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Physical Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Strong grounding in physical optics and Gaussian beam propagation, with hands‑on experience in optical metrology (flatness, roughness, wavefront and beam quality), sensitivity analysis, and error ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Optical Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$85 - $134/hr

Experience working with geometrical and physical optics, radiometry and lens design * Understanding of optical design and tolerance analysis * Deep understanding of stray light analysis and non ...

New

Apple Inc.

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181.90 - $245.10/hr

Zemax, LightTools, etc.), and/or physical optics (e.g. FDTD, RCWA, etc.) * Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently across a range of technical subject areas with a broad slate of partners ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Mount Olive, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

... optics, physical optics, and optical instrumentation * Hands-on experience with optical laboratory testing, alignment, or characterization (academic, internship, or industry experience) * Familiarity ...

New

Corning

Optical Design Engineer

Fairport, NY

$112K - $155K/yr

Solid background in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra) and in geometrical and physical optics, to be equipped to work with proprietary or novel performance metrics for our most challenging ...

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Physical Optics information

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How much do physical optics jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for physical optics in the United States is $31.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $42.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is physical optics?

Physical optics is a branch of optics that studies the wave nature of light, focusing on phenomena such as interference, diffraction, polarization, and the propagation of light in various media. Unlike geometric optics, which treats light as rays, physical optics considers light as electromagnetic waves, which helps explain effects that cannot be described by simple ray models. This field is essential for understanding how light interacts with objects at scales comparable to its wavelength, and is widely applied in technologies such as lasers, fiber optics, and optical instruments.

What are some typical projects or tasks a professional in physical optics might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Professionals in physical optics frequently collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and material scientists on projects such as developing optical sensors, imaging systems, or laser-based devices. Daily responsibilities may include designing and simulating optical components, conducting experiments to test prototypes, and interpreting data to refine system performance. Working in a multidisciplinary team environment often requires effective communication to align optical design with system requirements, troubleshoot integration issues, and contribute to innovative solutions. This collaborative setting not only enhances technical skills but also opens opportunities for career growth in areas like project management or advanced research roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physical optics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physical Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in physics, optical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and laboratory measurement equipment is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure precise analysis, innovative solution development, and successful collaboration on complex optical projects.

What is the difference between Physical Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhysical OpticsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, optics, or engineering; certifications are optionalRequires a degree in optical engineering, physics, or related field; professional certifications may enhance prospects
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or academic settings focusing on wave phenomenaDesign, develop, and test optical systems in labs or industrial environments
Industry UsageUsed in research, development, and manufacturing of optical components and systemsApplied in designing lenses, lasers, imaging systems, and optical devices

Physical Optics and Optical Engineer roles overlap in optics principles but differ in focus. Physical Optics emphasizes wave phenomena and fundamental research, while Optical Engineers focus on designing and implementing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but their applications and work environments vary.

More about Physical Optics jobs

What job categories do people searching Physical Optics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Physical Optics jobs are:

Physical Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Physical Optics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,772 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer - Biophotonics

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, smart people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our commitment to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the unrivaled and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and inspire millions of Apple’s customers every single day.
Description
In this Optical Design Engineer role, you will leverage your experience in designing and tolerancing optical systems to lead efforts to design and manufacture ultra-compact, high-precision micro-optical systems. You will start out with novel optics design concepts and turn them into optical systems optimized for mass production.","responsibilities":"Design, simulate, and analyze complex, ultra-compact free-space optical systems
Utilize your skills in optical design and simulation to propose optics designs, tolerance budgets, as well as testing and qualification approaches and methods
Contribute to the design, implementation, and test of novel technology prove-of-concept devices and prototypes
Work in a team and contribute to the development of next generation optics and photonics devices
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of relevant industry experience
MS or PhD degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related field
Familiarity with the design, simulation, optimization, sensitivity and tolerance analysis of complex free space optical systems, with a preference for high-precision micro-optical system design experience
Experience designing incoherent and coherent optical systems
Experience with the design of optics systems for sensing or metrology applications.
Experience designing optics for manufacturability and specifying optical components for manufacturing
Experience in one or more of the following areas: stray light analysis, physical optics, or coherent optical effects
The ability to work well in an interdisciplinary team environment
Minimum Qualifications
BS degree in Optics, Physics, EE or a related field
Experience with at least one commercial optics simulation tools, such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent
Programming experience using MATLAB, Python, C, or similar tools
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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