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Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

OpenBinacle Group

$91.99 - $126.48/hr

Senior Research Scientist / Principal Investigator at a recognized research institute. Research and ... Optical Communications Engineering * Signal Processing * Embedded Systems Engineering * Robotics ...

FirstEnergy

Fiber Networks Specialist - IT Networks

Akron, OH · On-site

$78K - $79K/yr

Principal Tasks and Accountabilities * Support and manage the FirstEnergy Fiber Optic Network and ... Fiber engineering or design contractor. * Fiber installation or maintenance company. * Cable ...

FirstEnergy

Fiber Networks Specialist - IT Networks

Akron, OH · On-site

$78K - $79K/yr

Principal Tasks and Accountabilities * Support and manage the FirstEnergy Fiber Optic Network and ... Fiber engineering or design contractor. * Fiber installation or maintenance company. * Cable ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio

Principal Optical Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$70.4K

$140K

$202K

How much do principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal optical engineer in Ohio is $139,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $164,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal optical engineer?

A Principal Optical Engineer is a senior-level optical engineering professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing optical systems for various applications, such as telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or consumer electronics. They lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure system performance meets technical requirements. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers, conduct simulations and testing, and contribute to innovation in optical technologies. Their role requires expertise in optical design software, fabrication techniques, and a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles.

What does a principal optical engineer do?

As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will typically lead the design and development of advanced optical systems, such as imaging devices, laser modules, or photonic components. You may oversee project teams, coordinate interdisciplinary efforts with electrical and mechanical engineers, and provide technical direction for prototype and production phases. Regular responsibilities include conducting simulations, evaluating prototypes, resolving complex technical issues, and ensuring all solutions meet performance, safety, and cost requirements. This role often involves mentoring junior engineers and influencing long-term technology strategy within your organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a principal optical engineer?

Excelling as a Principal Optical Engineer requires deep expertise in optical design, photonic systems, and hands-on experience with lasers, imaging, and fiber optics, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics, optics, or engineering. Proficiency with optical simulation and CAD software (such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools), as well as familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help set professionals apart in this senior role. These competencies enable effective design, implementation, and leadership of complex optical projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and innovation within the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio?

For Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:

Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Optical Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,962 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Principal Digital Design Engineer- Ongoing Career Opportunity

Leonardo DRS

Beavercreek, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job ID: 112304
The Leonardo DRS Airborne and Intelligence Systems business is a global leader and strategic partner committed to delivering world-class, full life-cycle defense and intelligence products that protect the security of our nation and our allies. From air combat training to state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, our technology is deployed by virtually all U.S. military and government agencies around the world.
Job Responsibilities
  • Involved in FPGA Design, System Simulation, Synthesis, Resource and Power Utilization analysis, Place and Route, Timing analysis, Verification, and Integration activities. Generate and execute constraint driven synthesis and timing closure techniques.
  • May also be involved with design, build, and test of cutting-edge devices containing both digital and optical hardware. Contribute to digital hardware requirements analysis, definition, and management. Conduct functional analysis, performance analysis (e.g. signal integrity, power, etc.), interface analysis and definition for the design, integration, and verification of digital components, equipment, and systems.
  • Responsible for driving technology and completion of activity on time and budget
  • Design, develop, analyze, document and support testing of products, systems, or subsystems
  • Ability to complete a technical project independently
  • Mentor and coach other engineers.
  • Review customer specifications and requirements, and develop designs to best support them, including cost as a key design variable
  • Provide budget, cost, and schedule input for design assignments
  • Document component and subsystem specifications and material requirements
  • Analyze designs as necessary
  • Specify and evaluate supplier components, subsystems, and services
  • Support the program design to cost and design for manufacture requirements
  • Develop prototypes to retire key development risks
  • Communicate clearly (written and oral) with manufacturing, supply chain, program management and the customer as required
  • Participate heavily in preparation of the more complex and significant proposals
  • Provide technical expertise and assistance to other engineers and support personnel
  • Interact with technical management, other professionals, technicians, and support personnel to coordinate, recommend, and confer regarding technical activities and progress
  • Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization
  • Attend appropriate engineering, customer, or business meetings
  • Mentor and coach less-experienced engineers

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field with a minimum of 8 years of experience
  • Mastery of technologies and domain knowledge
  • Expected to have knowledge and significant experience in multiple engineering disciplines

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #AIS
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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