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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$120K - $145K *
Transform energy markets by leveraging advanced modeling and software skills. Collaborate with global teams to optimize decision-making and enhance grid operations, driving efficiency and sustainabili...
Reposted today
$80K - $95K *
Partner with us to drive innovation in automotive lighting through hands-on mechanical design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring high-quality product development and manufacturing...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Test Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Join a team that's dedicated to advancing RF testing methodologies. Lead the development of test systems, troubleshoot complex RF setups, and mentor engineers to ensure precision in testing operations...
2 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Test Engineer
$120K - $140K *
Lead the testing and development of RF components, ensuring precision and efficiency. Collaborate with engineers, troubleshoot complex systems, and mentor team members while maintaining high-quality s...
2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Shape the future of manufacturing by developing advanced data infrastructure and tools. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to automate data processing, enhance traceability, and deliver analytica...
3 weeks ago
Principal Product Quality Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of product quality assurance by overseeing contract manufacturer transfers, enhancing processes, and leading a dedicated QC team to ensure compliance with rigorous industry standards fo...
Reposted 1 week ago
Senior Cryogenic Characterization Engineer / Lab Lead
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of cryogenic characterization and validation for cutting-edge Quantum products. Lead technical efforts, enhance lab capabilities, and collaborate across teams to ensure product performa...
Yesterday
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Consumables Design
$150K - $185K *
Champion the design of disposable components for life-science instruments, leveraging expertise in plastics, injection molding, and usability to create innovative, user-friendly solutions. Collaborate...
3 weeks ago
Senior Software Engineer (Apex Team)
$120K - $145K *
Drive your career with a Senior Software Engineer role focused on developing and maintaining innovative software solutions. Collaborate with teams to deliver high-quality applications while mentoring...
2 weeks ago
Principal Process Engineer – Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing
$95K - $245K *
Unlock potential by providing technical leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Lead complex initiatives, mentor engineers, and drive process standardization to enhance yield and efficienc...
1 week ago
Sr. Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Science & Technology
$144K - $187K *
Lead multiple technical projects in external manufacturing, driving innovation and efficiency. Collaborate with partners to enhance production processes, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness while...
1 week ago
Sr. Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Science & Technology
$144K - $187K *
Oversee multiple technical projects, ensuring efficient production and quality standards through collaboration with external manufacturing partners and innovative solutions...
1 week ago
Spec, Electro/Opto-Mechanical Engineer
$88K - $105K *
Unlock potential by leading the design and integration of complex electro-mechanical systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-reliability products while mentoring junior engine...
1 week ago
$140K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of cloud-based applications. Collaborate across diverse technology stacks to design, build, and enhance software solutions while embracing AI-assisted development...
2 weeks ago
Principal Optical Design Engineer
$130K - $165K *
Transform your career by leading the design and development of cutting-edge optical systems. Collaborate across disciplines to innovate solutions while mentoring a talented team in a fast-paced, dynam...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $140K *
Design and drive retail display engineering solutions, ensuring functionality and cost-efficiency from concept through production. Collaborate across teams to deliver precise engineering outputs while...
Reposted 4 weeks ago
$142K - $161K *
Join our team to support the architecture and development of embedded systems for autonomous vehicles, enhancing integration between hardware and software in a hands-on production environment. Make an...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Computer Vision Software Engineer, Software Defined Weapon Optic
$132K - $198K *
Elevate your career by developing cutting-edge computer vision algorithms for precision targeting systems. Collaborate with a high-performing team to enhance warfighter capabilities through innovative...
Yesterday
Senior Technical Sales Engineer
$130K - $170K *
Lead the charge in transforming technical capabilities into customer value, driving sales growth through effective engagement with clients. Shape tailored solutions and manage the sales cycle from dis...
1 week ago
Software Engineer - Flight and Embedded
$120K - $145K *
Drive innovation in embedded software development for optical payload systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create robust firmware, ensuring seamless integration and real-time performanc...
1 week ago
Sr. Engineer, SEM Systems Engineering
$170K - $234K *
Transform complex designs into innovative solutions by leading cross-functional teams, ensuring system integration, and delivering high-quality engineering outcomes within project timelines and specif...
1 week ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of semiconductor manufacturing by ensuring the highest quality standards. Lead cross-functional initiatives, drive improvements, and enhance product reliability t...
2 weeks ago
Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling
$119K - $164K *
Engage as a subject matter expert to advance optical modeling and simulation for cutting-edge Corning technologies, influencing optical component design and contributing to innovative research initiat...
Reposted 4 days ago
$84K - $111K *
Lead the charge in designing and developing integrated photonic systems, ensuring successful product management and collaboration across teams to drive innovation in scientific tools for industry appl...
1 month ago
Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Camera
$145K - $219K *
Drive strategic sourcing for advanced thermal imaging and camera technologies. Leverage expertise in supplier negotiations and technology scouting to enhance product performance for autonomous drone s...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
What does a Senior Optical Engineer do?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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.