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Senior Optical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The Senior Optical Assembler works under close supervision of the area lead or supervisor, performing a variety of processes relating to the assembly of optical components. Such tasks may include the ...

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 ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Why This Role MattersWe are seeking a highly skilled Senior Optical Engineer to play a key role in the design, development, testing, and integration of advanced beam directors and optical control ...

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 ...

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 ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

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 ...

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 ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

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

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 ...

Compal USA

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ADAS cameras, including thermal infrared, for advanced driver assistance systems. Major ...

Metalenz

Senior Optical Metrology Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

The Position Metalenz is seeking a Senior Optical Metrology Engineer to manage metrology systems that support prototyping activities for our metasurface-based optical components and devices. This ...

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 ...

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Senior Optical information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior optical jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Optical vs Optical Technician?

AspectSenior OpticalOptical Technician
Required CredentialsOptical-related certifications, experience in optical design or managementOptical dispensing certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, or management rolesOptical retail stores, labs, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOptical companies, healthcare, research institutionsOptical retail chains, labs, manufacturing firms
Common Search & ComparisonHigher-level responsibilities, design, and supervisionTechnical assembly, fitting, and testing

Senior Optical professionals typically handle advanced design, management, or supervisory tasks within optical companies or research settings. In contrast, Optical Technicians focus on technical assembly, fitting, and testing of optical devices or eyewear. While both roles require specialized training, Senior Optical roles involve more experience and higher-level responsibilities, whereas Optical Technicians are more hands-on with technical tasks.

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Senior Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Camas, WA • On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
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 fiber laser products in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company. Take products from concept phase through prototypes to product release as a core member of an interdisciplinary team.
Functions:
  • Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber laser designs.
  • Manage critical development and program tasks and take ownership of key technical areas.
  • Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics and opto-mechanical design to the development of high-power fiber amplifiers for military/defense applications
  • Design and develop fiber laser systems and critical components, including seed lasers, amplifiers, and opto-mechanical sub-systems.
  • Test and characterization of complex, laser-based, opto-mechanical systems.

Qualifications:
  • MS degree required in an engineering discipline, Physics, or Material Science. PhD degree preferred.
  • Hands on experience with the development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems.
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution.
  • Strong theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics.
  • Fiber laser system design and modeling, including practical considerations such as manufacturability, is desired.
  • Experience designing complex opto-mechanical systems for military or defense applications is a plus.
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to work as both a leader and contributor.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay and level depend on qualifications:
  • Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $115,000
  • Senior Optical Engineer: $103,000 - $135,000

Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5-6% of earned wages, depending on level
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected].
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster

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