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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer (E)

Milpitas, CA

$125.10K - $212.70K/yr

The senior optical engineer in the LS-Swift group will support current projects and also work on future generation products. The successful candidate will have good physics knowledge of classical ...

Atom Computing

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$114.75K - $150.24K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join our Quantum Networking Group. As an Optical Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to ...

Draper

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$82.30K - $220K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts.While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial ...

Draper Labs

Senior Optical Engineer

Cambridge, MA

$82.30K - $220K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical technologies and systems. Develops and implements test procedures while selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Interacts with ...

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Sr Optical Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do sr optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Sr Optical Engineers?

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 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.

More about Sr Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Sr Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Sr Optical Engineer job openings:
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Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

Atom Computing is seeking an Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design of opto-mechanical subsystems and to drive their build out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and assembly. 

Job Responsibilities
  • Lead cross-functional partnerships with mechanical engineers and physicists to iteratively design optical subsystems in the areas of laser distribution, high numerical aperture microscope imaging, and optical cavities
  • Define system architecture and make critical strategic decisions for balancing competing requirements.
  • Create novel designs and specifications of optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Evaluate suitability of design solutions by performing detailed tolerance and stray light analysis
  • Develop alignment procedures for optical designs
  • Lead hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Characterize the performance of optical subsystems
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 5-8+ years optical design experience
  • 4+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
Qualifications
  • Experience in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD design software
  • Project management skills and the ability to lead technical initiatives independently.
  • High attention-to-detail and accuracy
  • Creative, critical thinking with ability to strategize and solve problems in a dynamic environment
  • Ability to work effectively in an open, collaborative environment
  • Excellent communication, listening and people skills

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.Â