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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

TekSky

Senior Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

The Senior Electrical Engineer works in the Research and Development of instrumentation including ... Develop interface electronics for motion control, sensors, optical systems, and communications

Fusion Energy Base

RF Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Senior Director of Systems Engineering Job Overview We are seeking a motivated RF Engineer to join ... Perform Gaussian beam optics analysis and diffraction simulations to characterize beam propagation ...

Type One Energy Group

RF Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$95 - $150/hr

Senior Director of Systems Engineering Your role in the mission: We are seeking a motivated RF ... Perform Gaussian beam optics analysis and diffraction simulations to characterize beam propagation ...

ROCKWOOL

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Nashville, TN

$115K - $135K/yr

ROCKWOOL is seeking a Sr. Electrical Engineer to join our Group Technology team! This position ... Optical network layout for below: * Rocknet * Process control system * Room schedule (together with ...

ROCKWOOL

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Memphis, TN

$115K - $135K/yr

ROCKWOOL is seeking a Sr. Electrical Engineer to join our Group Technology team! This position ... Optical network layout for below: * Rocknet * Process control system * Room schedule (together with ...

City of Memphis, TN

General Engineer Senior

Memphis, TN · On-site

$82K - $115K/yr

Working experience with Roadway Design, Drainage Design, Structural Design, Traffic Engineering, Sewer System Design, Fiber Optics or Land Development preferred. Analytical and research skills with a ...

City of Memphis, TN

General Engineer Senior

Memphis, TN

$82K - $115K/yr

Working experience with Roadway Design, Drainage Design, Structural Design, Traffic Engineering, Sewer System Design, Fiber Optics or Land Development preferred. Analytical and research skills with a ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$54K

$114.9K

$166.5K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Tennessee is $114,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $130,200.00 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.

Are senior optical engineers in high demand?

Senior optical engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in designing, testing, and optimizing optical components and systems is critical, and strong skills in optics, photonics, and related software increase employability across various high-tech sectors.

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?

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 popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Tennessee 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 $114,865 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$112K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition Number: 29019
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $112,057.00 - $220,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
HII's Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
HII, Mission Technologies has an opportunity available for a Lead Electro-Optical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN.
The Lead Electro-Optical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that optical designs-including beam control systems, optical assemblies, stray light mitigation, precision alignment, and laser propagation systems-translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
The ideal candidate will excel at optical systems design and analysis, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.
Levei 4 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $120,000 - $185,000
Level 5 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $140,000 - $220,000
Essential Job Responsibilities
Design & Engineering Leadership
  • Lead optical systems design for beam control, laser delivery, optical assemblies, precision optical mounts, and EO-IR sensor integration critical to directed energy platforms.
  • Direct design efforts for high-power laser systems, beam steering mechanisms, stray light control, and thermal management of optical components.
  • Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
  • Translate requirements into detailed optical designs using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
  • Perform and oversee optical analysis including ray tracing, stray light modeling, wavefront error analysis, thermal effects, and laser propagation.
  • Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems and prototypes.
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Systems Integration
  • Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, systems engineering) to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
  • Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers, and program management.
  • Interface with manufacturing to optimize optical designs for fabrication and assembly.
  • Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.

Risk Management & Problem Solving
  • Identify, articulate, and manage risks across optical, thermal, and alignment systems.
  • Solve complex engineering problems in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.
  • Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.
  • Investigate anomalies and perform Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) for optical system performance issues.

Technical Documentation & Configuration Leadership
  • Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications for optical assemblies.
  • Lead configuration management and version control for optical designs.
  • Review and approve documentation from junior team members.
  • Develop test procedures to properly test and verify optical system requirements.

Stakeholder Communication & Program Leadership
  • Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
  • Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.
  • Prepare requirements packages for Technical Review Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Level 4 - 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
  • Level 5 - 15 years relevant experience with Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 13 years relevant experience with Master's degree in related field; OR 10 years relevant experience with PhD in related field.
  • High-level proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent) for complex optical systems.
  • Extensive experience with high-power laser systems design, integration, and alignment.
  • Experience with stray light analysis and mitigation techniques.
  • Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed optical designs.
  • Ability to perform fundamental optical analysis working from first principles.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
  • Experience with requirements management and traceability (DOORS or equivalent).
  • Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on optical prototyping.
  • Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Preferred Requirements
  • Advanced optical analysis experience including wavefront error budget analysis, thermal distortion modeling, and laser beam propagation.
  • Experience with EO-IR sensors, thermal imaging systems, and night vision systems.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB for optical modeling and data analysis.
  • Experience with Fourier transform spectroscopy and optical characterization techniques.
  • Deep thermal management expertise for high-power optical applications.
  • Experience with LIDAR or laser ranging systems.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
  • Clearance: Active SECRET level security clearance.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.

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