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Senior Level Optical Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. * 5+ years of experience in optical system design (or equivalent PhD research experience). * Strong knowledge of Zemax (or similar optical ...

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

... PhD. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or ... Work with Systems Engineering to perform system level design and decomposition into optical system ...

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

New York, NY ยท On-site

$117K - $153K/yr

... PhD. Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; or ... Work with Systems Engineering to perform system level design and decomposition into optical system ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Portsmouth, NH ยท On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... Generate content and present to senior level management, program managers, and the customer.

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution ... Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline * Proficiency with optical analysis ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH ยท On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems ... Generate content and present to senior level management, program managers, and the customer.

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA ยท On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

PhD degree preferred. * Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers ... Starting pay and level depend on qualifications: * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 * Senior ...

PhD degree preferred. * Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers ... Starting pay and level depend on qualifications: * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 * Senior ...

PhD degree preferred. * Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers ... Starting pay and level depend on qualifications: * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 * Senior ...

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

... level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience ... Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems ...

PhD degree preferred. * Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers ... Starting pay and level depend on qualifications: * Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000 * Senior ...

... level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience ... Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems ...

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution ... Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline * Proficiency with optical analysis ...

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA ยท On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution ... Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline * Proficiency with optical analysis ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA ยท On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

You have * MS or PhD degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or ... Hands-on experience with system-level optical communication hardware and components. * Proficiency ...

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Senior Level Optical Engineer Phd information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior level optical engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior level optical engineer phd in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Level Optical Engineer Phd vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Level Optical Engineer PhdOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsPhD in optics, physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in optical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, advanced development teamsDesign, integration, and testing of optical systems in industry settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, high-tech companies, aerospace, defenseConsumer electronics, telecommunications, medical devices

Senior Level Optical Engineer Phd roles typically involve advanced research, development, and innovation, leveraging deep theoretical knowledge. Optical Systems Engineers focus more on practical design, implementation, and testing of optical systems. Both roles may overlap in industry but differ mainly in their focus on research versus application.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Senior Level Optical Engineer PhD, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Senior Level Optical Engineers with a PhD often encounter complex challenges, such as designing cutting-edge optical systems within tight specifications, leading multidisciplinary teams, and troubleshooting advanced technical issues. Staying current with the latest research and simulation tools, as well as honing project management and communication skills, can be vital to success. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic environment where collaboration with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers is essential, and where mentoring junior team members is often a key responsibility.

What does a Senior Level Optical Engineer with a PhD do?

A Senior Level Optical Engineer with a PhD designs, develops, and tests advanced optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They lead research and development projects, analyze complex optical phenomena, and use simulation tools to optimize system performance. Additionally, they often mentor junior engineers, publish research, and contribute to strategic decisions in product development, especially in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and biomedical devices.

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

To thrive as a Senior Level Optical Engineer PhD, you need deep expertise in optical physics, lens design, and photonics, supported by a doctoral degree in optics or a related discipline. Mastery of optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project leadership, and excellent communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for advancing complex optical systems, leading innovation, and ensuring project success in cutting-edge technology environments.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Intellectt INC

Princeton, NJ โ€ข On-site

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Role: Optical Designer
Location: Princeton, NJ โ€“ 8540(Onsite)
Duration: 12 Months
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, model, and optimize optical systems for imaging and microscopy.

  • Perform detailedย optical and mechanical tolerance analysesย and simulations.

  • Build and testย microscopy systems using off-the-shelf (OTS) components.

  • Conduct absorption and fluorescence measurements using photometric tools.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors.

  • Create technical documentation, reports, and design reviews.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.

  • 5+ years of experienceย in optical system design (or equivalent PhD research experience).

  • Strong knowledge ofย Zemax (or similar optical design tools).

  • Hands-on experience withย tolerance stack-up,ย optical simulations, andย system integration.

  • Familiarity withย Python,ย MATLAB, andย CAD softwareย (e.g., SolidWorks).

  • Experience withย microscopy imaging,ย interference, andย optical alignment.

ย