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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$105K - $137K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS ... Optical networking concepts, link budget analysis, RoCE, and link aggregation technologies

Senior Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS ... Optical networking concepts, link budget analysis, RoCE, and link aggregation technologies

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location : Huntsville, Alabama Job Type : Full Time About EO ... Support mechanical integration of optical, electrical, and controls subsystems * Develop detailed ...

Senior Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location : Huntsville, Alabama Job Type : Full Time About EO Solutions  ... Collaborate closely with systems, electrical, optical, and controls engineering teams * Support ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Location : Huntsville, Alabama About EO Solutions  EO Solutions is a ... Collaborate closely with optical, mechanical, software, systems, and manufacturing engineers

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$53.9K

$114.7K

$166.3K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Alabama is $114,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $130,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical product companies, research institutions, manufacturing

Senior Optical Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities, including leading projects and mentoring. Optical Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and scope of work.

Are senior optical engineers in high demand?

Senior optical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in designing, testing, and optimizing optical components and systems is critical, and strong skills in optics, photonics, and related software increase employability across various high-tech sectors.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a senior optical engineer within multidisciplinary teams?

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop and integrate optical systems into larger products. This role often involves working closely with project managers to align technical requirements and timelines, as well as coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes are feasible and scalable. Effective cross-functional communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key, as you may also contribute to design reviews and mentor junior engineers. These collaborations not only support project success but also provide valuable exposure to diverse technical perspectives, fostering ongoing professional growth.

What does a senior optical engineer do?

A Senior Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often work on projects involving fiber optics, sensors, and advanced photonics technologies. Senior Optical Engineers lead technical teams, troubleshoot complex optical issues, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate optical solutions into larger systems. Their expertise is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Optical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of optics, physics, and optical system design, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field and several years of industry experience. Expertise with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with relevant standards and certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top candidates apart, especially when leading teams or interfacing with clients. These skills ensure the development of innovative, precise optical solutions that meet technical and business objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama? For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,710 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist with Security Clearance

VALKYRIE ENTERPRISES, INC.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$123K - $159K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position: 
Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist
Location: 
Huntsville, AL
Job Id: 
4429
# of Openings: 
2 Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist Purpose: Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking a Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist * At Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL for weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning and analysis, which may include:  * Optical system requirements, design, development and analysis
* Scene projector optics and integration with seeker/sensor
* Laser and infrared radiometry and testing of cameras and sources.
* The ideal candidate will have experience in optical systems, optical engineering, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation.
* The successful candidate will play a role in expanding our technology solutions to customers and stakeholder satisfaction.
* Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems. Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors.
Job Description: * Provide optical engineering design, development, integration, test, verification and analysis expertise to activities for scene projection and weapon system integration and test.
* Serve as an optical engineering team member and coordinate with other optics subject matter experts (SMEs)
* Design and develop laser and optical solutions for testing with seekers/sensors
* Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems
* Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors
* Position requires comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex problems and provide solutions
* Collaborate continuously and mentor team members and others.
* Support the preparation of regular program status reports for senior leadership and government customers
* Identify and mitigate program risks while developing contingency plans
Qualifications: * Must have a BA/BS in optical engineering, physics or related area and at least 0-10 years of related experience.
* Must have the ability to conduct research and perform analysis on optical requirements and designs.
* Must have optical design software experience for optical system design and ray tracing.
* Must have higher level language programming (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization.
* Must have passion for solving problems and providing workable solutions.
* Must have strong analytical and reasoning skills and ability to visualize optical/laser systems.
* Must have all-round communication skills and ability to work individually and collaboratively.
* Must be self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail.
* Must have analytical and creative problem-solving abilities.
* Must have customer service orientation.
Desired Qualifications: * Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree or PhD in Optic Engineering,Physics and/or related degree, preferred.
* Experience with optical design, assembly, ray tracing and/or HWIL testing, preferred.
* Experience with HWIL equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, sources, sensors and/or optics, preferred.
* Experience in ZEMAX, Code V, OSLO, or equivalent software languages, preferred.
* Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs, preferred.
* Prefer an Active Secret clearance 
Security Requirements: * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Travel Requirements: * None to occasional travel; 10-25% or less
* If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id).
Physical Requirements: * Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods
* Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time
* Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another
* Communicating with others to exchange information
* Light work that includes moving objects up to 25 pounds
 
Pre-Employment Requirements: Any offer of employment with Valkyrie Enterprises is contingent upon the successful completion of all applicable pre-employment requirements. Depending on the position, these may include a criminal background investigation, employment and education verification, pre-employment drug screening, driving record review, security clearance eligibility, government installation access, and any other customer or contract-specific requirements. Failure to successfully meet any required pre-employment condition may result in the withdrawal of the contingent offer of employment. Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrie’s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to eligible employees to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) Apply for this Position