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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gamma Scientific

CA

$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 ...

Gamma Scientific

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

MicroVision

Senior Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer contributes to the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems and components for MicroVision's LiDAR sensor products. This role requires a solid foundation in free ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to ...

MicroVision

Senior Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer contributes to the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems and components for MicroVision's LiDAR sensor products. This role requires a solid foundation in free ...

AURA

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 the National Solar Observatory's Next-Generation Global Observing Network Group (ngGONG). This ...

MicroVision

Senior Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL

$120K - $155K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer contributes to the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems and components for MicroVision's LiDAR sensor products. This role requires a solid foundation in free ...

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for a Senior Optical Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor to the company ...

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer (OE) serves as the company's technical authority for optical systems engineering and works with a cross-functional team to ensure Wilcox is delivering a best-in-class ...

Rivet Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 Compensation*: $200,000-$275,000 USD + benefits Role Description: We are seeking a motivated Senior Optical ...

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All JobsSr Optical Engineer Jobs

Sr Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do sr optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr 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 are Sr Optical Engineers?

Sr Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead projects involving optics for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Senior Optical Engineers also collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, oversee the integration of optical technologies, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Their work ensures the performance, reliability, and innovation of optical products and systems.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Optical Engineer expect in their role?

As a Sr Optical Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of optical systems for products such as imaging devices, sensors, or communication equipment. Collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers is common to ensure that optical components seamlessly integrate with other subsystems. You may also interact with product managers and manufacturing teams to meet technical requirements and production timelines. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, especially when troubleshooting system-level issues or optimizing performance across disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and optical simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are vital for delivering high-performance optical systems and leading complex projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Sr Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSr Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, telecommunicationsOptical component manufacturers, research institutions

The main difference between a Sr Optical Engineer and an Optical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and seniority. A Sr Optical Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees complex projects, whereas an Optical Engineer is often in the early to mid-career stage focusing on design and testing tasks.

More about Sr Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sr Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sr Optical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Sr Optical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Sr Optical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sr Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Optical Engineer jobs are:
Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Gamma Scientific

CA

$128K - $166K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Gamma Scientific, with over 60 years of experience, is a leader in developing commercial light measurement instruments trusted by some of the world’s top organizations. Our systems are built for 24/7 operation on production floors and feature advanced real-time measurement and analysis capabilities. Offering versatile configurations, our solutions cover a broad spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared and can be customized for unique testing needs. Additionally, our ISO 17025-compliant, NVLAP-accredited laboratory provides ENERGY STAR® lighting and LM-79 testing services.


Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Senior Optical Engineer role based in San Diego County, CA. 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, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project requirements. The role also involves troubleshooting and solving complex design challenges while ensuring compliance with industry standards.


Qualifications

  • Proficiency in Optical Design and Optical Engineering
  • Strong knowledge of Laser technologies and related applications
  • Experience in Systems Design, including development and integration
  • Solid understanding of Physics principles relevant to optoelectronic systems
  • Proficiency with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or similar)
  • Experience with lab instrumentation and measurement techniques is a plus
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

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