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Staff Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

... optical communication systems impairments and compensations, signal integrity along the data path, amplifiers, and tunable filters. * Solid understanding of RF/microwave engineering and photonics ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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All JobsStaff Optical Engineer Jobs

Staff Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do staff optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical devices. Their expertise in designing and developing optical systems, along with skills in laser technology and optical simulation tools, makes them valuable in various high-tech industries.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior optical engineers, including staff optical engineers, can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design and simulation, and working in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or telecommunications. Achieving this salary often requires specialized certifications, a strong track record, and working in senior or leadership roles.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced optical engineers, such as senior staff optical engineers working in advanced research, development, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These roles typically require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and extensive industry experience. Compensation at this level often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or specialized research often offer such compensation, particularly for engineers with expertise in laser systems, imaging, or photonics.

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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What job categories do people searching Staff Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Staff Optical Engineer jobs are:
Staff Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Staff Optical Engineer

Staff Optical Engineer

Marvell Technology, Inc.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Life, Retirement

Posted 26 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 networks 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 products Marvell technology is enabling this exponential growth of data movement through optical interconnects.
What You Can Expect
Join a world-class team specializing in the design and validation of optical transceivers, where you'll contribute to the development of high-performance calibration techniques, advanced test methodologies, and robust infrastructure for cutting-edge optical communication modules. Your work will support products throughout their lifecycle-from initial R&D through to high-volume manufacturing-ensuring exceptional quality and performance at every stage.
In this role, you will:
  • Be part of a development team responsible for all aspects of bring-up, calibration, optimization, troubleshooting, and Design Verification Testing (DVT) for Marvell's optical transceivers.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC), analog IC, coherent DSP, broadband analog IC, firmware, and system engineering.
  • Develop and maintain Python-based automation scripts to streamline validation workflows and improve correlation processes.
  • Perform data analysis to enhance product performance, refine test and calibration methodologies, and support mass-production readiness.
  • Build, maintain, and enhance testbeds consisting of optical test equipment such as high-resolution OSA, VOA, EDFA, and WSS.

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields and 3-5 years of related professional experience OR Master's degree and/or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related fields with 2-3 years of experience.
  • Knowledge of optical communications from system to component level
  • Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.
  • Ability to validate hardware and debug electronic hardware.
  • Background in digital signal processing preferred.

Expected Base Pay Range (USD)
113,920 - 170,600, $ 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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