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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114.75K - $150.24K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to ...

Draper

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82.30K - $220K/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 ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts.While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial ...

Draper Labs

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$82.30K - $220K/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 ...

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Senior Optical Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 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.

More about Senior Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Optical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs are:
Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 47% Physical, and 53% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
  • Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.
  • Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
  • Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
  • Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 5-8+ years optical design experience
  • 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
  • Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
  • Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.
  • High attention-to-detail and accuracy
  • Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
  • Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.Â