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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

KLA Corporation

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

Orbotech

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

KLA-Belgium

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$76.30 - $129.70/hr

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

Kla

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

KLA Corporation

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

Eaton

Electronics Engineer Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$122K - $179K/yr

... optical (EO) sensors, and other related electronic components. As a senior technical authority, the incumbent focuses on new product development and sustaining engineering, guiding projects from ...

Corning

... Optical Communications.This role is part of our Digital & IT organization and is focused on leading ... Guide AI Engineers and Senior AI Engineers across multiple AI initiatives, helping ensure quality ...

Corning

$93K - $122K/yr

We are looking for a technical leader who can help guide AI Engineers and Senior AI Engineers while ... Optical Communications. -Exposure to modern AI technologies, LLM applications, AI agents, chatbot ...

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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 4, 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. Systems Engineer (Sensors - Humanoid Robotics)

Schaeffler

Troy, MI • On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Schaeffler rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

294th of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company and its success has been a result of its entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities.
Your Key Responsibilities
We are seeking a Senior Sensor Engineer to lead the development, selection, qualification, and continuous improvement of position, force, and torque sensing solutions for high-performance humanoid robot actuators. This role owns both internal sensor technology development and external supplier engagement, ensuring sensing systems meet the demanding requirements of precision motion control, high reliability, low latency, and compact packaging in multi-degree-of-freedom humanoid platforms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive the technical roadmap for position, force, and torque sensing technologies used in joint actuators (including rotary and linear configurations).
  • Lead internal development of sensing solutions (magnetic, inductive, capacitive, strain-gauge/thin-film, and hybrid approaches) from concept through validation and production readiness.
  • Manage external supplier selection, technical evaluation, development partnerships, and performance qualification for commercial and custom sensors.
  • Define sensor requirements (accuracy, resolution, bandwidth, noise, thermal stability, EMI immunity, size, power, and interface) in close collaboration with actuator, control, and systems engineering teams.
  • Oversee characterization, calibration methods, and compensation algorithms for position, force, and torque sensors under real actuator operating conditions (temperature, vibration, dynamic loading, and electromagnetic environments).
  • Evaluate and mitigate sensing-related risks including drift, hysteresis, crosstalk, saturation, and long-term reliability.
  • Support integration of sensor data into actuator control loops (FOC, impedance/admittance control, torque control, and state estimation).
  • Conduct technical reviews of supplier designs, processes, and quality systems; drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
  • Generate and maintain technical specifications, test plans, validation reports, and design documentation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and serve as the primary technical authority on sensing for humanoid actuator programs.

Your Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in precision sensing technologies, with significant exposure to position, force, and/or torque measurement in mechatronic or robotic systems.
  • Demonstrated experience developing or qualifying sensors for high-performance motion systems (robotics, aerospace, industrial automation, or medical devices).
  • Strong understanding of sensor physics and signal conditioning for magnetic, optical, capacitive, and strain-based sensing modalities.
  • Experience working with external suppliers on custom or semi-custom sensor development, including technical negotiations, design reviews, and production readiness.
  • Familiarity with actuator architectures (motors, harmonic/strain-wave or planetary gearing, and integrated electronics).
  • Hands-on experience with sensor characterization, calibration, and environmental testing.
  • Excellent technical communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional and supplier teams.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with sensing in humanoid or collaborative robots, or other high-DOF systems with tight packaging constraints.
  • Knowledge of torque and force sensing techniques suitable for series-elastic or quasi-direct-drive actuators.
  • Familiarity with real-time control interfaces, sensor fusion, and estimation techniques (e.g., observers, Kalman filtering) used in advanced motion control.
  • Experience with functional safety, reliability analysis (FMEDA, DFMEA), or automotive/aerospace quality standards.
  • Prior work involving EMI/EMC considerations for sensors collocated with high-power motor drives.

Our Offering
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and 401k eligible with up to 6% company match
  • Regular employee appreciation and company events
  • Please see all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits

As a global company with employees around the world, it is important to us that we treat each other with respect and value all ideas and perspectives. By appreciating our differences, we inspire creativity and drive innovation. In this way, we contribute to sustainable value creation for our stakeholders and society as a whole. Together, we advance how the world moves.
Exciting assignments and outstanding development opportunities await you because we impact the future with innovation. We look forward to your application.
https://www.schaeffler.us/careers/
Your contact
Schaeffler Humanoids USA, LLC
Kenneth R Cummings
Schaeffler is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal employment opportunities and consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Keywords: Research & Development; Research & Development

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