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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Mobile, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Optical Engineer information

See Mobile, AL salary details

$59K

$125.6K

$182.1K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Mobile, AL is $125,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,700.00 and $142,400.00 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 Mobile, AL? For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Mobile, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Mobile, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Mobile, AL are:
What cities near Mobile, AL are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Mobile, AL with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Mobile, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,013 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Pascagoula, MS • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Hargrove is seeking Instrumentation Engineering talent to support our team!

Locations & Work Flexibility

  • Primary location: Mobile, AL
  • Additional office options: TX, LA, SC, GA, PA
  • Hybrid or interoffice execution support may be available
  • Relocation assistance may be offered based on role and location
QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
Experience
  • 10+ years of industrial instrumentation and controls engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading instrumentation and controls teams and project execution efforts.
  • Experience supporting DCS migration, modernization, or control system replacement projects.
  • Proven success managing engineering scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverable quality.
  • Experience in industries such as pulp & paper, chemicals, manufacturing, refining, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments.
Technical Expertise

Strong working knowledge of:

  • Instrumentation specification and application
  • Process measurement technologies
  • Control valve sizing and application
  • Control system hardware architecture
  • PLC, DCS, and remote I/O systems
  • Marshalling and field wiring design
  • Industrial communications networks
  • Fiber optic systems
  • Instrument installation practices
  • AutoCAD and/or MicroStation
Leadership Competencies
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Excellent client-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Results-oriented with a commitment to technical excellence and project success.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Instrumentation & Controls professional who has progressed into a technical leadership role and is passionate about developing teams and delivering high-quality engineering solutions. They possess strong expertise in instrumentation systems, control system hardware, and DCS migration projects, and can confidently lead the development and review of instrument indexes, I/O lists, datasheets, loop drawings, control system hardware packages, and construction deliverables. They thrive in a client-facing environment and have a proven track record of successfully leading complex industrial projects from concept through startup.

Instrumentation & Controls Discipline Lead

Overview

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking a highly experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Discipline Lead to provide technical leadership for industrial capital projects and control system modernization initiatives, including large-scale DCS migration programs. This role is responsible for leading I&C engineering teams, driving project execution, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions throughout all phases of a project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a proven I&C leader with a strong background in instrumentation design, control system hardware, and project execution. This individual will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee engineering deliverables, mentor technical staff, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project stakeholders. While familiarity with control systems is essential, this position focuses on instrumentation engineering and control system hardware implementation rather than software programming or DCS configuration.

Key ResponsibilitiesDiscipline Leadership
  • Lead instrumentation and controls engineering activities for industrial capital and sustaining projects.
  • Develop and execute discipline plans, staffing strategies, schedules, budgets, and resource forecasts.
  • Coordinate assignments and workload across engineers, designers, and support personnel.
  • Monitor progress, identify project risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Serve as the primary technical representative for I&C engineering with clients, project teams, vendors, and construction personnel.
  • Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning activities.
  • Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, client standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
  • Foster collaboration, technical growth, and mentorship within the I&C team.
Technical Leadership & Quality Assurance
  • Provide technical oversight for instrumentation and control system engineering deliverables.
  • Review and approve engineering documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, and quality.
  • Support the resolution of complex instrumentation, field installation, and control system hardware challenges.
  • Drive consistency in engineering practices, standards, and design approaches across projects and offices.
  • Ensure compliance with ISA standards and industry regulations.
Instrumentation Engineering Leadership

Direct the development and review of:

  • Instrument Indexes
  • Instrument Datasheets
  • Control Valve Datasheets and Sizing
  • Analyzer Specifications
  • I/O Lists
  • Loop Diagrams
  • Instrument Location Plans
  • Installation Details
  • Junction Box Drawings
  • Cable Schedules
  • Procurement Packages
  • Material Take-Offs (MTOs)
  • Construction Work Packages

Provide technical guidance for:

  • Instrument selection and specification
  • Process measurement technologies
  • Control valve application and sizing
  • Analyzer system design and specification
  • Instrument installation practices
  • Field device standardization programs
DCS Migration & Control System Modernization
  • Lead instrumentation and controls engineering efforts supporting DCS migration and modernization projects.
  • Oversee development of migration-related engineering packages, including:
    • I/O Databases
    • Signal Lists
    • Marshalling Drawings
    • Cabinet Layouts
    • Network Architecture Drawings
    • System Architecture Drawings
    • Fiber Optic Routing Plans
    • Loop Migration Packages
    • Cutover and Transition Documentation
  • Coordinate hardware migration activities with operations, maintenance, automation teams, and project stakeholders.
  • Lead field verification, gap assessments, and migration planning efforts.
  • Review and approve hardware designs associated with DCS, PLC, remote I/O, and industrial communications infrastructure.
  • Support implementation strategies that minimize operational disruption and startup risk.
Project Execution & Coordination
  • Collaborate closely with process, electrical, mechanical, piping, and project management teams.
  • Support project scoping, proposal development, estimating, and planning activities.
  • Develop resource plans and coordinate execution across multiple office locations.
  • Monitor project performance related to scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
  • Provide technical leadership throughout design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.
Construction, Commissioning & Startup Support
  • Provide technical leadership during procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
  • Review vendor drawings, equipment submittals, and instrumentation packages.
  • Support constructability reviews, field investigations, and installation planning.
  • Assist in resolving field issues related to instrumentation and control systems.
  • Coordinate technical support activities through startup and system turnover.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods as required by the role

#LI-BH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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