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Vice President Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EVP Eyecare

Surgical Technician

Denver, CO · On-site

$22.50 - $30/hr

POSITION SUMMARY EVP Eyecare is a privately held, portfolio company of The Cortec Group. Based in ... ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The essential functions of the Optician include, but are not ...

RightMove Health

VP, Commercial Partnerships

Perform to Win - We bring our best to deliver measurable results, valuing impact over optics. * Be ... As Vice President, Commercial Partnerships , you will own the strategy and execution required to ...

PsiQuantum

VP, US Public Sector

Washington, DC · On-site

... optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build ... As the Vice President of U.S. Public Sector, you will responsibility for overall USG strategy ...

PsiQuantum

VP, US Public Sector

Washington, DC

... with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure. In 2024 ... As the Vice President of U.S. Public Sector, you will responsibility for overall USG strategy ...

PsiQuantum

VP, US Public Sector

Washington, DC · On-site

... optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build ... As the Vice President of U.S. Public Sector, you will responsibility for overall USG strategy ...

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All JobsVice President Optics Jobs

Vice President Optics information

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$43.5K

$157.5K

$277.5K

How much do vice president optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for vice president optics in the United States is $157,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Vice President of Optics do?

A Vice President of Optics is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the research, development, and implementation of optical technologies within a company. This role involves leading teams of engineers and scientists, setting strategic direction for optics-related projects, and ensuring products meet performance and quality standards. They also collaborate with other departments to drive innovation and maintain competitiveness in fields such as telecommunications, imaging, and photonics. The VP of Optics typically reports to top executives and plays a key role in shaping the company's technology roadmap.

What is the difference between Vice President Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectVice President OpticsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; extensive industry experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; some roles may require a PhD
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationDesign, testing, and development of optical systems; laboratory and office settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and optics manufacturing companiesCommon in research labs, manufacturing firms, and R&D departments within similar industries

The Vice President Optics typically holds a senior leadership role focused on strategic oversight and management, requiring extensive experience and credentials. In contrast, an Optical Engineer is more involved in technical design and development tasks. Both roles are vital in the optics industry but differ significantly in responsibilities and career level.

What are some common challenges faced by a Vice President of Optics when leading multidisciplinary teams?

As a Vice President of Optics, one of the primary challenges is effectively coordinating between optical engineers, mechanical designers, and software developers to deliver integrated solutions. Balancing technical innovation with project timelines and budget constraints often requires strong leadership and clear communication. Additionally, ensuring alignment between the optics team’s R&D goals and the company's broader business strategy can be complex, especially in rapidly evolving markets. Successful VPs foster collaboration, resolve technical conflicts, and mentor team members while keeping projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Vice President of Optics, and why are they important?

To excel as a Vice President of Optics, you need deep expertise in optical engineering, strong leadership abilities, and typically an advanced degree (such as a Ph.D. or Master’s) in optics, physics, or a related field. Proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V), project management tools, and familiarity with manufacturing standards are commonly required. Strategic vision, effective communication, and the ability to inspire and manage multidisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and aligning optical solutions with overall business objectives.
What cities are hiring for Vice President Optics jobs? Cities with the most Vice President Optics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optics jobs? The most popular types of Optics jobs are:
What states have the most Vice President Optics jobs? States with the most job openings for Vice President Optics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Vice President Optics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Vice President Optics jobs are:
Vice President Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vice President Optics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $157,532 per year, or $75.7 per hour.
Vice President of Engineering

Vice President of Engineering

Project Canary

Hayward, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description
About Aeris Technologies Inc
Aeris Technologies is a leading manufacturer of laser gas analyzers serving critical applications in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and emissions measurement. As part of the Project Canary family since 2022, we combine innovative optical sensing technology with precision manufacturing to deliver industry-leading analytical instruments. We're currently executing a comprehensive transformation to strengthen our operational foundation and accelerate growth.
The Opportunity
We're seeking an experienced Vice President of Engineering to lead our engineering organization through a pivotal transformation phase. This role will oversee product development, sustaining engineering, and engineering operations while establishing the rigor, processes, and culture needed to scale our business. You'll inherit a talented team working on cutting-edge laser spectroscopy technology and transform it into a world-class engineering organization. 
In this role, you will directly lead Engineering efforts beginning with initial architecture studies through proof of concept into NPI and sustaining. This leader will drive technology make/buy decisions and project-level and strategic schedule/budget/resource balancing. Familiarity with Sensing technologies, microelectronics, and IoT communication protocols is critical. 

Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Organization 
  • Lead and develop the engineering team (hardware, firmware, software, optics, mechanical, and test engineering) 
  • Build a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and accountability 
  • Partner with cross-functional leaders in Operations and Commercial teams 
Engineering Operations & Process Excellence 
  • Implement robust engineering project management disciplines (stage-gate processes, project tracking, resource allocation) 
  • Establish and enforce change management systems (ECO/ECN processes, revision control, configuration management) 
  • Create transparent project visibility with stakeholders across the organization 
  • Build design review processes that ensure quality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness 
  • Drive design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) principles 
Product Development & Innovation 
  • Own product roadmap development in collaboration with Commercial and Operations teams 
  • Lead new product development (NPD) processes from concept through production transfer 
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product performance and quality 
  • Ensure products meet competitive positioning against industry leaders (e.g., Picarro, ABB) 
Technical Excellence 
  • Maintain deep understanding of laser spectroscopy, optical design, and precision instrumentation 
  • Guide technical decision-making on complex optical, mechanical, and electronic designs 
  • Establish engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines 
  • Build validation and verification protocols that ensure product reliability 
  • Drive continuous improvement in product performance, quality, and cost 
Cross-Functional Collaboration 
  • Partner with Supply Chain on component selection, qualification, and supplier relationships, with a strong focus on minimizing inventory obsolescence 
  • Work with Manufacturing to ensure smooth production transitions and resolve production issues 
  • Collaborate with Quality on root cause analysis, corrective actions, and design improvements 
  • Support Commercial team with technical sales support, customer specifications, and application engineering 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Experience working with IoT devices, hardware & firmware engineering teams, and board-level electronics 
  • 10+ years of experience in leadership at a $50+mm company known for engineering excellence and operational rigor. 
  • A total of 5 years of experience at startups, supporting launch of products from prototype to mass production. 
  • Demonstrated success in a high growth environment managing both Engineering and Operations teams. 
  • Strong track record of cross-functional collaboration with Commercial and Manufacturing functions to drive development and execution of the product roadmap   
  • Engineering degree, graduate degree preferred 
  • Outstanding analytical skills and judgment. Skilled at gathering information, developing models, weighing relevant factors, and making decisions based on data, trends, and past experience. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communications skills. Asks for and offers help when needed, a committed team player. 

Benefits
  • Salary range: $245,000-$265,000 annual base
  • Office located in Hayward, California
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance with low deductibles and premiums paid by company 99% for self and 50% for dependents and/or spouse
  • 401K with company match (no vesting period)
  • Opportunity for equity ownership
  • Student loan assistance
  • Generous culture around time off, including: 
    • Unlimited PTO
    • 6 days of sick time per year 
    • 11 paid company holidays per year 
    • up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, including adoptions