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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer (Remote)

Dayton, OH · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

. Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our ... We are seeking to hire a laser communications engineer (Engineering Specialist) to join the Optical ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in Mountain View, CA or Remote, developing infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self ...

$141K - $182K/yr

Position Description The Quantum Optical Engineer will contribute to the design, development, testing, and optimization of QCi's advanced remote sensing and secure communication systems. This role ...

Optical Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Optical Network Engineer III W2 Only - No Sponsorship Offered Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Optical Network Engineer III to join our team. This role is responsible for ...

Enterprise Optical Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy ...

Enterprise Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site +1

$127K - $165K/yr

Achieving our strategic intent will require best in class optical design engineering expertise in support of our customers and their mission critical, innovative needs. In support of this strategy ...

Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$132K - $171K/yr

TS/SCI with Poly Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a senior Multi-Disciplinary Optical Engineer to join the Space and Intelligence Business Group. You would work ...

Optical Engineer III

$85K - $134K/yr

The Optical Engineer III will help monitor the network and troubleshoot network issues, and ensure we are able to provide guaranteed performance and capacity to our products. Scope: * Resolves a wide ...

Optics Engineer

Westford, MA · On-site +1

$134K - $173K/yr

Thin Film Engineers will be exposed to optical coating design, generation of detailed manufacturing plans and maintenance of existing PVD processes. Ideal candidates must possess strong technical ...

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Remote Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote optical engineer?

A Remote Optical Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests optical systems and components while working from a remote location. They may be involved in developing lenses, fiber optics, laser systems, or imaging technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, or aerospace. Using simulations and modeling software, they optimize optical performance and troubleshoot design challenges. Collaboration with teams happens virtually, requiring strong communication skills. This role often demands expertise in optics, photonics, and related engineering principles.

What projects or challenges does a remote optical engineer typically work on?

As a Remote Optical Engineer, you may work on projects ranging from designing lenses or laser systems to optimizing fiber optic communications or developing imaging devices. Common challenges include troubleshooting optical alignment remotely, accurately simulating system performance, and ensuring close collaboration with mechanical and electrical engineering teams across different time zones. The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and navigate virtual project management tools is essential for success. These diverse projects offer opportunities to innovate, enhance your technical skills, and contribute to cutting-edge technologies from anywhere.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote optical engineer?

To excel as a Remote Optical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optics, photonics, and optical system design, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as Zemax or LightTools, CAD software, and possibly certifications in optical engineering or fiber optics is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, effective communication, and self-motivation are key soft skills, especially when working remotely. These skills are vital for delivering precise optical solutions, collaborating efficiently across virtual teams, and managing projects independently.

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

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Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Engineer (Remote)

Dayton, OH • Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems.

  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout product development.


Job description

Position Overview 

Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense applications. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative optical solutions spanning imaging systems, laser-based systems, precision optics, and emerging photonic technologies. 

This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle from concept development and system architecture through prototype development, testing, and product transition while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to solve challenging optical system problems. 

Primary responsibilities are to be performed in Dayton, OH. May consider hybrid position for qualified candidates. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems. 
  • Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies. 
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization using industry-standard tools. 
  • Design and specify optical components and systems, including lens assemblies, beam expanders, fiber collimators, and illumination systems. 
  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing. 
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout product development. 
  • Support technology roadmap development, customer engagements, technical proposals, and intellectual property generation. 
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects. 

Required Qualifications 

  • B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical discipline. 
  • 3+ years of experience designing and developing advanced optical or electro-optical systems. 
  • Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, optical tolerancing, polarization, and imaging system performance. 
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent. 
  • Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization. 
  • Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools. 
  • Track record of excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary and hybrid teams. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable: 

  • Free-Space Optical Communications (FSOC) 
  • Laser systems and photonics 
  • Space-based or airborne optical systems 
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems 
  • Precision optical instrumentation 
  • Optical sensing and spectroscopy 
  • Fiber-optic systems 
  • Adaptive optics or beam control 
  • Optical coatings and advanced optical materials 
  • SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR optical systems 
  • Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics 
  • Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification 
  • Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications 
  • Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware 
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance 

What We Offer 

  • Competitive salary and equity participation 
  • Opportunity to develop next-generation optical technologies with real-world impact 
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment 
  • Technical leadership opportunities and significant system ownership 
  • Flexible work arrangements 
  • Professional development and career growth in a rapidly expanding deep-tech company 
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge commercial, aerospace, and defense optical systems