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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

Novanta

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Novanta Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130 - $175/hr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Novanta, Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Draper

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $205K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with ...

Draper Labs

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $205K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with ...

Draper

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82K - $205K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$40/hr

LASR). Summary The Senior Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced, high-power, fiber amplifiers and lasers for communication and defense applications.In this position you will ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$40/hr

LASR). Summary The Senior Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced, high-power, fiber amplifiers and lasers for communication and defense applications.In this position you will ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA

LASR). Summary The Senior Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced, high-power, fiber amplifiers and lasers for communication and defense applications.In this position you will ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA

$40/hr

LASR). Summary The Senior Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced, high-power, fiber amplifiers and lasers for communication and defense applications.In this position you will ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$64.6K

$137.5K

$199.3K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Boston, MA is $137,484.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $155,900.00 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,492 per year, or $66.1 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Senior Optical Engineer

The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics with industry experience in an enterprise engineering environment. The ideal candidate will combine a deep, fundamental understanding of several areas of optics, design, and engineering. Although candidates with a Ph.D. in physics may be considered, applicants should ensure they have sufficient professional experience beyond academia in an enterprise engineering environment to establish themselves independently as a senior-level engineer.

Key Job Responsibilities
  • Work with physicists to understand requirements and architect optical systems, sub-systems, modules, and components to support QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Advance state-of-the-art engineering practices at QuEra through independent research, problem-solving, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate closely with the R&D/science team to enable cutting-edge R&D and translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at company headquarters and off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with local support team).
Qualifications
  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (Ph.D. or M.S. preferred).
  • 5-8 years work experience designing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Excellent system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills, COMSOL simulation skills, and CAD design skills, etc.
  • Deep domain expertise in the areas of
    • Free-space optics (free-space and fiber)
    • Modulators
    • Electronics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
    • Ultra-high vacuum
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience leading the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses and bringing complex optical systems from concept to production.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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