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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

Product Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$76.30 - $129.70/hr

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

... optics, motion control, and wafer handling subsystems, with senior guidance as needed. * Support ... Engineers by preparing tools and supporting execution, ensuring demo requirements are met. * Ensure ...

... optical (EO) sensors, and other related electronic components. As a senior technical authority, the incumbent focuses on new product development and sustaining engineering, guiding projects from ...

... Optical Communications.This role is part of our Digital & IT organization and is focused on leading ... Guide AI Engineers and Senior AI Engineers across multiple AI initiatives, helping ensure quality ...

$93K - $122K/yr

We are looking for a technical leader who can help guide AI Engineers and Senior AI Engineers while ... Optical Communications. -Exposure to modern AI technologies, LLM applications, AI agents, chatbot ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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. Systems Engineer (Sensors - Humanoid Robotics)

Schaeffler

Troy, MI • On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


Schaeffler rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company and its success has been a result of its entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities.
Your Key Responsibilities
We are seeking a Senior Sensor Engineer to lead the development, selection, qualification, and continuous improvement of position, force, and torque sensing solutions for high-performance humanoid robot actuators. This role owns both internal sensor technology development and external supplier engagement, ensuring sensing systems meet the demanding requirements of precision motion control, high reliability, low latency, and compact packaging in multi-degree-of-freedom humanoid platforms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Drive the technical roadmap for position, force, and torque sensing technologies used in joint actuators (including rotary and linear configurations).
  • Lead internal development of sensing solutions (magnetic, inductive, capacitive, strain-gauge/thin-film, and hybrid approaches) from concept through validation and production readiness.
  • Manage external supplier selection, technical evaluation, development partnerships, and performance qualification for commercial and custom sensors.
  • Define sensor requirements (accuracy, resolution, bandwidth, noise, thermal stability, EMI immunity, size, power, and interface) in close collaboration with actuator, control, and systems engineering teams.
  • Oversee characterization, calibration methods, and compensation algorithms for position, force, and torque sensors under real actuator operating conditions (temperature, vibration, dynamic loading, and electromagnetic environments).
  • Evaluate and mitigate sensing-related risks including drift, hysteresis, crosstalk, saturation, and long-term reliability.
  • Support integration of sensor data into actuator control loops (FOC, impedance/admittance control, torque control, and state estimation).
  • Conduct technical reviews of supplier designs, processes, and quality systems; drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
  • Generate and maintain technical specifications, test plans, validation reports, and design documentation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and serve as the primary technical authority on sensing for humanoid actuator programs.

Your Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in precision sensing technologies, with significant exposure to position, force, and/or torque measurement in mechatronic or robotic systems.
  • Demonstrated experience developing or qualifying sensors for high-performance motion systems (robotics, aerospace, industrial automation, or medical devices).
  • Strong understanding of sensor physics and signal conditioning for magnetic, optical, capacitive, and strain-based sensing modalities.
  • Experience working with external suppliers on custom or semi-custom sensor development, including technical negotiations, design reviews, and production readiness.
  • Familiarity with actuator architectures (motors, harmonic/strain-wave or planetary gearing, and integrated electronics).
  • Hands-on experience with sensor characterization, calibration, and environmental testing.
  • Excellent technical communication skills and the ability to influence cross-functional and supplier teams.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with sensing in humanoid or collaborative robots, or other high-DOF systems with tight packaging constraints.
  • Knowledge of torque and force sensing techniques suitable for series-elastic or quasi-direct-drive actuators.
  • Familiarity with real-time control interfaces, sensor fusion, and estimation techniques (e.g., observers, Kalman filtering) used in advanced motion control.
  • Experience with functional safety, reliability analysis (FMEDA, DFMEA), or automotive/aerospace quality standards.
  • Prior work involving EMI/EMC considerations for sensors collocated with high-power motor drives.

Our Offering
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance and 401k eligible with up to 6% company match
  • Regular employee appreciation and company events
  • Please see all our benefit offerings at Schaeffler Benefits

As a global company with employees around the world, it is important to us that we treat each other with respect and value all ideas and perspectives. By appreciating our differences, we inspire creativity and drive innovation. In this way, we contribute to sustainable value creation for our stakeholders and society as a whole. Together, we advance how the world moves.
Exciting assignments and outstanding development opportunities await you because we impact the future with innovation. We look forward to your application.
https://www.schaeffler.us/careers/
Your contact
Schaeffler Humanoids USA, LLC
Kenneth R Cummings
Schaeffler is an equal employment opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive equal employment opportunities and consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Keywords: Research & Development; Research & Development

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