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Virtual Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ... Bachelor'sdegree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering ...

EOTECH

Opto Mechanical Engineer II

Orofino, ID · On-site

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 ...

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ... Evaluate system performance through integrated optical and mechanical analyses and collaborate with ...

LLNL

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the ... Evaluate system performance through integrated optical and mechanical analyses and collaborate with ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer 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 Jul 15, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optical Quality Engineer, Meta Reality Lab

Optical Quality Engineer, Meta Reality Lab

Meta

Sunnyvale, CA

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

In this role, you will ensure the component quality sourced from suppliers can meet the requirements defined by Meta Reality Labs. You will be the quality owner of optical elements such as lens, films, and optical module assembly, from engineering development to mass production, spanning Meta's mixed reality portfolio. You will also work closely with the global quality engineering team, as well as cross functional partners to iteratively evolve the quality requirements build over build, and to secure a smooth ramp up to mass production.
Optical Quality Engineer, Meta Reality Lab Responsibilities:
  • Working with optics engineering team and purchasing team on the supplier selection
  • Risk assessment and qualification for both product and process of Optical component supplier and subassembly level manufacturer
  • Quality plan definition, alignment and execution for the suppliers and subassembly level manufacturer which includes PFMEA, control plan, CTQ processes, correlated inspection and testing between suppliers and subassembly level manufacturer, reliability qualification and monitoring plan, quality reporting, traceability etc
  • Working with engineering team on process development for the subassembly level part in the development stages
  • Process audit and monitoring in suppliers and subassembly level part manufacturer for risk assessment and improvement
  • Leading quality problem-solving and yield improvement for individual optical component and subassembly level parts
  • Proactive quality monitoring system setup for the purchased optical parts and subassembly level part in contract manufacturer

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in optics, engineering, or relevant field
  • At least 8 years hands on working experience with at least 5 years working experience in the fast-paced consumer electronics industry as Optical related quality/process/R&D engineer
  • Expert process experience on optical components technology as well as the manufacturing process
  • Familiar with DFM (design for manufacture), DFMEA, PFMEA, MSA, PPAP, SPC and sampling plan definition etc
  • Fluent English skill
  • Can accept frequent travel (Up to 50%) in high pressure scenarios

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Certified Quality Engineer, 6sigma black belt
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • FATP experience
  • VR/AR product/component related experience
  • Mandarin Chinese fluency, preferred for direct communication with Asia-based suppliers and quality engineering teams

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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