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Aerospace Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NextGenEnergyJobs

$53K - $69K/yr

Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics) * Familiarity with Fresnel lenses ...

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX

$72K - $93K/yr

Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics) * Familiarity with Fresnel lenses ...

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics) * Familiarity with Fresnel lenses ...

Protagonist Management LLC

$53K - $69K/yr

Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics) * Familiarity with Fresnel lenses ...

Exowatt

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics) * Familiarity with Fresnel lenses ...

Syntec Optics

Optical Metrology Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Knowledge of ISO 10110, MIL specifications, aerospace optical standards, or other industry standards. * Experience with automation and programming, including scripting and integration of metrology ...

IonQ

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 2-5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications ...

Ravee Optics

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics * Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification * Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$125K - $162K/yr

Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics * Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification * Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Optical Engineer (Remote)

Dayton, OH · Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics * Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification * Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental ...

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$44K

$90.2K

$146K

How much do aerospace optics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace optics in the United States is $90,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is aerospace optics?

Aerospace optics refers to the design, development, and application of optical systems and components used in aerospace environments, such as satellites, aircraft, and spacecraft. These systems include lenses, mirrors, sensors, and imaging devices that enable functions like navigation, communication, surveillance, and scientific observation. The field requires specialized knowledge to ensure optical components can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and radiation present in aerospace settings. Aerospace optics professionals work to optimize performance and reliability for missions ranging from Earth observation to deep space exploration.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in aerospace optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Aerospace Optics often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision under extreme environmental conditions, integrating optical systems with rapidly evolving avionics, and managing strict regulatory requirements. Addressing these issues typically involves rigorous testing, continuous collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (such as engineers and quality assurance specialists), and staying updated with the latest advancements in optical materials and sensor technologies. Proactive communication and adaptability are key to successfully navigating these challenges and ensuring the reliability of aerospace optical components.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace optics engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as an Aerospace Optics Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and experience with cleanroom environments and quality standards like ISO are essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for developing precise optical systems that meet stringent aerospace requirements for safety, reliability, and performance.

What is the difference between Aerospace Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectAerospace OpticsOptical Engineer
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineering; certifications in optical designDegree in optical engineering, physics, or related field; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace manufacturing, satellite and spacecraft developmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense, and aerospace sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in aerospace applications like satellite optics, missile guidance, and space telescopesBroadly in industries including aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and consumer electronics

While both Aerospace Optics and Optical Engineers work with optical systems, Aerospace Optics specialists focus specifically on designing and developing optical components for aerospace applications such as satellites and spacecraft. Optical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries that require optical system design, testing, and implementation. The roles often overlap in skills and credentials but differ mainly in application focus and industry specialization.

More about aerospace optics jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Optics jobs?

The most popular types of Aerospace Optics jobs are:

What states have the most Aerospace Optics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aerospace Optics jobs include:

aerospace optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aerospace Optics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,170 per year, or $43.4 per hour.

Manufacturing/NPI Engineer - Optics

Austin, TX • On-site

NextGenEnergyJobs
See more jobs at NextGenEnergyJobsexternal

$72K - $93K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Own new product introduction (NPI) for optical components and assemblies - from design-for-manufacturing feedback during development through pilot builds, qualification, and volume ramp

Key Responsibilities
  • Own new product introduction (NPI) for optical components and assemblies - from design-for-manufacturing feedback during development through pilot builds, qualification, and volume ramp
  • Develop, document, and validate manufacturing and assembly processes for precision optics, including alignment, bonding, coating, cleaning, and handling procedures
  • Define and implement optical metrology and quality controls - surface figure, transmittance/reflectance, alignment tolerances, coating durability - and the acceptance criteria suppliers are held to
  • Qualify and develop optics manufacturing and assembly suppliers domestically and internationally: run process audits, first article inspections, PPAP/qualification builds, and drive corrective actions to closure
  • Partner with design engineering to translate optical performance requirements into manufacturable specifications, realistic tolerances, and scalable processes
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for optical yield, quality, and reliability issues across pilot and production builds
  • Drive cost-reduction and yield-improvement initiatives as production scales, balancing optical performance against manufacturability and cost
  • Build the documentation backbone for scale: work instructions, control plans, PFMEAs, and process flow diagrams for optical manufacturing and assembly
  • Travel to supplier and manufacturing sites (domestic and international) to support builds, qualifications, and issue resolution
Requirements
  • 4+ years of manufacturing, process, or NPI engineering experience with precision optical components or optomechanical assemblies - lenses, mirrors, coatings, concentrators, or comparable high-precision hardware
  • Working knowledge of optical fabrication and assembly processes (molding, polishing, coating, replication, precision alignment and bonding) and where they break at volume
  • Hands-on experience with optical metrology tools and methods (interferometry, spectrophotometry, CMM, imaging-based alignment verification, or equivalent)
  • Experience taking hardware through NPI phase gates - prototype, EVT/DVT/PVT or equivalent - into volume production
  • Demonstrated supplier-facing experience: qualification builds, audits, first article inspection, and driving corrective action with external partners
  • Fluency with core quality tools: GD&T, SPC, PFMEA, control plans, and structured root cause methods (8D, 5-Why, or similar)
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, Physics, or a related field - or equivalent demonstrated engineering depth
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed
  • Experience manufacturing optics for solar, automotive, lighting, display, or other cost-driven high-volume applications (vs. low-volume scientific/aerospace optics)
  • Familiarity with Fresnel lenses, lamination process, reflector/concentrator optics, or non-imaging optics
  • Knowledge of optical coating processes and environmental durability testing (abrasion, humidity, thermal cycling, UV exposure)
  • Experience standing up new production lines or transferring processes between suppliers or geographies, including in Asia
  • Working knowledge of injection molding, glass forming, or roll-to-roll replication for optical surfaces
  • Experience in an early-stage or fast-ramp hardware environment where you built the process rather than inherited it
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