Senior Optical Engineer Jobs

Explore Senior Optical Engineer opportunities with organizations developing advanced optical and photonic technologies. Ladders features vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, including positions focused on optical design, imaging systems, lasers, and precision instrumentation.

What Senior Optical Engineers Do

Senior Optical Engineers design, analyze, test, and refine optical systems and components. Their work may span lenses, cameras, sensors, lasers, fiber-optic systems, imaging instruments, and optoelectronic devices. They often use optical modeling and simulation tools, guide prototype development, interpret test results, and collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to production.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Employers commonly seek a degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a related technical field, along with substantial experience developing optical systems. Relevant skills may include optical design and analysis, imaging and illumination, tolerance analysis, metrology, laboratory testing, laser safety, and familiarity with tools such as Zemax OpticStudio or CODE V. Senior roles may also call for technical leadership, clear communication, and experience mentoring engineers or coordinating cross-functional projects.

Industries and Career Opportunities

Senior Optical Engineers work across aerospace and defense, medical devices, semiconductors, telecommunications, consumer electronics, scientific instrumentation, and photonics. Depending on the employer, roles may emphasize research and development, product engineering, systems integration, manufacturing support, or technical program leadership. Browse opportunities to find positions aligned with your specialties, experience, and career goals.

Find Senior Optical Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Search vetted Senior Optical Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more on Ladders. Review role requirements, compare opportunities, and discover professional positions where your optical engineering expertise can make an impact.

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$150K - $180K *

Transform the future of optical communication systems by leading complex analog layout design. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure first-pass silicon success while mentoring junior engin...

Ottawa, ONRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of interconnect technology by leading the design and development of innovative connector solutions, ensuring top performance and reliability for clients worldwide...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$142K - $161K *

Join us to ensure the highest quality standards for our FDA-cleared AI clinical platform. Collaborate across teams to drive software design quality, manage regulatory compliance, and enhance post-mark...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$150K - $180K *

Engineer robust web applications by leading full stack development, optimizing backend APIs and creating high-performance front-ends. Collaborate effectively across teams while ensuring scalable archi...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$142K - $196K *

Unlock potential by leading innovative software solutions that enhance healthcare efficiency and resilience. Collaborate with diverse teams to design and deliver optimal cloud-native applications whil...

Georgia, USRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$164K - $226K *

Transform the identity and access landscape by designing scalable systems for user management, authentication, and authorization. Collaborate with security teams to ensure robust, secure solutions tha...

CanadaRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$135K - $160K *

Explore exciting challenges in AI evaluation by developing frameworks and custom validators for cutting-edge machine learning applications. Collaborate to enhance the quality and reliability of AI age...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$118K - $204K *

Empower innovation as you lead software architecture for a cloud-native connected vehicle platform, driving engineering excellence and cross-functional collaboration to deliver impactful solutions for...

Wisconsin, USRemote

Yesterday

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$500K+*

Pioneer the evolution of Netflix's Compute Platform, driving innovation in distributed systems and AI integration. Lead product strategy, enhance efficiency, and collaborate across teams to ensure rob...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$170K - $220K *

Champion transportation optimization by leading strategic initiatives that enhance service, cost efficiency, and network performance across global operations. Drive innovation in operating models and...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$148K - $287K *

Join a team that's revolutionizing AI Compute systems by deploying and managing cutting-edge infrastructure. Collaborate with customers and internal teams to implement large-scale projects, ensuring o...

Santa Clara, CARemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing supplier performance and innovation. Drive a team to enhance supplier capabilities, ensuring high-quality product delivery while fostering strategic relationships and con...

South Bend, INRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$97K - $122K *

Advance your career by leading supplier development initiatives that enhance performance and innovation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products while driving continuo...

Minneapolis, MNRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$100K - $200K *

Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...

CanadaRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$100K - $130K *

Partner with us to design and implement secure, scalable network solutions. Leverage your expertise in networking technologies to enhance performance and reliability while collaborating with cross-fun...

Chicago, ILRemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$170K - $220K *

Lead the charge in optimizing distribution networks to enhance efficiency, service performance, and cost-effectiveness. Drive strategic initiatives, evaluate operating models, and implement transforma...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$168K - $327K *

Lead the charge in shaping adaptive inference solutions, driving product strategy and integration for innovative AI applications. Collaborate with engineering and research teams to enhance developer e...

Santa Clara, CARemote

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$190K - $240K *

Champion the design and engineering of a cutting-edge perfusion system, leading a team to innovate and scale operations while ensuring quality and reliability in medical device manufacturing...

New Haven, CTRemote

6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

$240K - $330K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of machine learning by leading a high-performing group dedicated to optimizing data pipelines and enhancing perception modeling. Drive innovation and collaboratio...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Transportation

$250K - $270K *

Lead the charge in enhancing the guest web ordering experience by managing a team of full-stack engineers. Drive product innovation, optimize conversion rates, and ensure engineering excellence across...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$206K - $242K *

Transform external attack capabilities by developing scalable workflows and automating reconnaissance processes. Drive innovation in offensive security, mentor teammates, and contribute to a high-impa...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$145K - $175K *

Empower progress at the forefront of semiconductor technology by managing process transfers and product qualifications with cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional yield and reliability standards...

California, MDRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$80K - $155K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by designing innovative fluid and power systems. As a Process Engineer, you'll drive the development and optimization of cutting-edge technologies in a f...

RemoteRemote

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$120K - $145K *

Champion innovative product development in power connectors and cable assemblies. Lead cross-functional teams, drive technical excellence, and mentor engineering talent to deliver high-quality, cost-e...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 4 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$90K - $110K *

Advance sales growth by leveraging technical expertise in remote sensing and scientific instrumentation. Engage with customers to create tailored solutions, drive revenue, and foster relationships acr...

Bolton, MARemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Senior Optical Engineer do?question toggle

    A Senior Optical Engineer designs, models, tests, and improves optical systems and components, such as lenses, imaging devices, lasers, sensors, and photonic systems. The role may also involve technical leadership and collaboration across engineering and product teams.

  • What qualifications are commonly required for Senior Optical Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Requirements vary by employer, but many positions seek a degree in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, plus significant experience with optical design, analysis, testing, and measurement.

  • Which industries hire Senior Optical Engineers?question toggle

    Common employers are found in aerospace and defense, medical technology, semiconductors, telecommunications, consumer electronics, photonics, and scientific instrumentation.

  • What skills are useful for Senior Optical Engineers?question toggle

    Useful skills include optical modeling, lens and imaging design, tolerance analysis, metrology, laboratory testing, laser safety, and experience with optical design software. Senior positions may also require project leadership and cross-functional communication.

  • What salary range can I expect for a Senior Optical Engineer job on Ladders?question toggle

    Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Actual compensation depends on factors such as location, experience, industry, and role responsibilities; review individual listings for details.