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Senior Optical Imaging Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$170K/yr

Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or ... Experience in lens or optical engineering in aerospace or defense companies preferred * 8-10 years ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$97K - $164K/yr

The Senior Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and ...

Rivet Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 Compensation*: $200,000-$275,000 USD + benefits Role Description: We are seeking a motivated Senior Optical ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$135K - $195K/yr

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical ...

Oclaro

Sr. Optical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $121K/yr

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Sr. Optical design engineer Lumentum is seeking a candidate for the position of a Sr. ...

nGenium

Senior Imaging Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Job Summary Senior Imaging Engineer Location: Indianapolis Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000 per year (Relocation Support provided if required!) Company Overview Our ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125K - $212K/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 ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132K - $171K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

... Mars. SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and ... imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

... Mars. SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and ... imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

... engineering report for Program Reviews as requested. • Analyze technical problems arising in ... camera, imaging systems, Hart-Mann sensor for optical module integration, alignment, and testing ...

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Senior Optical Imaging Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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

As of Jun 16, 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
Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Sr. Optical Lens Designer

Ametek

Middlefield, CT • On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 139 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 advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. We are looking for a Senior Optical Lens Designer to join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.
As a Senior Optical Lens Designer for our Optical Systems Group, you will work on a wide range of optical systems, both imaging and non-imaging, with an emphasis on space optics. Other types of projects may include microscope objectives, illumination systems, AR/VR systems, interferometers and medical optics.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design complex imaging and non-imaging systems, with emphasis on imaging systems using Zemax or Code V.
  • Develop manufacturable optical systems to meet cost and performance targets.
  • Support designs through the manufacturing process including troubleshooting and reconciling differences from design performance.
  • Perform sensitivity and tolerance analysis, analysis of effects of perturbations and integrating finite element analysis data.
  • Design to specifications of imaging system performance, e.g., MTF, wavefront, Strehl ratio, distortion, etc.
  • Ability to quickly develop and iterate conceptual designs to support customer quotes.
  • Knowledge of standard lens design forms and ability to develop novel designs to achieve desired performance goals.

Required Skills and Competencies:
  • Minimum of a Master's degree from an Optics program
  • Formal training in lens design
  • Experience in lens or optical engineering in aerospace or defense companies preferred
  • 8-10 years of experience
  • Intellectually curious and able to take initiative
  • Collaborative and able to partner across functions and teams
  • Uses a proactive approach to communicate and solve problems

Why join Zygo?
  • Engage in complex challenges: Tackle high-impact projects that push the boundaries of optical engineering and precision metrology.
  • Collaborate with experts: World-class engineers and scientists dedicated to excellence.
  • Develop your career: Access hands-on innovation opportunities, cross-disciplinary projects, and advanced training programs.
  • Explore global opportunities: Work on international projects, connect with colleagues worldwide, and grow your career globally.
  • Comprehensive benefits: Competitive compensation, robust 401(k) with company contributions, health and wellness programs, and generous paid time off.
  • Achieve recognition: Publish research, develop patents, and earn incentives for innovative contributions.
  • Work in well-equipped facilities with advanced tools and resources.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, and 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'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.
Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 170,000
Salary Maximum: 190,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
Nearest Major Market: Hartford

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