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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site +1

$114K - $150K/yr

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as requested. • Analyze technical problems ... senior stake holders and influence across the organization - Knowledge and experience with ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA

$144K - $187K/yr

... engineers on the team, performing collaborative work & coaching to develop the team members skillsets, while ensuring common team execution to your technical vision About the team The Optical Inter ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

... engineers on the team, performing collaborative work & coaching to develop the team members skillsets, while ensuring common team execution to your technical vision About the team The Optical Inter ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Optical Engineering, Physics, Electronics, or related discipline, or equivalent experience - Expertise in imaging and non-imaging optical design using Zemax or other software - Ability to lead ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Research Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA

$144K - $187K/yr

Develop clear understanding of optical tests needed for qualifying optical systems Conduct optical module design, validation test and prepare optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as ...

Amazon

Sr. Optical Engineer , Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Develop clear understanding of optical tests needed for qualifying optical systems Conduct optical module design, validation test and prepare optical test engineering report for Program Reviews as ...

Actalent

Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer

Seattle, WA

$122K - $159K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Electro-Optical Payload Engineer will play a key role in architecting, designing, integrating, and testing advanced electro-optical payloads for a cutting-edge space-based intelligence ...

SpaceX

Sr. Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Mars. SR. SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops ... As a SpaceX optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSr Optical Engineer JobsSr Optical Engineer Jobs in Bothell, WA

Sr Optical Engineer information

See Bothell, WA salary details

$92.8K

$160.5K

$188.4K

How much do sr optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr optical engineer in Bothell, WA is $160,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,200.00 and $186,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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?

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.

What job categories do people searching Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA are:

What cities near Bothell, WA are hiring for Sr Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Bothell, WA with the most Sr Optical Engineer job openings:

Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in Bothell, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,541 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

Senior Optical Research Engineer

IonQ

Bothell, WA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Location: This role is based at our Bothell, WA office, with the option to work a few days a week remotely.
Travel: Up to 25%, domestic
Job ID: 1608

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Optical Research Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Senior Optical Research Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing quantum networking experiments to help inform the development of new and novel quantum networking applications. The ideal candidate is well versed in both the theory and experimental aspects of quantum networking, and is comfortable leading projects from first principles to experimental validation.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, simulate and test new and novel quantum networking applications.
  • Implement automated quantum tomography protocols to characterize the fidelity of networked quantum states.
  • Collaborate with the systems engineering team to translate quantum networking protocols and interconnects from the R&D stage to product.
  • Execute rigorous experimental validation of quantum networking protocols, including quantum communication, transduction and linking of different qubit modalities.
  • Derive system level requirements from experimental results, communicate and work with product and engineering teams to realize performance in real world systems.
  • Develop quantum networking metrologies, including overall network performance as well as individual optical components.

Requirements:

  •  5+ years of professional experience in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or Applied Physics with a focus on precision optical systems.
  • Master's degree in Optical Sciences, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Proficiency in data analysis (e.g., Python) and instrument control (e.g., LabView, Simulink).
  • Hands-on experience with ultra-stable interferometry, fiber optics, and precision alignment of free-space optical systems.
  • Willingness to lead and own complex quantum networking projects from start to finish, starting with initial concept design up to handing off to engineering/product teams.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong theoretical background in quantum optics and quantum information.

Preferred Qualifications:

  •  Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering with a thesis focused on Quantum Optics or Quantum Information Science.
  • Proficiency in optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or Lumerical).
  • Experience with quantum transduction or frequency conversion.
  • Familiarity with FPGA-based time-tagging and coincidence counting electronics.
  • Knowledge of laser frequency stabilization techniques and non-linear optics (e.g., SPDC, frequency conversion).
  • PIC experience

The approximate base salary range for this position is $114,750 - $150,237. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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