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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

PDF Solutions

Senior Consulting Engineer

Midvale, UT · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

PDF Solutions is seeking a Senior Consultant Engineer to join PDF to utilize our innovative e-beam ... Experience working with inspection tools, including optical, voltage-contract or spectroscopy ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Supervisor

Salt Lake City, UT

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 ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

North Logan, UT · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Overview Senior Software Engineer - North Logan, Utah (Hybrid). Reports to Manager, Software ... Optics. * Agile Development and Scrum. Work Eligibility Candidate must be eligible to work in the ...

PDF Solutions

Senior Consulting Engineer

Midvale, UT · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

PDF Solutions is seeking a Senior Consultant Engineer to join PDF to utilize our innovative e-beam ... Experience working with inspection tools, including optical, voltage-contract or spectroscopy ...

Moxtek

X-ray Tubes Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for implementing statistical process control ... Learn the basics of electron X-ray optics and high voltage power supplies. * Other duties as ...

Moxtek

X-Ray Tubes Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$83K - $103K/yr

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for implementing statistical process control ... Learn the basics of electron X-ray optics and high voltage power supplies.Other duties as assigned.

Moxtek

X-ray Tubes Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Orem, UT · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer will be responsible for implementing statistical process control ... Learn the basics of electron X-ray optics and high voltage power supplies. * Other duties as ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Logan, UT · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Software Engineer who can design, develop and test ... Experience with Optics a plus* Experience with Agile Development and Scrum a plusWe are interested ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Utah

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$54.2K

$115.2K

$167.1K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Utah is $115,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $130,600.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Utah?

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 6% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,214 per year, or $55.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer - Augmented Reality (AR)

Coda Octopus Colmek

Murray, UT • On-site

$121K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Full Listing
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Team: Hardware / Optics / AR
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Role Overview
Coda Octopus Engineering Inc., a division of Coda Octopus Group, is a certified small business in search of an Optical Engineer (OE) to design, prototype, and optimize optical systems for next-generation Augmented Reality (AR) devices. In this role, the OE will develop and evaluate optical architectures that deliver high-quality visual experiences within compact wearable systems. This role will collaborate closely with hardware, display, mechanical, and perception teams to translate advanced optical concepts into manufacturable AR products.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop AR optical systems, including waveguides, combiners, freeform optics, projection optics, and illumination paths.
  • Perform optical simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools.
  • Optimize image quality metrics including MTF, distortion, eyebox, field of view, brightness, and efficiency.
  • Work with microdisplays (LCOS, OLED, MicroLED) and evaluate their integration into AR optical architectures.
  • Build and test optical prototypes to validate performance and identify design improvements.
  • Define optical tolerances and collaborate with mechanical engineering on packaging constraints.
  • Develop optical test setups and measurement procedures.
  • Work with manufacturing partners to transition optical designs into production.
  • Troubleshoot system-level optical issues in integrated AR hardware.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Optics, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience designing imaging or display optics.
  • Strong experience with optical design and simulation software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of geometrical optics, physical optics, polarization, and stray light analysis.
  • Experience with optical lab equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, beam profilers, etc.).
  • Ability to prototype and test optical systems.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AR/VR optical architectures (waveguides, holographic optics, pancake lenses, birdbath optics, freeform optics).
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, metasurfaces, or holographic optical elements.
  • Experience working with near-eye displays (NED).
  • Knowledge of human vision and display perception.
  • Experience transitioning optics from prototype to manufacturing.
What Success Looks Like
  • Deliver optical designs that balance performance, size, efficiency, and manufacturability.
  • Enable immersive AR visual quality with wide field of view, large eyebox, and minimal artifacts.
  • Collaborate across teams to ship integrated AR hardware systems.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

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