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Senior Staff Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Staff Optical Engineer (20122)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

MS degree with 8+ years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field; or a PhD degree with 5+ years of related experience is required. Experience with ZEMAX is also required. Knowledge ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical design, testing, and evaluation of optical systems. The candidate will be responsible for the design and ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical design, testing, and evaluation of optical systems. The candidate will be responsible for the design and ...

Sr Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

Position: Sr. Optical Engineer Location: San Diego, CA Type: Full-time | On-site Position Overview: The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to ...

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Staff Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Sep 11, 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 (20122)

San Jose, CA • On-site

Veeco
Semiconductor and Electronic Component Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

$151K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement complex optical parts and assemblies for lithography and laser annealing tools.

  • Develop test and verification procedures, and participate in testing and experimentation.

  • Assist manufacturing during prototype assembly and develop manufacturing processes and work instructions.


Veeco rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Veeco
You probably don't realize it, but what we do at Veeco touches the lives of every person, every day. It's a bold statement, but it's true. From the smartphones in our pockets that access the world's collective knowledge, to the cloud-based services where all that information lives, to high-speed wireless communication and computing power needed to drive artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. 
 

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our customers to create the essential devices that drive the digital age, connect the world, and improve the human experience. Along with the world's leading technology companies, many of which are household names, we help solve their most difficult material science challenges, enabling technologies for a more connected, sustainable, and convenient world.
 

We're looking for material difference-makers to join our growing team. Interested? Learn more at www.veeco.com/careers.

Overview: 

This is a hands-on position responsible for the design and experimental verification of complex optical parts and assemblies for lithography and laser annealing tools.

The engineer in this position designs and implements complex imaging, illumination, and high-power beamforming and beam delivery systems. In this position, you will be responsible for IP creation, design, experimentation, and interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and marketing departments. 

Responsibilities:

  • Work on projects from the concept development stage through delivery to manufacturing 
  • Provide tolerance analysis for optical designs
  • Develop test and verification procedures; take part in testing and experimentation
  • Assist Manufacturing during the manufacture of prototype assemblies, and develop manufacturing processes and work instructions
  • Support operations to resolve supplier and production problems 
  • Create optical designs for new product development of lithography and laser annealing tools
  • Create design concepts in support of advanced R&D investigations

Qualifications:

MS degree with 8+ years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field; or a PhD degree with 5+ years of related experience is required. Experience with ZEMAX is also required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Experience developing optical systems for lithography, high power laser-based systems, infrared systems, and/or imaging systems.
  • Expert level knowledge of geometrical and physical optics, optical measurements. Hands on lab experience.
  • Knowledge of optical fabrication methods.
  • Familiarity with refractive and reflective optical system design, and coherent and incoherent sources.
  • Experience with imaging and illumination system design and analysis.
  • Proficient in CODE V, ZEMAX, FRED; working knowledge of MATLAB or MATHCAD preferred.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.

#LI-KB1


Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $186,000-$240,000, plus a bonus opportunity. We will consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors when determining your pay. If your salary requirements exceed the advertised range and you remain interested in Veeco, we encourage you to apply or email your resume to recruiting@veeco.com.


Other benefits include:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Time
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Life and Accident Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Identity Theft Remediation
  • Emergency Travel Assistance


Veeco is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected characteristics. Veeco is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.


Notice to Applicants:
All communication about open positions and hiring will come from someone with a @veeco.com email address. You will always have multiple interviews and meet several team members (in-person or virtually) before we present an offer. We may also check references or conduct a background investigation as part of the offer process. We will never ask you for money for any reason, especially to send equipment or for pre-employment training. If you have any questions or concerns, or if someone has reached out to you and you think it might be a scam, please get in touch with us at recruiting@veeco.com.


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