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Staff Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

You will join a diverse engineering team and develop new, cutting-edge products for our customers ... staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

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Staff Optical Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do staff optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff 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 Staff Optical Engineers?

Staff Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead technical projects, solve complex optical problems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring optical products from concept to production. Their work is critical in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Staff-level engineers typically have several years of experience and may mentor junior engineers or contribute to setting technical direction within their organizations.

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

To thrive as a Staff Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical design. Proficiency with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with industry standards are commonly required, along with certifications like SPIE or OSA membership being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring product quality, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Staff Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectStaff Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience in optical design and testingBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign teams, manufacturing, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical design firms, tech companies, manufacturing

While both roles involve optical design and testing, a Staff Optical Engineer typically has more experience, takes on leadership responsibilities, and works on complex projects. An Optical Engineer is often an entry to mid-level role focused on supporting optical development tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by Staff Optical Engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Staff Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex optical systems. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical language and have varying priorities. Additionally, integrating optical components within broader system constraints—such as size, weight, and power—can require creative problem-solving and compromise. Being proactive in cross-functional meetings and documenting requirements thoroughly can help mitigate these challenges and contribute to successful project outcomes.
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Staff Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Marvell Technology, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

About Marvell
Marvell's semiconductor solutions are the essential building blocks of the data infrastructure that connects our world. Across enterprise, cloud and AI, and carrier architectures, our innovative technology is enabling new possibilities.
At Marvell, you can affect the arc of individual lives, lift the trajectory of entire industries, and fuel the transformative potential of tomorrow. For those looking to make their mark on purposeful and enduring innovation, above and beyond fleeting trends, Marvell is a place to thrive, learn, and lead.
Your Team, Your Impact
Today's bandwidth-intensive online lifestyle - from streaming video to generative AI - requires high-performance with uncompromised quality. Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers product lines, Marvell technology is pushing the exponential growth of data movement through optical interconnects. The Optical Connectivity Group in Marvell is a group of world-class talent that brings innovations into mass-manufacturable, reliable product to the industry, blazing the frontier of technologies to handle the challenge for higher bandwidth, lower latency, lower power the world is calling for.
What You Can Expect
  • Perform end-to-end system simulations for high-speed optical interconnect systems including Serdes, electrical channel, optical channel, packages, and optical transceiver.
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance system-level simulation environments
  • Conduct laboratory measurements and correlate results with simulations for system validation, optimization, and performance evaluation
  • Analyze and resolve signal integrity issues, including crosstalk, attenuation, reflections, and discontinuities in high-speed designs
  • Perform engineering validation test and design validation test

What We're Looking For
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields with 3+ years of experience; or Master's degree with 5+ years of experience OR Bachelor's degree with 5-10 years, in design validation and modeling for fiber-optical communication systems.
  • Strong knowledge of optical communication components, including optical DSP, coherent DSP, high speed modulators, receivers, transimpedance amplifiers, RF amplifiers.
  • Strong knowledge in optical communication systems impairments and compensations, signal integrity along the data path, amplifiers, and tunable filters.
  • Solid understanding of RF/microwave engineering and photonics fundamentals
  • Strong programming proficiency in Python
  • Experience with system or channel simulation using Keysight ADS (including IBIS-AMI) or MATLAB
  • Experience in signal processing and analysis for data communication
  • Hands-on experience working with electrical and optical test equipment: optical spectrum analyzer, digital communication analyzers, high-speed electric scopes, wavelength and power meters.
  • Familiarity with signal integrity, PAM4 Serdes, VNA, and TDR

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)
134,390 - 201,300, $ per annum
The successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location and market conditions. The expected base pay range for this role may be modified based on market conditions.
Additional Compensation and Benefit Elements
Marvell is committed to providing exceptional, comprehensive benefits that support our employees at every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our offerings are built around four key pillars: financial well-being, family support, mental and physical health, and recognition. Highlights include an employee stock purchase plan with a 2-year look back, family support programs to help balance work and home life, robust mental health resources to prioritize emotional well-being, and a recognition and service awards to celebrate contributions and milestones. We look forward to sharing more with you during the interview process.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Any applicant who requires a reasonable accommodation during the selection process should contact Marvell HR Helpdesk at TAOps@marvell.com.
Interview Integrity
To support fair and authentic hiring practices, candidates are not permitted to use AI tools (such as transcription apps, real-time answer generators like ChatGPT or Copilot, or automated note-taking bots) during interviews.
These tools must not be used to record, assist with, or enhance responses in any way. Our interviews are designed to evaluate your individual experience, thought process, and communication skills in real time. Use of AI tools without prior instruction from the interviewer will result in disqualification from the hiring process.
This position may require access to technology and/or software subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, applicants must be eligible to access export-controlled information as defined under applicable law. Marvell may be required to obtain export licensing approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State. Except for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), all applicants may be subject to an export license review process prior to employment.
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