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Staff Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 · 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

$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 ...

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 ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Our experienced Account Managers and Recruiters are available to meet all your technical staffing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Our experienced Account Managers and Recruiters are available to meet all your technical staffing ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or ...

Nokia

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$118K - $220K/yr

Evaluate emerging optical testing technologies and integrate industry advancements into platform strategies. * Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, leading design reviews and establishing technical ...

Nokia

Staff-Optical Test Engineer

Allentown, PA

$127K - $164K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Engineering, Physics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience) * 8+ years of experience in optical and/or electrical test engineering, with a focus on complex ...

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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 Jun 30, 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 engineers make $500,000?

Senior optical engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually in high-paying industries such as defense, aerospace, or semiconductor manufacturing. These roles often require expertise in optical design, systems engineering, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V, along with leadership responsibilities. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

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 optics simulation and CAD tools, makes them valuable in technology-driven industries with steady growth prospects.

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 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 and leadership responsibilities.

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.

How much do fiber optic engineers get paid?

Fiber optic engineers, including staff optical engineers, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optical design or testing may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits and bonuses.
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Staff Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Staff Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Locum Tenens, 72% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Staff Optical Communications Engineer

Staff Optical Communications Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA

$188K - $251K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

At Relativity Space, we're building rockets to serve today's needs and tomorrow's breakthroughs. Our Terran R vehicle will deliver customer payloads to orbit, meeting the growing demand for launch capacity. But that's just the start. Achieving commercial success with Terran R will unlock new opportunities to advance science, exploration, and innovation, pioneering progress that reaches beyond the known.

Joining Relativity means becoming part of something where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level. Here, you're not just executing tasks; you're solving problems that haven't been solved before, helping develop a rocket, a factory, and a business from the ground up. Whether you're in propulsion, manufacturing, software, avionics, or a corporate function, you'll collaborate across teams, shape decisions, and see your work come to life in record time. Relativity is a place where creativity and technical rigor go hand in hand, and your voice will help define the stories we're writing together. Now is a unique moment in time where it's early enough to leave your mark on the product, the process, and the culture, but far enough along that Terran R is tangible and picking up momentum. The most meaningful work of your career is waiting. Join us.

About the Team:

The Interplanetary Sciences Program was established to expand access to scientific exploration across our solar system. Its mission is to make planetary research faster, more affordable, and more capable than ever before by rethinking how science missions are designed, built, and operated. The program aims to enable scientists to send instruments to distant worlds without decades of development or prohibitive costs. By creating a sustainable model for interplanetary exploration, we are transforming space science from an occasional event into a continuous process of discovery that accelerates knowledge, broadens participation, and inspires the next generation of explorers.

About the Role:

As a Staff Optical Communications Engineer within the Interplanetary Sciences Program, you will own the end-to-end architecture, design, development, and delivery of a deep-space optical communications terminal. You will be responsible for translating mission needs into system performance requirements, developing architectures, and driving implementation through in-house design or external partnerships.

This role offers the opportunity to define and execute one of the most critical technologies enabling next-generation interplanetary missions. You will operate in a fast-paced, iterative environment, where rapid prototyping, early testing, and continuous learning are key to success. You'll lead hands-on development campaigns to evaluate key technologies, derisk interfaces, and validate performance before full system integration.

You'll work across internal and external teams to turn concepts into hardware, balancing agility and rigor as you move quickly from analysis to prototypes to flight-ready systems. Ultimately, you will lead the effort to deliver a robust, high-performance optical communications capability that enables breakthrough science across the solar system.

About You:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of experience in laser communications, optical systems engineering, or spacecraft communications system development
  • Proven ability to take complex technical systems from concept through qualification, integration, and operational deployment
  • Hands-on proficiency in electromechanical prototyping, including integration of optics, electronics, and mechanical subsystems such as gimbals, pointing mechanisms, and precision mounts
  • Deep understanding of optical communications subsystems, including pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT); modems; and photonic hardware
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to synthesize technical details and drive decision-making across engineering and program teams

Nice to haves but not required:

  • Experience with spaceflight hardware environmental testing and qualification
  • Familiarity with NASA or commercial spacecraft systems engineering processes in an applied / New-Space manner is a plus
  • Experience with deep-space or high-radiation avionics systems

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.
Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:
$188,000—$251,000 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact us at accommodations@relativityspace.com.