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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

viaPhoton

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Aurora, IL

$103K - $136K/yr

About the Role You'll lead mechanical product design for the next generation of our fiber optic ... Senior Mechanical Engineer JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage ...

viaPhoton

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

About the Role You'll lead mechanical product design for the next generation of our fiber optic ... Senior Mechanical Engineer JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage ...

viaPhoton

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

About the Role You'll lead mechanical product design for the next generation of our fiber optic ... Senior Mechanical Engineer JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189.1K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,700.00 and $147,900.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $130,470 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

viaPhoton

Aurora, IL

$103K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead mechanical product design for fiber optic solutions, including CAD design, drawings, bill-of-materials, FEA, and cost analysis.

  • Build prototypes, source components from outside vendors, and partner with cross-functional teams to keep projects on time and on budget.

  • Mentor junior engineers and support technical root cause analysis and failure investigations.

Job description

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led. viaPhoton is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom-engineered, end-to-end fiber connectivity solutions for the AI infrastructure, data centers, and 5G networks shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

About the Role

You'll lead mechanical product design for the next generation of our fiber optic solutions. With at least 7 years of experience, you'll mentor junior engineers, partner with sales and operations, and deliver products that solve real customer problems. You'll design across multiple manufacturing methods, build prototypes, and explain technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

  • Work with sales, operations, and marketing teams to develop new products that solve real customer problems
  • Mentor and support junior engineers with tasks and projects, including SolidWorks usage
  • Lead the mechanical product design process, including CAD design, drawings, bill-of-materials, FEA, and cost analysis
  • Investigate and lead technical root cause analysis and failure investigations
  • Design across sheet metal, injection molded plastics, extrusions, and castings using SolidWorks
  • Build prototypes, source components with outside vendors, and partner with cross-functional teams to keep projects on time and on budget

What You'll Bring

  • Have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, with at least 7 years of practical experience in a similar industry or field
  • Have experience in a technical support or customer-facing role
  • Are proficient in SolidWorks and can produce detailed CAD models, drawings, and renderings
  • Can summarize technical concepts clearly for less technical audiences and provide succinct instructions
  • Bring careful analytical and problem-solving skills and can produce meaningful insights and recommendations
  • Are comfortable handling multiple inquiries at once and prioritizing accordingly

Want to read the full job description? Senior Mechanical Engineer JD

What's in it for you?

  • Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
  • 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period
  • Flexible PTO that grows over time
  • 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
  • Monthly team events
  • Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $85,000 to $110,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.