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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

NUCLEAR ENGINEER

Bremerton, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $149K/yr

... remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

Computer Vision Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$160K - $275K/yr

... from optical imagery. RESPONSIBILITIES & FOCUS AREAS * Building the components of a ... Experience with high-res aerial/remote sensing imagery and LiDAR * Experience with self-supervised ...

Overview We are seeking a Senior I&C Engineer - Remote. This remote position is based out of our Oak Ridge, TN office. Your role * This role requires a senior engineering professional responsible for ...

Remote (must reside in (WA, OR, ID, OH, SC, TX, FL, IL, NC) Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are seeking a Sr. Databricks AI/ML Engineer with deep expertise in building AI applications ...

Remote (must reside in (WA, OR, ID, OH, SC, TX, FL, IL, NC) Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are seeking a Sr. Databricks AI/ML Engineer with deep expertise in building AI applications ...

Senior Bridge Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$118K - $163K/yr

Remote opportunities may be available for the right candidate. At Horrocks, we believe the best ... As a Senior Bridge Engineer, you will support the engineering design of structures. You will ...

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Showing results 1-20

Remote Optical Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$94.5K

$163.4K

$191.8K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical engineer in Seattle, WA is $163,433.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,800.00 and $190,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Remote Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Remote Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $163,433 per year, or $78.6 per hour.

Senior Optical Research Engineer

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 25%, domestic
Job ID:
 1608

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Optical Research Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing quantum networking experiments to help inform the development of new and novel quantum networking applications. The ideal candidate is well versed in both the theory and experimental aspects of quantum networking, and is comfortable leading projects from first principles to experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, simulate and test new and novel quantum networking applications.
  • Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.
  • Collaborate with the systems engineering team to translate quantum networking protocols and interconnects from the R&D stage to product.
  • Execute rigorous experimental validation of quantum networking protocols, including quantum communication, transduction and linking of different qubit modalities.
  • Derive system level requirements from experimental results, communicate and work with product and engineering teams to realize performance in real world systems.
  • Develop quantum networking metrologies, including overall network performance as well as individual optical components.

Requirements:

  •  5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.
  • Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink).
  • Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.
  • Willingness to lead and own complex quantum networking projects from start to finish, starting with initial concept design up to handing off to engineering/product teams.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong theoretical background in quantum optics and quantum information.

Preferred Qualifications:

  •  Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.
  • Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).
  • Experience with quantum transduction or frequency conversion.
  • Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.
  • Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).
  • PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.