ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering. Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

KLA

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

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

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

AMETEK, Inc.

Sr Optical Engineer

Denville, NJ · On-site

$100 - $175/hr

This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering. Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

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 ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

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

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 ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsHealthcare JobsOptical JobsOptical Manufacturing Technician JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs

Senior Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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 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.

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:

Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Senior 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Sr Optical Engineer

Ametek

Denville, NJ • On-site

$123K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optical Engineer based in Denville, NJ to support optical development for our Special Optics business. This position will report directly to the Sr. Manager, Optical Engineering.

Our Special Optics team is a design, development and manufacturing group located in Denville, New Jersey. As an Optical Engineer, you will execute optical designs per specification to provide state-of-the-art optical solutions to meet the demands of and provide solutions to our customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create optical designs and conduct tolerance analysis to customers' specifications and requirements.
  • Develop analysis tools and procedures for assembly testing processes.
  • Monitor fabrication and assembly to provide technical guidance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to improve processes.
  • Provide technical support and guidance to our customers.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related discipline.
  • 5+ years of optical engineering experience (lens design and tolerance analysis), working knowledge of opto-mechanics and stray light analysis preferred.
  • Proficiency with ZEMAX or CODE V and basic programming of macros.
  • Knowledge of lens characterization methodology and instrumentation; experience with optical metrology tools (interferometry, MTF testing) preferred.
  • Drives to deliver consistent, high-quality results
  • Problem-solver who seeks opportunities to improve process
  • Understands and relates to customers
  • Organized, contentious and focused
  • Communicates, influences and collaborates across functions and levels

Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience. 

Due to the nature of Zygo Navitar's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

What AMETEK employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply