teams
  • Experience with optical projects from concept to production
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Ph.D. or Masters in Optics, Applied Physics, or a related field
  • 6+ years' experience with optical alignment, assembly, and testing practices and tools
  • 4+ years' experience with optical alignment and testing of micro-optic and fiber optic systems
  • Experience managing teams across geographic locations
  • Experience with metasurface design and fabrication processes
  • Experience implementing prototype optical tooling and processes and transitioning them into production ready solutions
  • Experience executing engineering trade studies
  • Experience working with wavelengths from UV to Infrared
  • Experience with optical modeling software (Zemax, Code V, LighTools, FRED) a plus
  • Experience with CAD software a plus

$180,000 - $225,000 a year
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company's quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum's over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What's in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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