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Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer ...

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$148K - $204K/yr

D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

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

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Systems Engineer.In this position, you will plan, conceptualize, design, test, and ...

Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Systems Engineer. In this position, you will plan, conceptualize, design, test, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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.

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Infographic showing various Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Draper

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com . Job Description Summary: We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application. You will be responsible for architecting novel sensor technologies, driving technical maturation, and securing the funding required to bring these innovations to life. A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering. As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of engineers to turn complex concepts into market-ready solutions. Job Description: Duties/Responsibilities
• Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
• Develops, builds and tests systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies. • Interacts with device, hardware and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
• Develop and implement test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. • Provides multi-discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products or systems.
• Testing of new and existing designs and documentation of changes through a formal engineering change notification process. • Provide recommendations for cost reduction efforts. • Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in cyber security, able to plan, design, and execute large scale technical software and hardware solutions.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high-performance, real-time embedded firmware development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent mechanical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures. Education
Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. Masters or PhD degree preferred. Experience
10-15 years experience Optical Engineering experience or related field required. Additional Job Description: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance. Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration. Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563 The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00 Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits. Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers . Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact .