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

Sr Opto Mechanical Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

As the Sr Opto Mechanical Engineer for a Line Replaceable Unit at Amazon Leo, you will be directly ... You will leverage your expertise in optical test design to partner with development on the design ...

Sr Opto Mechanical Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

As the Sr Opto Mechanical Engineer for a Line Replaceable Unit at Amazon Leo, you will be directly ... You will leverage your expertise in optical test design to partner with development on the design ...

As the Sr Opto Mechanical Engineer for a Line Replaceable Unit at Amazon Leo, you will be directly ... You will leverage your expertise in optical test design to partner with development on the design ...

Consulting Employee

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$137K - $179K/yr

The Undersea Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a Senior Optical Systems Engineer. Candidate will immediately contribute to a funded Government-Industry-Lab team to establish the ...

Consulting Employee

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$137K - $179K/yr

The Undersea Systems Division at Leidos currently has an opening for a Senior Optical Systems Engineer. Candidate will immediately contribute to a funded Government-Industry-Lab team to establish the ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 6, 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 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 Bothell, WA?

For Sr Optical Engineer jobs in Bothell, WA, the most frequently searched job titles 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:

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 Manager - TeraWave Optical Engineering

Blue Origin

Seattle, WA • On-site

$183K - $257K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to revolutionize space-based connectivity anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of thousands of optically interconnected satellitestoprovideenterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

As Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will lead a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers responsible for designing the telescope and optical assemblies at the heart of the TeraWave OISL payload.The team you leadwill own theopticaldesign from concept throughfirst build andensure a smooth transition to high-volume production. This role demands technicalexpertisein precision optical systems combined with the leadership skills to drive a focused, high-performing team.

Special Mentions

  • Location: Seattle, WA area

  • Relocationassistanceavailable for qualified candidates

  • Travel expectations: Up to 15% for supplier visits, integration activities, and internal reviews

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Lead and manage a team of optical and opto-mechanical engineers through the full design lifecycle, from concept through EVT and DVT

  • Own the technical direction for telescope assemblies and optical light path design for the TeraWave OISL payload

  • Drive detailed opto-mechanical design and STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysisprocessesto meet performance requirements across the mission environment

  • Lead the NPI process, ensuring designs are well-documented, producible at high volume, and ready for a successful handoff to the production team

  • Manage personnel including hiring, workload planning, performance reviews, and career development

  • Partner with systems, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure alignment across the program

  • Support sustaining engineeringbyproviding design documentation and lessons learned to the production team

  • Identifyand manage technical risks, drive design trades, and make clear recommendations to program leadership

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

  • 7+ years of experience in optical system design, with hands-onexpertisein telescope or beam director architectures

  • 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or serving as a technical lead on optical hardware programs

  • Experience with opto-mechanical design and STOP analysis for space or high-reliability environments

  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline

  • Experience with 10cm-class telescope design for space or airborne platforms

  • Background in lasercom, OISL, or free-space optical communication systems

  • Experience with NPI processes and design-for-manufacturability in a high-volume optical manufacturing environment

  • Experience carrying optical hardware through environmental qualification (thermal-vac, vibration, shock)

Why Blue Origin:At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe in methodical innovation to achieve our vision of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth. As a Senior Manager of Optical Engineering, you will play a crucial role in developing the precision optical technologies that makeTeraWave'srevolutionary space-based communications network possible.You'llwork with world-class teams on challenging problems, have access tostate-of-the-artfacilities, and contribute to missions that will shape the future of space exploration andutilization.


Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $183,807.00 - $257,328.75

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.


What Blue Origin employees say

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Blue Origin logo

About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000