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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs (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 ...

Optical/DWDM Network Engineer

$132K - $170K/yr

Skills Required Strong understanding of Optical DWDM Transport Equipment (Infinera DTNx, Alcatel/Nokia 1830, Ciena 6500, Waveserver) Experience supporting Dark Fiber, Waves, MPLS, DIA, IPVPN Raman ...

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Remote Optical Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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.

More about Remote Optical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Remote Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Remote Optical Engineer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Remote Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Remote Optical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Staff Electro-Optical Engineer - Mission Modeling

nLIGHT

Longmont, CO • On-site, Remote

$140K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Location:Longmont, CO (hybrid/onsite)
Experience: 7+ years of experience
Minimum Education: Master's Degree in Engineering, Science or related field. PhD is preferred.
Compensation: $140,000-$190,000 depending on experience.

Who We Are
nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is one of the nation's leading developers of Directed Energy systems, which is a top modernization priority of the Department of Defense. Our High Energy Laser (HEL) systems, Adaptive Optical (AO) systems, and Acquisition / Pointing / Tracking (APT) solutions are designed to overcome the most difficult challenges facing the deployment of high energy laser solutions to the United States military and our allies. Located in Longmont, Colorado, nLIGHT-DEFENSE Systems, Inc. is a vertically integrated business that leverages internal capabilities - from semiconductor device through target identification - to develop systems that are both high-performance and cost-effective. We continue to invest in capabilities, facilities and technology to bring leading edge HEL solutions to the warfighter. This is a great opportunity to work at a company that is on the leading edge of the HEL industry and provides a culture of excellence and commitment to delivering solutions to the warfighter and our country.

Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).

Summary:
Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers in the Mission Modeling group at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the connection between customer mission and system architecture over the full life of programs, from initial concept development to deployment in field. As a member of the Mission Modeling team, you will perform modeling and simulation of directed energy and other laser systems to inform architecture trades and drive key system performance requirements. As systems are integrated and tested, you will process and analyze data to validate compliance against key requirements and assess impact to system performance when fielded. As systems are field tested, you will evaluate performance against predictions to anchor models and support system troubleshooting/optimization.

The ideal candidate will be able to effectively work across multiple discipline groups to develop a comprehensive understanding of the system architecture and operation, develop representative models at appropriate levels of detail, and critically examine results for accuracy and realism. If you want a career progression opportunity that leads from technical leadership to ultimately a technical program or system architect role, delivering complete EO systems to customers, then we are the right place for you.


All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance.Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at:https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/.Please review this information before applying.


Responsibilities:

  • Develop, maintain, and exercise laser system performance modeling and analysis tools in support of multiple programs.
  • Engage with customer technical teams as a system architecture and performance technical expert.
  • Support proposal efforts and early program execution via development and evaluation of novel system architecture concepts.
  • Identify key assembly/sub-system/system performance parameters required to provide anchored predictions of system field performance; inform and review complex test setups to measure said key parameters; process and analyze resulting data and incorporate into system models.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams across all disciplines to understand sub-system/assembly design trades and connection to system performance.
  • Support Systems Engineering team in developing anchored, traceable system and sub-system performance requirements.
  • Provide on-site and remote technical leadership during field tests, including troubleshooting, data analysis, and real-time decision-making.
  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation plans in coordination with program management.

Required Experience / Capability:

  • Commitment to Excellence. Attention to Detail. Pride in Workmanship.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic environment and maintain composure and strong working relationships under pressure.
  • Ability to communicate complex concepts to internal and external stakeholders/customers in clear and concise manner, and ability to lead detailed technical discussions with customer technical experts.
  • Ability to independently plan, prioritize, and execute work with minimal oversight, meeting mid- to long-term program milestones.
  • Advanced problem-solving capability, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple technical disciplines to reach sound engineering decisions.
  • Expertise in multiple of the following areas: physics-based modeling and simulation, wave optics propagation, Fourier optics, beam control and adaptive optics, radiometry of active and passive imaging systems, direct detect and coherent detect lidar, light-matter interaction, statistical analysis, systems analysis, mission analysis, and experimental work with laser systems.
  • Expertise in MATLAB, Python, and/or C/C++/C# and ability to collaboratively develop advanced modeling tools.
  • Author, review, and approve technical reports, test plans, procedures, and customer-facing documentation.
  • Experience mentoring engineers and technicians and providing technical direction across disciplines.

Additional Desired Experience / Capability:

  • Experience in Adaptive Optics (AO) Systems and/or High Energy Laser systems.
  • System-level understanding of electro-optical architecture and interface management.
  • Experience in thermal management systems and thermal performance trade-offs.
  • Experience in power storage and distribution systems and performance trade-offs.
  • STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical performance).
  • Experience in vibration test, analysis, and isolation methods, particularly jitter analysis for opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experience in finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of vibration and thermal effects.
  • Experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis.
  • Exposure to MILSTD810 design, analysis, and/or qualification testing.

Benefits Summary:

  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 11 paid Holidays
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Health (ACA Gold Plan), Vision and Dental Care paid by employer 100% for Employee and 75% for Dependents
  • Paid Family Leave, Short and Long Term Disability paid by employer 100%
  • Competitive 401k with company match and immediate vesting

Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster:Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources atHR@nlightdefense.com.

Employment Type: Full-Time Regular