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Senior Optical Imaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gamma Scientific

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems and instruments. Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration ...

Intellectt INC

Senior Optical Engineer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

Design, model, and optimize optical systems for imaging and microscopy. * Perform detailed optical ... Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors. * Create technical ...

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 ... Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems * Proficiency with Zemax, FRED ...

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 ... Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems * Proficiency with Zemax, FRED ...

Pae

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · Hybrid

$104K - $143K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development ... Serve as a technical authority across multiple domains, including sensors, FPA/imaging systems ...

Amentum

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development ... Serve as a technical authority across multiple domains, including sensors, FPA/imaging systems ...

Alcon

Sr. Optical Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$156K - $202K/yr

Alcon is looking to hire a Senior Optical Engineer team member. This role is part of Alcon ... imaging performance. You will assist in simulations, validate prototypes, and optimize optical ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

AURA

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer for ngGONG plays a central role in shaping the optical performance of the National Solar Observatory's Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

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All JobsOptical Imaging Engineer JobsSenior Optical Imaging Engineer Jobs

Senior Optical Imaging Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior optical imaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical imaging 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 is the difference between Senior Optical Imaging Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Optical Imaging EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience in optical design and imaging systemsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related; focus on optical system integration
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, medical device companies, imaging technology firmsManufacturing, product development, systems integration in optics and electronics
Industry UsageMedical imaging, defense, scientific instrumentationConsumer electronics, aerospace, industrial inspection

The Senior Optical Imaging Engineer specializes in designing and optimizing imaging systems, often focusing on medical or scientific applications. In contrast, the Optical Systems Engineer has a broader role in integrating optical components into larger systems across various industries. Both roles require strong optical knowledge, but the Senior Optical Imaging Engineer emphasizes imaging performance and quality, while the Optical Systems Engineer concentrates on system integration and functionality.

What are some common challenges a Senior Optical Imaging Engineer faces when working on interdisciplinary teams?

Senior Optical Imaging Engineers often collaborate with professionals from fields such as software development, electronics, and mechanical engineering. One common challenge is bridging the communication gap between disciplines, as each team may have different technical vocabularies and priorities. Additionally, aligning project timelines and integrating complex optical systems with hardware and software components require strong project management and problem-solving skills. Successfully navigating these challenges leads to more innovative solutions and personal growth within the role.

What does a Senior Optical Imaging Engineer do?

A Senior Optical Imaging Engineer designs, develops, and tests advanced optical systems used in imaging applications, such as cameras, microscopes, or medical devices. They work on the integration of optical components, evaluate system performance, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to meet project requirements. Their expertise helps ensure the optimal function and quality of imaging devices, often involving tasks like lens design, image processing, and troubleshooting complex optical issues.

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

To thrive as a Senior Optical Imaging Engineer, you need a deep understanding of optical physics, imaging system design, and experience with photonic devices, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics, physics, or engineering. Proficiency with optical modeling software (such as Zemax or Code V), image processing tools, and familiarity with laboratory instrumentation is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the successful development, optimization, and implementation of advanced imaging solutions in research or commercial environments.
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Senior Optical Imaging Engineer jobs near you
Senior Optical Engineer -- VETi Platform

Senior Optical Engineer -- VETi Platform

Kodiak Sciences Inc.

Palo Alto, CA

$148K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Kodiak Sciences (Nasdaq: KOD) is advancing vision science by integrating retinal biology, optics, artificial intelligence, medical imaging, and next-generation wearable technologies.
Our VETi™ — Visual Engagement Technology and Imager — platform is an AI-enabled wearable system combining advanced LiDAR, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), embedded computing, machine learning, and AR/VR technologies. VETi is being developed for applications in retina care, digital health, identity security, cognitive science, and broader AI-enabled vision technologies.
 
We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to build the optical foundation for Kodiak’s VETi platform, from system concept through validated, production-ready instruments. This role is well suited for an engineer with strong optical design fundamentals who enjoys complex imaging and sensing problems and is excited to build optical systems that enable advanced medical imaging and wearable technologies. We are seeking strong optical engineers who are curious about medical imaging and motivated to work on advanced wearable technologies.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, simulation, and validation of optical systems for wearable imaging and sensing — from concept through production.
  • Design confocal laser scanning, OCT, and related optical subsystems for retinal imaging and diagnostics.
  • Model and optimize optical systems in Zemax — including tolerancing, stray-light analysis, and performance budgets.
  • Build and characterize optical benchtop prototypes, integrating sources, detectors, lenses, and MEMS scanners.
  • Bring up new optical assemblies and debug image-quality issues across optical, mechanical, electrical, and software domains.
  • Work with software and ML teams on image-processing algorithms for raw optical data, contributing optical-domain expertise on signal characteristics, calibration, and artifacts.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, software, machine learning, and clinical teams.
Education / Required Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 5+ years of professional optical engineering experience developing complex imaging systems.
  • Strong optical design and simulation experience with Zemax.
  • Hands-on experience designing confocal laser scanning microscopes, OCT systems, or similar imaging instruments, with a proven track record of building optical devices from prototype through validation.
  • Ability to collaborate across optical, electrical, mechanical, software, scientific, and engineering teams.
Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable
  • Programming and scripting (Python, MATLAB) for instrument control, data analysis, and algorithm prototyping.
  • Ability to design and model image-processing algorithms for optical and imaging data.
  • Experience with AR/VR optics, head-mounted display systems, or near-eye optics.
  • Experience with MEMS scanners, adaptive optics, wavefront sensing, or beam-steering technologies.
  • Experience taking optical assemblies from prototype through DFM/DFT to mass production.
  • Familiarity with regulated medical-device development (IEC 60601, ISO 13485, FDA) and laser safety standards (IEC 60825), or willingness to learn.
Why Join Kodiak
This role is for engineers who want their optical designs to drive real-world wearable systems — imaging, sensing, and embedded computing — and shape the hardware itself.
You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, medical imaging, optics, AR/VR, LiDAR, OCT, and AI. The platform is novel, the technical challenges are deep, and the work has the potential to shape a new class of wearable vision technologies.