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Weekend Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT ...

DutchTechX

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with ...

CACI International, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Optical Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex ...

DigiLens Inc.

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

About the Role DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT ...

CACI

Optical Engineer

Danbury, CT · On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Optical Engineer Job Category: Engineering Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Share Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with ...

Prolific Machines

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

This is a hands-on engineering role that offers the opportunity to build deep expertise in optical systems, robotic calibration and automation, and the characterization of light interactions with ...

Ocean Optics

Sr. Optical Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical design, testing, and evaluation of optical systems. The candidate will be responsible for the design and ...

Socket.dev

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Mission Cowboy Space Corporation is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient space-based solar energy. We are ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

$95K - $123K/yr

As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex systems. That knowledge is key when it comes to the support and testing of electro-optic (EO) components for integration into high ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

Atom Computing

Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Atom Computing is seeking an Optical Engineer to help lead the design of opto‑mechanical subsystems and to help build them out and develop fixtures and processes for their precision alignment and ...

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Weekend Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do weekend optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for weekend 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 Weekend Optical Engineer vs Part-Time Optical Technician?

AspectWeekend Optical EngineerPart-Time Optical Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineering; relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentOptical labs, research facilities, or manufacturing plants, primarily on weekendsOptical retail stores, labs, or clinics, often in retail hours
Employer & IndustryOptical manufacturing companies, research institutionsOptical retail stores, healthcare providers
Work ScheduleWeekend shifts, part-time hours, project-basedPart-time, flexible hours, often weekends or evenings

The Weekend Optical Engineer typically requires a higher level of technical education and works in specialized environments like labs or manufacturing facilities. In contrast, the Part-Time Optical Technician often works in retail or healthcare settings with more flexible hours. Both roles may involve optical device handling but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

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Cities with the most Weekend Optical Engineer job openings:

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Weekend Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Weekend Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Somerville, MA • On-site

Diffraqtion
See more jobs at Diffraqtionexternal

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer
About Diffraqtion 
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Quantum Camera which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. 
The Role 
We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend most of your time in the lab—mounting and aligning optics, assembling prototypes, running experiments, taking measurements, and troubleshooting hardware that does not yet behave the way the model says it should. You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ownership and real mentorship: you will start by executing well-defined experiments and grow into owning subsystems of a first-of-a-kind device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit. 
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench—from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds—and the curiosity and persistence to keep debugging a setup that is not cooperating. We care more about your lab instincts, care with hardware, and appetite for learning than about the length of your résumé. Formal training on our design and simulation tools will be provided.
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
Key Responsibilities 
  • Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers. 
  • Assemble and integrate optical subsystems—handling, cleaning, and mounting precision optics and opto-mechanics. 
  • Run experiments and collect data using lab instrumentation such as beam profilers, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, and interferometers. 
  • Troubleshoot setups iteratively: isolate variables, find the root cause, and re-align and optimize until performance is met. 
  • Help develop and document repeatable alignment procedures, and iterate on simple optomechanical mounts and fixtures (3D-printed or machined). 
  • Support component selection and sourcing—request quotes, track lead times, and receive and inspect incoming optics. 
  • Reduce and analyze measurement data in MATLAB or Python, and compare results against optical models. 
  • Keep a rigorous lab notebook, write up test results clearly, and present findings to the team. 
  • Help build and run test setups for prototype qualification as hardware matures toward flight. 
Qualifications 
Required:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 1–2 years of hands-on optical lab experience—academic research, lab coursework, co-ops, and internships all count. 
  • Demonstrated bench experience aligning free-space optics (lasers, lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters) and/or working with fiber optics. 
  • Experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, detectors and power sources 
  • Working knowledge of optics fundamentals: imaging, diffraction, interference, polarization, and Gaussian beam propagation 
  • Comfort using MATLAB or Python for data analysis and basic modeling. 
  • Careful, organized, and safety-conscious lab habits, including laser safety awareness. 
  • Eagerness to be in the lab on-site in Somerville, MA—this is a hardware role, and the hardware lives here. 
  • Curiosity and persistence in troubleshooting—you want to know why the fringes disappeared. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits. 
  • Eagerness to learn from senior engineers, ask questions early, and act on feedback. 
  • Ability to work independently on well-scoped tasks while collaborating across a small, cross-functional team. 
  • Clear technical communication—both written and verbal. 
Preferred: 
  • Coursework, research, or project experience with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). 
  • Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for optomechanical mounts and fixtures. 
  • Hands-on experience with telescopes, imaging optics (including folded optics), or camera systems. 
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, or interferometry. 
  • Experience coupling into and testing photonic integrated circuits. 
  • Familiarity with optical metrology methods, instrumentation, and measurement uncertainty. 
  • Practical shop skills: machining, 3D printing, soldering, or basic electronics. 
Benefits 
  • Competitive salary and equity options. 
  • Medical, dental and vision on 1st day. 
  • Company 401K match.
  • Direct, day-to-day mentorship from senior optical engineers and the founding team. 
  • A collaborative and innovative work environment with a clear path for technical growth. 
  • The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space. 
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.