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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer & Sensors SME

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

... driven Senior Systems Engineer & Program Manager to join our team in direct support of NASA ... Optic (EO)/Infrared (IR) (e.g., Short-Wave, Mid-Wave, Long-Wave IR), LiDAR/LADAR, Multi-spectral ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Huntsville, AL

$128K - $164K/yr

In this role as a Senior FPGA Engineer , you will develop FPGA designs for all major vendors and ... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor ...

Senior FPGA Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$128K - $164K/yr

In this role as a Senior FPGA Engineer , you will develop FPGA designs for all major vendors and ... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor ...

Showing results 21-40

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 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,710 per year, or $55.1 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer with Security Clearance

KBR

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$106K - $138K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Senior Electrical Engineer Program Summary KBR's Missile, Aviation, and Ground Systems (MAGS) division delivers mission engineering solutions for critical U.S. Army programs, specializing in aviation and ground systems, integrated air and missile defense, and threat and target systems. As a trusted partner of the U.S. Department of War, MAGS provides innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance national security. With a global presence and a strong ethical framework, KBR ensures secure, effective, and mission-ready capabilities worldwide. Job Summary processing to support advanced engineering initiatives. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with ability to work independently and in teams contributing to system development and operating effectively in a mission-focused environment. The best candidate also possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to participate in discussions and meetings. Key Responsibilities * Design, KBR is seeking a skilled Electrical Engineer with strong background in network systems and signal analyze, and support electrical systems with a focus on networked systems and signal processing applications.
* Provide engineering analysis and design recommendations for processing, communications, and networking architectures.
* Review and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings to ensure accurate system development, integration and functionality. * Participate in system integration, verification, test execution, and validation activities throughout the development lifecycle.
* Work closely with systems, software, hardware, and integration engineering teams to ensure successful system implementation.
* Analyze and troubleshoot system-level issues, identifying root causes and developing corrective actions for resolving or mitigating system constraints.
* Produce technical reports, documentation packages, and presentation materials.
* Support program reviews, customer meetings, and technical discussions. Required Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET university.
* 10 years of professional experience with 7+ years of relevant electrical engineering experience.
* Strong background in the design, analysis, and application of electrical networks, communications systems, and signal processing solutions.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance.
* Ability to travel up to 10% in support of program and customer needs. Preferred Qualifications * Experience supporting defense or government programs.
* Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.
* Knowledge of MATLAB, Python, or similar tools.
* Ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering drawings.
* Ability to understand power and control systems design
* Knowledge of network infrastructure, hardware architecture, and server design, including:
* Network switch configuration, routing protocols, routing tables, and VLAN implementation
* Optical networking concepts, link budget analysis, RoCE, and link aggregation technologies
* Firewall management, port configuration, network security, encryption technologies, and cryptographic algorithms
* Compute and storage server architectures, including hardware design, integration, and performance considerations
* Working knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies, including Docker, Kubernetes, and similar platforms.
* Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and other Linux-based operating systems.
* Familiarity with RF communications systems and digital signal processing (DSP) concepts and applications.
* Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, security architectures, and cyber defense solutions.
* Experience supporting test and evaluation (T&E) activities in laboratory, developmental, or operational environments.
* Understanding of spectrum management principles and network communications architectures, including:
* Terrestrial fiber-optic networks
* Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communications
* Microwave communications links Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together. KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998