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Senior Optical Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification. * Prepare and review engineering ...

Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification. * Prepare and review engineering ...

CA · On-site

$128K - $166K/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 ...

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 ... Develop optical system alignment, commissioning, and verification & validation test plans.

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Develop and implement optical test methodologies, data analysis techniques, and software tools to support engineering evaluations and performance verification. * Prepare and review engineering ...

The Optics Test Engineer position will work out of the Colorado Springs, CO location. The Optics ... Develop DC, RF, and other Optical test systems, providing operational procedures required to ...

We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to join our display systems engineering team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in optical testing, calibration, data analysis, and test ...

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 ...

Senior Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Role We are looking for an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the ... Senior Engineer: $170,000 - $210,000 * Staff Engineer: $200,000 - $250,000 * Generous equity ...

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution * Maintain link budgets, design ...

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Senior Optical Test Engineer information

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$68.5K

$118.5K

$168.5K

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

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical test engineer in the United States is $118,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Optical Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Optical Test Engineer job openings:
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Infographic showing various Senior Optical Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,516 per year, or $57 per hour.
Sr. Optical Engineer

$140/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) is a private technology company that designs, develops and operates space camera systems for government and commercial aerospace customers and provides services in spacecraft instrument operations and space science research. The Camera Systems Group (CSG) seeks a Sr. Optical Engineer with experience designing and building visible, infrared, and UV optics for camera systems, managing optics subcontracts, developing and executing optical calibration and metrology procedures, and solving challenging optics measurement problems.
The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to specify, scope, design, produce, and verify optics to mission requirements. They identify and help solve design challenges associated with the harsh environments of launch and operation in interplanetary space and during encounters with celestial bodies for both robotic and human spaceflight. The Sr. Optical Engineer manages subcontracts for optical parts, materials, coatings, and assemblies and the development of in-house production and test capabilities.
Essential Functions
  • Specifies optical systems for high-level mission requirements
  • Completes initial conceptual and detailed flight designs of camera optics
  • Manages glass availability through production lifecycles
  • Designs for athermalization and stray light minimization
  • Completes Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) Analysis
  • Develops calibration plans to verify mission requirements, including but not limited to focus/MTF, flat field imaging, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment
  • Writes performance specification and statements of work for optical subcontracts
  • Manages subcontractors for performance of optical processing, fabrication, and assembly
  • Presents at design reviews
  • Prior to entering assembly, test, storage or development areas within the Camera Systems Group unescorted, receive initial and ongoing annual training in the fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Pay Range: $140-165K
Non-Essential Functions
  • Performs other duties as required which may become essential functions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics; Masters or PhD preferred
  • 8-10 years minimum of relevant experience 
  • Must have extensive experience using ZEMAX optical design software
  • Familiarity with optics assembly techniques for space-based optical systems
  • Experience with radiation-hardened optical design
  • Experience with collimation measurement techniques
  • Experience with laser interferometric measurement of wavefront error
  • Experience with radiometric calibration
  • Knowledge of visible and infrared sensor physics and performance limitations
  • Experience with boresight alignment and metrology
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explain technical issues and ideas to peers, management, and customer representatives

Physical Requirements
Must be able to comprehend and communicate complex technical and engineering concepts. Must be able to remain in a stationary position while operating a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to work and move around in a cleanroom environment, wearing required outer garments including smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood and gloves. Moves in and around a lab space. Ability to handle high stress levels in connection with multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations. Strong analytical and organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload.
Disclaimer
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
 

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MSSS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of any protected status, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals who are unable to use this online system due to a disability.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact egomez@msss.com