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Senior Staff Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optikos

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Optikos Corporation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

ICEYE

Staff Optical Engineer

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

As Staff Optical Engineer, you will be a senior member of the tiger team shaping ICEYE's next generation of spaceborne imaging systems. Drawing on deep, hands‑on experience across imaging optics ...

Optikos, LLC.

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Description The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This ...

Onto Innovation Inc.

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

## Staff Optical EngineerApplylocations: Budd Lake-NJtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob ... Help diagnose and resolve optical system issues under the guidance of senior engineers ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... Help diagnose and resolve optical system issues under the guidance of senior engineers ...

KLA-Belgium

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$167K - $284K/yr

... engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing.

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... Help diagnose and resolve optical system issues under the guidance of senior engineers ...

Orbotech

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$167K - $284K/yr

... engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing.

KLA Corporation

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$167K - $284K/yr

... engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Broadband Plasma Division (BBP) provides market-leading patterned wafer optical inspection systems for leading-edge IC manufacturing.

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

To strengthen our team at the Orlando location, we are looking for a Staff Optical Engineer. As a key member of MicroVision's Optical Systems Engineering team, you will collaborate with various ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

To strengthen our team at the Orlando location, we are looking for a Staff Optical Engineer. As a key member of MicroVision's Optical Systems Engineering team, you will collaborate with various ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the ...

MicroVision

Staff Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · Hybrid

$120K - $155K/yr

To strengthen our team at the Orlando location, we are looking for a Staff Optical Engineer. As a key member of MicroVision's Optical Systems Engineering team, you will collaborate with various ...

Infleqtion

Staff Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Within Infleqtion's Quantum Computing Product Group, the Hardware Engineering Team is seeking a Staff Optical Engineer to provide deep technical contribution and subsystem-level ...

Onto Innovation

$125 - $150/hr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

Muon Space

Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in Mountain View, CA or Remote, developing infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

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Senior Staff Optical Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior staff optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior staff optical engineer?

Senior Staff Optical Engineers are highly experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices. They lead complex projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines to ensure that optical components meet performance and quality standards. Their work is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics, where advanced optical technologies are critical. Senior Staff Optical Engineers are typically expected to have deep technical expertise, leadership abilities, and a track record of successful innovation.

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

To thrive as a Senior Staff Optical Engineer, you need extensive knowledge of optical design, photonics, and physics, typically supported by an advanced degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with optical simulation software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, as well as familiarity with lab instrumentation and testing procedures, is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and collaborate across disciplines. These abilities ensure the delivery of innovative optical solutions and the successful execution of complex projects.

What are some common challenges senior staff optical engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Senior Staff Optical Engineers often collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to develop complex optical systems. One common challenge is ensuring that optical requirements align with constraints from other disciplines, such as space, thermal management, or electronics integration. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are essential to resolve conflicting priorities and achieve optimal system performance. Additionally, staying updated with the latest optical technologies and simulation tools helps address these challenges proactively.

What cities are hiring for Senior Staff Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Staff Optical Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Senior Staff Optical Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Senior Staff Optical Engineer jobs?

For Senior Staff Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Senior Staff Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA • On-site

Optikos
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Optikosexternal

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives innovation across imaging, illumination, and opto-mechanical systems while mentoring engineering teams and guiding complex product development from concept through manufacturing release.
The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross-functionally to influence product strategy, solve high-impact engineering challenges, and ensure world-class optical performance.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development of next-generation optical architectures, imaging systems, illumination systems, and custom opto-mechanical assemblies.
  • Define optical system requirements and translate them into detailed design specifications.
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert on geometrical optics, physical optics, laser systems, and optical metrology.
  • Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies relevant to product roadmap needs.
  • Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, and LightTools.
  • Conduct complex tolerance analyses, sensitivity studies, stray-light analysis, and system performance modeling.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for optical performance issues across prototypes and production systems.
  • Establish optical design, best practices, quality standards, and review processes.
  • Oversee and participate in hands-on laboratory work, including optical assembly, alignment, and performance characterization.
  • Guide development of metrology methods and test stations using interferometers, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, lasers, and custom equipment.
  • Validate system performance through data analysis of MTF, wavefront error, distortion, noise, and other key metrics.
  • Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust opto-mechanical integration.
  • Provide strategic technical input during concept reviews, design trade studies, risk assessments, and product design reviews.
  • Work closely with vendors and suppliers to evaluate components, materials, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices.
  • Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization.
  • Act as a technical representative during customer engagements, requirement discussions, and design presentations.
  • Support transition from prototype to high-throughput manufacturing, including tolerance optimization, process documentation, and production troubleshooting.

Skills and Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline; Master's or PhD strongly preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing.
  • Deep proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent).
  • Extensive experience in imaging optics, illumination design, and opto-mechanical integration.
  • Proven ability to lead complex optical development programs with minimal oversight.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to create high-quality technical reports and documentation.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, metrology equipment, and prototype testing.
  • Experience guiding products through full development lifecycle into manufacturing preferred.
  • Background in system-level engineering and multidisciplinary design preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership of technical teams or project initiatives preferred.
  • Experience collaborating with customers, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders preferred.

About Optikos:
For more than 40 years, Optikos® has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab™ Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer markets, and our experience with a wide variety of applications has enabled our staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team continues to improve existing metrology product lines and develop new products that Optikos manufactures and installs around the globe.
If you are an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual looking for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to develop professionally, send us your resume.
This is a 100% in-office position located in our headquarters in Wakefield, Massachusetts. We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.
Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at imejia@optikos.com. We provide accommodations as required by law.
Salary Description
$130-165k/Annually

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