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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

. Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Specialist Systems Engineer

Mason, OH · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

Senior Specialist Systems Engineer Job Code: 41894 Job Location: Mason, OH - On Site Job Schedule ... Systems engineering for EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) sensor systems. Lead or support technical ...

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 ...

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 ...

Acting as the senior on-site representative, the Site Supervisor manages field personnel ... Ensure adherence to engineering design packages (EDPs), technical specifications, and scopes of ...

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 ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

... talented Senior Structural Engineer to join our growing Structural team. This role offers the ... Health, Dental, Optical, Life, and AD&D Insurance * Short and Long‑Term Disability Insurance

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Showing results 1-20

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 Aug 25, 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 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio 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:

Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Ohio 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 $120,317 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Ravee Optics

Dayton, OH • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense applications. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative optical solutions spanning imaging systems, laser-based systems, precision optics, and emerging photonic technologies.
This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle from concept development and system architecture through prototype development, testing, and product transition while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to solve challenging optical system problems.
Primary responsibilities are to be performed in Dayton, OH. May consider hybrid position for qualified candidates.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems.
  • Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies.
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization using industry-standard tools.
  • Design and specify optical components and systems, including lens assemblies, beam expanders, fiber collimators, and illumination systems.
  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout product development.
  • Support technology roadmap development, customer engagements, technical proposals, and intellectual property generation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience designing and developing advanced optical or electro-optical systems.
  • Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, optical tolerancing, polarization, and imaging system performance.
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent.
  • Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization.
  • Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
  • Track record of excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary and hybrid teams.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • Free-Space Optical Communications (FSOC)
  • Laser systems and photonics
  • Space-based or airborne optical systems
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems
  • Precision optical instrumentation
  • Optical sensing and spectroscopy
  • Fiber-optic systems
  • Adaptive optics or beam control
  • Optical coatings and advanced optical materials
  • SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR optical systems
  • Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics
  • Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification
  • Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications
  • Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and equity participation
  • Opportunity to develop next-generation optical technologies with real-world impact
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
  • Technical leadership opportunities and significant system ownership
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development and career growth in a rapidly expanding deep-tech company
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge commercial, aerospace, and defense optical systems