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Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 5

San Diego, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer II to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

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Principal Optical Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

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How much do principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal optical engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kinds of projects or responsibilities can I expect as a Principal Optical Engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Optical Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 is a Principal Optical Engineer job?

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.

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Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Arycs Technologies, Inc.

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description


About Arycs technology
At Arycs Technology, we believe AI infrastructure must scale within realistic power and integration limits. Our systems are engineered for deployment in real networks — not theoretical environments. We prioritize architectural efficiency over hardware multiplication, enabling capacity growth through technology innovation rather than system complexity. Performance and energy efficiency are not trade-offs; they are co-designed outcomes.
Headquartered in Los Gatos, California, with operations in Cleveland, Ohio and Maynard, Massachusetts, Arycs Technologies operates at the intersection of silicon photonics, coherent DSP, and scalable semiconductor manufacturing.
Our geographic presence supports both technology innovation and commercial execution, positioning Arycs Technologies as a key contributor to the advancement and broader adoption of coherent optical technologies.
 

About the Role

As Principal Optical Systems Engineer, you will perform optical system characterization and optimization, leading to product qualification, validation, and field deployment. The position will investigate and develop techniques used in product calibration and control to enhance the overall product performance and reliability of our coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in coherent optical system analysis and possess the ability to lead customer product trials and troubleshoot complex coherent system issues. The position will collaborate cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and software design teams to drive innovation and ensure product excellence.

The Principal Optical Systems Engineer role may, from time to time, need to provide direction to others to accommodate a group effort to efficiently complete the functions above.

Key Responsibilities

System Test & Validation:

  • Lead system-level testing of coherent pluggable transceivers and optical engines.
  • Develop and execute test plans for optical performance, OSNR/ROSNR analysis, and fiber impairments.
  • Perform stress testing, stability & repeatability analysis, and firmware validation.
  • Automate test scripts using Python to optimize testing efficiency.

Customer Trials & Field Support:

  • Plan, execute, and document customer product trials.
  • Analyze customer requirements and oversee trial execution in lab and field environments.
  • Prepare final trial reports and present findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Escalation & Troubleshooting:

  • Lead complex customer escalations, working with cross-functional teams to debug and resolve network issues.
  • Develop technical documentation, including technical notes for internal and customer use.

Product Development:

  • Contribute to the development of coherent pluggable technology, reviewing PRD, SRD, and design phases.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years of experience in optical system testing, validation, and troubleshooting.
  • Expertise in coherent optical transceivers and fiber transmission impairments.
  • Proficiency with pluggable transceivers and industry standards (OIF/MSA).
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment: OSA, power meters, OTDR, CD/PMD analyzers, traffic testers.
  • Python scripting experience for test automation and data analysis.
  • Proven track record of leading customer trials, product escalations, and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to present technical findings to customers and stakeholders.

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