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Senior Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and ...

Draper

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you ...

Draper Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95 - $245/hr

## Principal Optical EngineerApplyremote type: Onsite Requiredlocations: Cambridge, MAtime type: Full ... Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that ...

Draper

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense ...

Draper Labs

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you ...

Draper

Principal Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro-optic/ infrared (EOIR) imaging sensor optical design, laboratory optical characterization, and ...

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Senior Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$82K

$155.4K

$214.5K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal optical engineer in the United States is $155,430.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal optical engineer?

Senior Principal Optical Engineers are highly experienced professionals who design, develop, and oversee complex optical systems and technologies, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They typically lead advanced research projects, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical leadership in their organizations. Their expertise is crucial in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, defense, and consumer electronics, where precision and innovation in optics are essential. In addition to technical design, they often collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior principal optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically backed by an advanced degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and proficiency in simulation, modeling, and prototyping is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for overseeing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers. These abilities ensure the delivery of innovative optical solutions and successful project outcomes in highly technical environments.

What are some of the main challenges a senior principal optical engineer faces when leading cross-functional projects?

A Senior Principal Optical Engineer often leads complex projects that require coordinating with diverse teams, such as mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers. One common challenge is aligning differing technical requirements and timelines across departments while ensuring that optical performance meets stringent specifications. Effective communication and problem-solving are crucial, as unexpected integration issues or shifting project priorities can arise. Successfully navigating these challenges not only ensures project success but also positions the engineer as a key technical leader within the organization.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Optical EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field, professional certificationsBachelor's/Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, product development teamsDesign, integration, testing of optical systems in various industries
Industry UsageHigh-tech, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsConsumer electronics, medical devices, industrial equipment

The Senior Principal Optical Engineer typically holds advanced degrees and leads complex optical projects, focusing on innovation and technical leadership. Optical Systems Engineers often work on designing and testing optical components and systems, supporting product development. While both roles require strong optical knowledge, the Senior Principal Optical Engineer is more senior, strategic, and research-oriented, whereas the Optical Systems Engineer is more hands-on and implementation-focused.

What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Principal Optical Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:

Senior Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,430 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO • On-site

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week.

Job Responsibilities
  • Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
  • Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
  • Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
  • Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
  • Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
  • Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
  • Generate new intellectual property and inventions
  • Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
  • External speaking and/or customer engagements
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 10+ years optical design experience
  • 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
  • Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
  • Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
  • Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
  • Deep experience and knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
  • Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
  • Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
  • Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $160,000-185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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