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Virtual Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K/yr

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Display Engineer to advance the optical design and display systems that power next-generation virtual and augmented reality headsets and wearable devices. In this role ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical ... This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ...

Meta

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173K - $245K/yr

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Display Engineer to advance the optical design and display systems that power next-generation virtual and augmented reality headsets and wearable devices. In this role ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical ... This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical ... This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ...

Meta

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Display Engineer to advance the optical design and display systems that power next-generation virtual and augmented reali.

Veeco Instruments, Inc.

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$147K - $191K/yr

... virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. We design, develop ... MS degree with 8+ years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field; or a PhD degree with ...

Veeco Instruments, Inc.

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$147K - $191K/yr

... virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. We design, develop ... MS degree with 8+ years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field; or a PhD degree with ...

Veeco

Staff Optical Engineer (20122)

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... virtual reality, gaming and so much more, our technology is all around us. We design, develop ... MS degree with 8+ years of experience in Optical Engineering or related field; or a PhD degree with ...

BAE Systems

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

For candidates not local to the southern NH or Austin, TX areas, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our ...

BAE Systems

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$132K - $226K/yr

For candidates not local to the southern NH or Austin, TX areas, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our ...

BAE Systems

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$132K - $226K/yr

For candidates not local to the southern NH or Austin, TX areas, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

For candidates not local to the southern NH or Austin, TX areas, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our ...

Vuzix

Optical Waveguide Engineer

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

The Optical Waveguide Engineer will support R&D, new product development and production while ... Proficient with standard optical design software, Zemax, CODE V, Virtual Lab, LightTools, or FRED.

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Virtual Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do virtual optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual 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 is a virtual optical engineer?

A Virtual Optical Engineer is a professional who designs, simulates, and analyzes optical systems—such as lenses, lasers, or fiber optics—using computer-aided design (CAD) and simulation software, often working remotely. They collaborate with teams to develop and optimize optical components for industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work may involve using specialized tools to model light propagation, assess system performance, and troubleshoot design issues before physical prototypes are built.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a virtual optical engineer?

To thrive as a Virtual Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation tools such as Zemax, LightTools, or CODE V, and familiarity with CAD software are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects. These abilities enable the design and optimization of advanced optical systems in virtual environments, ensuring innovation and precision in product development.

What are some common challenges faced by virtual optical engineers when collaborating with remote teams?

Virtual Optical Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams located in different regions, which can introduce challenges such as coordinating across time zones and ensuring clear communication about technical specifications. Working remotely requires strong documentation skills and the ability to use simulation and collaboration tools effectively to share design files, test results, and feedback in real time. Proactive communication and regular virtual meetings help to bridge gaps, but it's important to be adaptable to diverse working styles and maintain detailed records to ensure everyone stays aligned on project goals.

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

AspectVirtual Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; certifications like Optics CertificationBachelor's or higher in optics, physics, or engineering; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote or virtual settings, collaborating with teams onlineOn-site labs, manufacturing facilities, or office environments
Industry UsageTechnology companies, research firms, remote consultingManufacturing, R&D labs, aerospace, telecommunications
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for remote optical engineering roles or virtual positionsSeeking traditional, on-site optical engineering jobs

While both Virtual Optical Engineers and Optical Engineers require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, Virtual Optical Engineers primarily work remotely, collaborating online, whereas Optical Engineers often work on-site in labs or manufacturing settings. The choice depends on your preferred work environment and industry focus.

More about Virtual Optical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Virtual Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Virtual Optical Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Virtual Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Virtual Optical Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Optical Engineer jobs?

For Virtual Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Virtual Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 34% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 65% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Display Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Metaexternal

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Display Engineer to advance the optical design and display systems that power next-generation virtual and augmented reality headsets and wearable devices. In this role, you will define technical strategies, spearhead the development of advanced display optical designs, and optimize metrology systems for our next-generation products. You will collaborate closely with internal teams and external ecosystem partners to deliver high-quality, differentiated capabilities for our hardware platforms. You will shape the optical roadmap for immersive wearable products, collaborating with cross-functional teams, hardware engineering, and product development to deliver high-quality visual experiences at scale.
Display Optical Engineer Responsibilities:
  • Lead engineering activities on advanced VR/AR display as optical engineers for new display applications
  • Lead complex development projects by coordinating closely with diverse cross-functional teams and external partners to deliver state-of-the-art display technologies
  • Lead the all display optical performance validation and FACA based on target driving condition
  • Set up the optical simulation platform to combine display optical stack design and other optical components including ray optics for Meta product development
  • Design of Experiments (DOE) to internal teams and external partners
  • Work closely with the operations team in yield enhancement and process improvement

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical, Materials, and/or Optics Engineering, and/or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of experience in optical design for consumer electronics, wearable devices, or near-eye display systems
  • Experience with optical simulation and design software such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or equivalent ray-tracing tools
  • In-depth experience with optical device characterization and optimizations
  • Hands-on experience in optical device design, development, prototyping, and building optical instruments
  • Experience leading cross-functional optical development programs from concept through mass production, including defining specifications and managing design verification
  • Experience in communicating complex optical system trade-offs and design decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Failure analysis with uOLED products and process DOE has been performed
  • PH.D. in Electrical, Material, and/or Optics Engineering and/or equivalent practical experience
  • Willingness and ability for 30% travel to Asia to support manufacturing partners and supply chain operations
  • Thin film process in-depth knowledge for organic and inorganic layers handling
  • Track record of contributing to optical technology strategy and influencing multi-generation product roadmaps in a consumer hardware organization
  • Strong written and verbal communication
  • Expert knowledge in scientific programming, signal processing, and data analysis (machine learning experience is a plus)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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