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Virtual Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

San Diego, CA - 100% onsite (relocation candidates is fine) Duration: 24+ month contract Interview: 2 virtual interviews Optical Engineer -Optical Design -Run optical analysis -FRED -How to test ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

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 ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

... Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note ... For candidates not local to the southern NH area, virtual interviews will be accommodated. BAE ...

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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 Aug 4, 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 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.

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 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.
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 job categories do people searching Virtual Optical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Virtual Optical Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Virtual 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.

Optical Engineer

VISION INFOTECH INC.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Hi,
Hope you are doing well.
My name is Rohen and I represent Vision InfoTech. Let me know if you're interested in the below position.

Role: Optical Engineer

Location: San Diego, CA – 100% onsite (relocation candidates is fine)

Duration: 24+ month contract

Interview: 2 virtual interviews 

 

Job Description:

Optical Engineer
-Optical Design
-Run optical analysis 
-FRED
-How to test optical devices
-Aerospace and Defense background

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, analyze, and support optical systems, lenses, mirrors, coatings, detectors, sources, fiber optics, and optomechanical assemblies.
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, alignment planning, and performance verification.
  • Develop and review optical specifications, test procedures, alignment procedures, drawings, and technical reports.
  • Support prototype builds, optical alignment, environmental testing, qualification testing, and production acceptance testing.
  • Troubleshoot optical performance issues, yield losses, contamination concerns, and supplier or field issues.
  • Work with mechanical, electrical, firmware, software, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure integrated product performance.
  • Support supplier technical reviews, component selection, coating evaluations, and incoming inspection requirements.
  • Participate in design reviews, risk reviews, nonconformance reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action activities.
  • Develop or support optical test fixtures, metrology setups, calibration methods, and data analysis tools.
  • Contribute to design-for-manufacturability, design-for-test, and process improvement activities.
  • Ensure optical work complies with customer requirements, internal procedures, safety standards, and applicable industry standards.
  • Mentor less experienced engineers as appropriate for level.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Knowledge of geometric optics, physical optics, imaging, illumination, optical alignment, and optical metrology.
  • Ability to interpret optical drawings, specifications, test data, and requirements.
  • Experience with optical lab equipment, measurement methods, and technical documentation.
  •  

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, LightTools, MATLAB, Python, or similar analysis tools.
  • Experience with aerospace, defense, space, medical, laser, imaging, lidar, or other high-reliability optical systems.
  • Familiarity with optical coatings, contamination control, fiber optics, detectors, lasers, or optomechanical tolerance analysis.
  • Experience supporting production optical alignment, qualification testing, and failure analysis.

Thanks and Regards,

Rohen Singh

Talent Acquisition Specialist

VISION INFOTECH INC

Phone: .

Email: 

368 Main Street, st#3, Melrose MA 02176

E-Verified Company