ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

MLS Technologies

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC · On-site

$80K - $105.70K/yr

... casings, optical windows, displays, buttons, ambient light shields, and biocompatible skin ... S. in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or a related field Eight or more years industry ...

MLS Technologies

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Apex, NC

$80K - $105.70K/yr

... casings, optical windows, displays, buttons, ambient light shields, and biocompatible skin ... S in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or a related field Eight or more years industry ...

Danaher

Senior Software Engineer - USA Remote

Durham, NC · Remote

$118.40K - $156.10K/yr

... optical and digital solutions. With a culture rooted in customer focus, innovation, and teamwork ... The Senior Software Engineer is part of a team transforming surgeons' experience from an analog ...

Danaher

Senior Software Engineer - USA Remote

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$119.10K - $157K/yr

... optical and digital solutions. With a culture rooted in customer focus, innovation, and teamwork ... The Senior Software Engineer is part of a team transforming surgeons' experience from an analog ...

Segra

Senior CABS Billing Analyst

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$27.20 - $38.46/hr

Segra owns and operates a wide and dense fiber-optic infrastructure footprint that provides ... At Segra, we imagine, we engineer and we build a world of opportunities for our customers through ...

NIRSense Inc

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$97.30K - $134.20K/yr

NIRSense is seeking an experienced mechanical engineer to work alongside and manage our growing ... casings, optical windows, displays, buttons, ambient light shields, and biocompatible skin ...

Sargent & Lundy

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Cary, NC · Hybrid

$104.50K - $137.60K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.). * AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.

Sargent & Lundy

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Cary, NC · On-site

$134.55K - $205.56K/yr

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design ... fiber optics, microwave, power line carrier, etc.). * AutoCAD or MicroStation experience.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$57.8K

$123K

$178.4K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Raleigh, NC is $123,024.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,600.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,024 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Garmin International, Inc.

Cary, NC • On-site

$106.50K - $140.60K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time experienced Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics on our Explorations Team at our Headquarters location in the Kansas City area, or at our site in Cary, NC. While other engineering product development teams at Garmin primarily focus on designing products, our team focuses on the product enabling technologies that will be essential to those products and will expedite their development. In this role, you will explore various lighting applications involving signal, conspicuity, and forward illumination systems across many of Garmin's business segments.
Essential Functions
  • Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for various consumer electronics applications
  • Conduct optical simulation and analysis for concept development and design change verification
  • Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable
  • Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, Optical and Illumination engineers throughout development
  • Define boundary constraints for the optics due to ID goals, electromechanical integration, thermal limitations, power budgets, and design for manufacturing
  • Develop optical and photometric requirements to meet product goals
  • Own development of optical design standards and specifications to support evaluation of optical system performance
  • Quickly ideate to conceptualize creative illumination solutions to a maturity necessary to conduct tradeoff analyses and inform risk vs reward
  • Perform benchmark testing and competitive analysis
  • Explore innovative mechanical concepts and complete complex mechanical designs
  • Technology investigations, design, testing/validation, prototyping and supporting technology transfer to product development teams
  • Ability to complete the most difficult tasks as a Master CAD-user including the completion of complex mechanical designs (Solidworks/Onshape preferred )
  • Good knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
  • Good knowledge of injection molding, die casting, sheet metal stamping, machining, etc
  • Negotiate processes, materials, and design feasibility with factory and vendors
  • Manage basic tradeoffs, determine risk mitigation plans, determine project goal/objective feasibility, provide technical input to product development plans/concept documents, and drive process vendors to evaluate complex mechanical designs and understand risk
  • Lead explorations of new technologies and make estimates on moderately complex mechanical designs including: tooling, part cost, and design time
  • Mentor level 1 and 2 engineers
  • Overseas travel as required

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Master CAD-user (Solidworks/Onshape preferred) - able to complete the most difficult tasks
  • Demonstrated knowledge and capability to use CAD software for completing complex mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, or Physics
  • 5+ years in illumination systems development of automotive exterior or interior lighting or related application
  • Proficient in the use of optical software (LucidShape preferred, LightTools, Zemax, Speos)
  • Experience designing custom reflector and solid optics using optics software and manual raytracing methods in Mechanical CAD
  • Understanding of test methodologies for optical systems
  • Understanding of thermal management of LEDs and associated drivers
  • Experience with dynamic, digital, and software-controlled lighting systems
  • Understanding of CAE/Simulation methods
  • Experience conducting CFD or FEA simulation for early thermal verification of lighting systems
  • Electronic packaging design experience

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

What Garmin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply