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Virtual Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · 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 ...

Meta

Optical Architect - AI Accelerators

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Optical Engineers at Meta will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wearable systems ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

EOTECH

Opto Mechanical Engineer II

Orofino, ID

Test and analyze electro-optical and mechanical systems to ensure adherence to performance ... Comfortable working in an office or remote setting, with strong communication skills for virtual ...

Meta

Global Supply Manager (GSM), Optics

Sunnyvale, CA

$199K/yr

... virtual reality. The Optics team plays a critical role in enabling immersive visual experiences by ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, Materials, Chemical, or related field ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

$162K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering Lead to join the team ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Denver, CO

$162K/yr

Meta is looking for an Optical Network Deployment & Support Engineering Lead to join the team ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

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All JobsVirtual Optical Engineer Jobs

Virtual Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do virtual optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 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, and why are they important?

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:
Virtual Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

BAE Systems

Merrimack, NH • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

BAE Systems rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description


Thank you for your interest in BAE Systems! This opening is included as part of our June 2026 Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions Engineering Hiring Event. While we encourage all interested professionals to apply, please note that this is a selection-based interview event for candidates whose skills and experience match our hiring needs. If your background and skill set match these needs, we will reach out with next steps. If selected for an interview, specific opportunities based on your interests, experience, and skill set will be discussed with the hiring team. For candidates not local to the southern NH area, virtual interviews will be accommodated.
BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Laser Engineers to join our EO/IR Capability Group. This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program portfolio.
BAE Systems is experiencing continued growth in our Electro-optic/Infrared (EO/IR) markets, and we are seeking experienced, highly motivated Engineers to join our team. The qualified applicants will support assignments in laser system design and laser product testing or other related areas at our southern New Hampshire locations. At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that serve a variety of product areas for government and commercial applications.
The Laser Engineer will develop and mature advanced laser system products. This will include the design, analysis, building and test of laser and optical subsystems. Responsibilities include the development of laser system requirements, laser beam modeling, cross-discipline design work, prototype testing, and product transitions to production environments. The successful candidate will work with a broad range of colleagues from all disciplines and must be equally comfortable working and communicating in early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include customer presentations, support to new business proposals, cost and scheduling support, and technical leadership.
  1. Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology
  2. Contribute to program plans and proposals, schedules and design
  3. Analyze performance of conceptual and existing laser/optical subsystems
  4. Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment
  5. Deliver customer presentations and informal interactions in support of programs
  6. Contribute to program progress reports

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Required Skills and Education
  1. Design and test of laser subsystems for EO/IR technology
  2. Build, align and test high power laser systems in a lab environment
  3. Summarize and communicate findings and progress to colleagues and leadership
  4. Contribute to program progress reports

Preferred Skills and Education
  • The successful candidate will have an in-depth understanding in one or more of the following: Optics, Lasers, Material Science, Physics, Optical Design
  • Experience with laser alignment and measurement techniques including spatial, temporal and spectral laser profiling
  • Familiarity of laser system technology including aspects of laser modeling and design with a particular emphasis on high power lasers systems.
  • Experience designing and specifying optical components for lasers or other optical systems
  • Experience integrating and testing hardware and optical components in a laboratory environment
  • Ability to derive and document subsystem requirements from high level system requirements
  • Knowledge of industry vendors and the ability to effectively communicate with suppliers to achieve manufacturable and specification compliant components
  • Excellent communication skills, demonstrated ability to work well with others, ability to work in a team environment
  • Eagerness to collaborate and learn from others
  • Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax, Code V, RP Photonics, and Matlab
  • Active Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance

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