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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Copeland

Senior Materials Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Senior Materials Engineer The Corporate Materials Engineering department located in Sidney, Ohio is ... Perform sample analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence, optical and ...

Copeland

Senior Materials Engineer

Sidney, OH

$97K - $133K/yr

Senior Materials Engineer The Corporate Materials Engineering department located in Sidney, Ohio is ... Perform sample analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Fluorescence, optical and ...

L3HHCM20

Senior Specialist, Mechanical Engineering

Mason, OH · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

... Electro-Optical technologies that enable systems to support surveillance, reconnaissance, threat detection, and self-protection missions. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with strong ...

Attalon, Inc.

Sr. Principal Laser Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$102K - $182K/yr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... Senior Principal Laser Engineer to support the development of High Energy Lasers at our Laser ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a small ... Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software tools supporting optical signature modeling ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$119K - $157K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a small ... Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software tools supporting optical signature modeling ...

GRVTY

Software Engineer, Senior

Dayton, OH · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

What Impact You'll Have GRVTY is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join a small ... Design, develop, and maintain Python-based software tools supporting optical signature modeling ...

KBR, Inc.

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC ... Leverage senior-level expertise to integrate advanced capabilities into existing systems, ensuring ...

3B Staffing LLC

Senior Process Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Location : Brooklyn, OH, Cleveland, OH and Buffalo, NY (Any of these ... AI, automation, optical character recognition, internal/external platforms, etc.) that drive ...

Modern Technology Solutions, Inc.

$121K - $166K/yr

MTSI is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with a TS/SCI clearance to provide support to a ... optic/infrared sensor subsystems * Goal-oriented with excellent people skills, ability to work in a ...

Silfex, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Springfield, OH · On-site +1

$110K - $145K/yr

Our company's products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The ... Essential Functions The Senior Software Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for ...

Silfex, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Springfield, OH

$110K - $145K/yr

Our company's products are integral to the semiconductor equipment and optical markets. The ... Essential Functions The Senior Software Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for ...

Trimble, Inc.

Sr. Electronic Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$104K - $128K/yr

Drive Innovation as our Next Senior Electrical Engineer (IMU & Machine Control Systems)! Ready to ... By combining Trimble's precision positioning technologies (like GNSS/GPS, lasers, optics, and ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$56.6K

$120.3K

$174.5K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Ohio is $120,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,300.00 and $136,400.00 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.

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, and why are they important?

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 Ohio? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio? For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you

Laser communications systems engineer

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer

Location: Dayton, Ohio/Remote
Type: Full-time
Clearance: Optional e.g., U.S. Citizen/Eligible for Clearance

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer/Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. You will work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead architecture and design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms.
  • Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints.
  • Drive component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics).
  • Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms.
  • Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings.
  • Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures.
  • Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development.

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in free-space optical communication or directed energy systems.
  • Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems.
  • Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python.
  • Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications.
  • Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware.
  • Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols.
  • Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms.
  • Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design.
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications
  • Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership
  • Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact

About Ravee Optics:

The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.