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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI

$130K - $194K/yr

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... We are seeking a Senior or Principal Program Manager to lead and manage programs or projects ...

ARKA Group

Software Engineer {S}

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels, from entry level to senior level for this ... Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate ...

ARKA Group

Software Engineer {S}

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels, from entry level to senior level for this ... Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$51.9K

$110.3K

$159.9K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Michigan is $110,306.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $125,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,306 per year, or $53 per hour.

Sr Research Engineer-RF

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.
This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR WORK!
Responsibilities
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz) with minimal oversight
  • Development of marketing and proposal material for new RF systems for government and commercial clients
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections

Qualifications
  • Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience. Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with RF system design and modeling, including: radar sensitivity and resolution, RF link budgets.
  • Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks, including: development of schedules and budgets, resource allocation, and dependencies.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal sources
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:
  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems, including: system and subsystem requirements generation, system specification, and trade studies
  • Experience maturing prototype designs (TRL 4-6) to operational systems (TRL 7-9)
  • Experience with business development and proposal writing
  • RF printed circuit board design and debug. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • Experience with Matlab and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: $130,760-$194,505. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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