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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traffic Engineer

Lincoln, NE ยท On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

Senior SCADA Engineer, EPC (Remote)

Lincoln, NE ยท On-site

$125 - $166/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior SCADA Engineer, EPC will lead and execute SCADA and PPC engineering workstreams for the ... Fiber Optics, Serial RS-232 / RS-485, and Ethernet TCP/IP.Advanced working knowledge of industrial ...

CIVIL ENGINEER

Omaha, NE ยท On-site +1

$90K - $127K/yr

As a Senior Design Engineer, the incumbent completes complex assignments involving design and ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and ...

As a Senior Design Engineer, the incumbent completes complex assignments involving design and ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and ...

Lead Civil Engineer

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$125K/yr

Serves as Engineering Division's Senior Engineering Technical Lead (ETL) for OCONUS projects ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and ...

Lead Civil Engineer

Omaha, NE ยท On-site

$125K/yr

Serves as Engineering Division's Senior Engineering Technical Lead (ETL) for OCONUS projects ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and ...

Collaborates with project managers, network engineers, and stakeholders to ensure project success ... Seasoned knowledge of network cabling standards, copper, and fiber optic cabling systems.

Controls Specialist

Holdrege, NE ยท On-site

$36 - $47.25/hr

Maintains and repairs electrical/electronic and optical equipment in the sterilization area. This ... Performs other duties as assigned by the Sr Engineer and required to support the needs of the ...

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Nebraska salary details

$56.7K

$120.7K

$175K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Nebraska is $120,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,600.00 and $136,800.00 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 Nebraska?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Nebraska 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 $120,666 per year, or $58 per hour.

Senior Traffic Engineer

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Lincoln, NE โ€ข On-site

$91K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Job Location: Lincoln, NE
FIND YOUR PASSION: BUILD YOUR FUTURE
Are you passionate about designing safe and efficient transportation systems? As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and opportunities to make a tangible difference in the community, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for everyone. If you have hands-on experience in traffic engineering, this role will allow you to apply your skills in meaningful ways and see the direct impact of your work.
Job Description
Imagine starting your day by collaborating with a team about state DOTs, counties, and municipalities to design safer, more efficient transportation systems. As a Traffic Engineer, you'll:
  • Engage with a variety of clients, including state DOTs, counties, municipalities, and metropolitan planning organizations.
  • You will contribute to the growth of the organization by identifying, pursuing, and supporting new business and project opportunities.
  • Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control, signing, and pavement markings.
  • Perform traffic operations analysis to support transportation and traffic planning studies and designs.
  • Conduct traffic impact analysis studies to understand and improve traffic flow.
  • Optimize traffic signal timing to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion.
  • Analyze traffic and crash data to conduct intersection safety studies and improve road safety.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field.
  • 15+ years of experience as a Traffic Engineer
  • State Professional Engineer's License required
  • Familiar with MUTCD, AASHTO, HCM, IES, and other technical resources and guides.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team internally and externally.
  • Demonstrates strong critical thinking skills.
  • Strong technical wiring and communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with groups both internally and externally.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position; authorization to work in the United States permanently without the requirement of sponsorship at any point in the future required.

Additional Information
As part of our talented staff, you will enjoy competitive pay, significant annual bonuses, paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, PTO, paid holidays, parental leave, generous 401(k) match, access to HSA & FSAs, flexible schedules, annual HEI logo wear, plus more.
Additionally, view our careers page to read about HEI being selected as one of the ENR top 500 design firms and as one of the PB 50 best places to work for several years in a row!
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability