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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI

$130K - $194K/yr

From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

SRI International

Sr Research Engineer-RF

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Overview From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF ... Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see ... We are seeking a Senior or Principal Program Manager to lead and manage programs or projects ...

ARKA Group

Software Engineer {S}

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels, from entry level to senior level for this ... Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate ...

ARKA Group

Software Engineer {S}

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

We welcome applicants at varying experience levels, from entry level to senior level for this ... Collaborate with radar/electro-optical and research scientist experts to solve issues and iterate ...

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Sr Optical Engineer information

What is a Sr Optical Engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer?

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan?

For Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Sr Research Engineer-RF

SRI International

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$130K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
From our Ann Arbor, MI office, we have an opening for a Senior Research Engineer with RF hardware experience. You will participate in multi-disciplinary, collaborative teams and contribute to the development of state-of-the-art remote sensing and surveillance processing algorithms and software implemented on real-time hardware. Relevant sensor types include electro-optic/infrared and active/passive radar imaging systems. Most programs are executed in small, highly collaborative groups. This is an in-office position with flexibility to work remotely occasionally.
This position is within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD). The vision of ATSD is to create competitive advantages for our customers by inventing new technology and concepts resulting in disruptive, low cost, and high-performance solutions. The division advances the state of the art in diverse areas such as radar and electronic warfare; novel imaging technology; robotics; quantum sensing and metrology; marine technology; and applied optics. CHECK OUT OUR WORK!
Responsibilities
  • Work with an interdisciplinary team to design, develop, and test of RF systems, including: transmitters, receivers, and antennas spanning high frequency (HF) to W-band (100 GHz) with minimal oversight
  • Development of marketing and proposal material for new RF systems for government and commercial clients
  • Modeling of RF systems using industry-standard design tools
  • Collaboration with engineers across different domains, including: mechanical, optical, digital
  • Documentation of system designs and schematics, test plans and procedures, and hardware development and test software
  • Participation in field experiments and data collections

Qualifications
  • Bachelors with 8+ years OR MS with 6+ years OR PhD with 3+ years of related experience. Area of study - Electrical Engineering.
  • U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance required.
  • Knowledge of and experience with RF system design and modeling, including: radar sensitivity and resolution, RF link budgets.
  • Ability to lead and manage projects and tasks, including: development of schedules and budgets, resource allocation, and dependencies.
  • Proficiency in use of RF laboratory test equipment, including: spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, RF signal sources
  • Ability to prepare and present technical content in a professional manner to customers and coworkers.
  • Ability to support occasional travel associated with meetings and/or data collections.

Desired Skills:
  • System-level analysis and architecture development of RF systems, including: system and subsystem requirements generation, system specification, and trade studies
  • Experience maturing prototype designs (TRL 4-6) to operational systems (TRL 7-9)
  • Experience with business development and proposal writing
  • RF printed circuit board design and debug. Knowledge of Altium software is a plus.
  • Electromagnetic, antenna, and RF circuit modeling using industry-standard software. Familiarity with Ansys HFSS are Keysight Genesys are pluses.
  • Phased array antenna systems: design, modeling, fabrication, testing
  • Hardware integration and testing
  • Experience with Matlab and/or Python; familiarity with Linux

The salary range is: $130,760-$194,505. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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