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Senior Electro Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

Applied Physics

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO · On-site

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

nLIGHT

Sr. Electro-Optical Engineer

Longmont, CO

$170K - $210K/yr

Electro-Optical (EO) Engineers at nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, Inc. are the engine of execution. As a Senior EO Engineer, you are expected to serve as a technical authority and execution leader, not only ...

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All JobsSenior Electro Optical Engineer Jobs

Senior Electro Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$67.5K

$124.7K

$169K

How much do senior electro optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior electro optical engineer in the United States is $124,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and electronics, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Expertise in optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are essential, along with certifications like Certified Optical Engineer (COE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly set top performers apart. These skills ensure the effective design, analysis, and implementation of advanced optical systems critical for innovation and product quality.

What does a Senior Electro Optical Engineer do?

A Senior Electro Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical and electro-optical systems such as lasers, sensors, and imaging devices. They work on projects involving the integration of electronics and optics to create advanced technologies for industries like defense, telecommunications, and medical devices. Their responsibilities also include overseeing prototypes, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet technical specifications and regulatory standards.

How does a Senior Electro Optical Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key part of the role. You will work closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to integrate optical components into larger systems, ensuring that all design aspects meet performance and manufacturing requirements. Regular meetings, design reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are common, and your expertise is often called upon to resolve complex technical challenges. This collaborative environment fosters learning and innovation while requiring strong communication skills and the ability to bridge gaps between different engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Senior Electro Optical Engineer vs Electro Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Electro Optical EngineerElectro Optical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense
Employer & Industry UsageTypically in advanced R&D roles, leading projectsDesign, develop, and test electro-optical systems

The main difference between a Senior Electro Optical Engineer and an Electro Optical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior roles often involve project leadership and advanced problem-solving, while Electro Optical Engineers focus on design and development tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in comparable environments, but senior positions demand more experience and leadership skills.

More about Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Electro Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs are:
Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Electro Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,724 per year, or $60 per hour.
Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

Applied Physics

New York, NY

$117K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Applied Physics is seeking a highly motivated Senior Electro-Optical Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the development, design, and testing of optical systems for space-based applications. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field and 5 or more years of professional experience, a Master's degree and 3 or more years of experience, or a related PhD.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience fabricating, designing, or fielding tactical or space-based optical systems and relevant performance parameters
  • Experience with integration, test, characterization, and/or verification of optical systems
  • Active Top Secret security clearance or equivalent

Requirements

  • Lead a small optical engineering team as the Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) for the build and test of prototype or high TRL optical sensor hardware
  • Perform optical analysis to determine ability of designed optical systems to meet specifications
  • Work with Systems Engineering to perform system level design and decomposition into optical system requirements
  • Participate in studies and system trades for enhanced capabilities
  • Lead development of materials for program technical reviews and present data throughout the product development and maturation processes
  • Procure optical components to specification to meet performance goals
  • Lead development of build documents, hardware assembly, integration, test planning, and test execution of optical systems
  • Report progress periodically to program leadership and external customers and clients
  • Support spacecraft integration within a program coordinating across multiple disciplines to ensure requirements verification
  • Participate in failure investigations and anomaly resolution boards
  • Work with Certified Principal Engineers (CPEs), Responsible System Engineers (RSEs), designers, and test engineers to ensure smooth integration at the system level
  • Demonstrate effective verbal communication, develop concise and professional technical presentations, and deliver briefings to peers, leadership, and customers

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible work hours, and opportunities for growth and career development. Join our dynamic and passionate team and help us make a positive impact on the world.

If you are a talented, motivated, and empathetic individual who shares our passion for making a difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to work with our team at Applied Physics. Applied Physics is an equal opportunity employer.

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