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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied ...

Apptronik

Senior Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB SUMMARY As a Senior Perception Hardware Engineer focusing on Sensor Calibration , you will own ... You will be the resident expert on optical physics, 3D geometry, and sensor precision. ESSENTIAL ...

Apptronik

Senior Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

JOB SUMMARY As a Senior Perception Hardware Engineer focusing on Sensor Calibration , you will own ... You will be the resident expert on optical physics, 3D geometry, and sensor precision. ESSENTIAL ...

Booster

Senior Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

JOB SUMMARY As a Senior Perception Hardware Engineer focusing on Sensor Calibration , you will own ... You will be the resident expert on optical physics, 3D geometry, and sensor precision. ESSENTIAL ...

Atom Computing

Senior ASIC Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a Senior ASIC Designer to design and develop a digital signal processing ... Work closely with Atom Computing's quantum physicists, optical engineers, hardware and software ...

Atom Computing

Senior ASIC Design Engineer

Austin, TX

$140K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a Senior ASIC Designer to design and develop a digital signal processing ... Work closely with Atom Computing's quantum physicists, optical engineers, hardware and software ...

Atom Computing

Senior ASIC Design Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking a Senior ASIC Designer to design and develop a digital signal processing ... Work closely with Atom Computing's quantum physicists, optical engineers, hardware and software ...

Corning

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Lead design engineering efforts, coordinating CAD, simulation, prototyping, and testing resources

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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 Texas?

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Sr Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Sr Optical Engineer job openings:

Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Senior Laser Engineer 2

ARA

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Rocky Mountain Division of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking a Senior Laser Engineer 2 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will lead the operation and maintenance of the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space.
The Senior Laser Engineer 2 will lead the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate serves as a senior technical contributor and subject-matter expert, responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.
This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
  • Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
  • Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.
  • Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
  • Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
  • Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with government, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDC), academic, and industry partners.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.

Key Skills and Competencies
  • Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
  • Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
  • Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
  • Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Capability to develop and automate experiments using data acquisition and control software (MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate laboratory results into mission-relevant insights and recommendations.
  • Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 -12 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
  • Demonstrated experience leading or independently executing complex experimental research efforts.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience with DoD laboratories.
  • Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser-matter interactions.
  • Existing DoD clearance.

Company & Division Information
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and critical problems. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently has over 2,200 employee-owners in offices throughout the United States and Canada providing a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. In addition, we provide sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employee-owners are at the heart of every success. We embrace employee ownership which spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. All eligible employees have the opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and all of our employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Senior Laser Engineer 2 position.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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