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.
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...
6 days 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 3 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...
4 weeks 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
$145K - $175K *
Champion the technical direction and leadership of engineering teams, managing Engineering Managers and collaborating with cross-functional partners to deliver impactful product experiences for millio...
3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of product engineering, leading multiple teams to deliver impactful consumer experiences in a vibrant, fast-paced environment. Drive technical direction and nurtu...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$150K - $180K *
Join a dynamic team as you lead engineering efforts that inspire creativity for millions. Oversee multiple teams, drive technical strategies, and cultivate talent in a fast-paced, music-driven environ...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$95K - $114K *
Drive quality excellence in semiconductor manufacturing by enhancing process controls and quality systems. Collaborate across operations to ensure product integrity and compliance while leading invest...
Today
$135K - $160K *
Drive technical excellence and team growth as you lead engineering efforts, ensuring high standards and effective delivery while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Your leadershi...
Yesterday
Manufacturing Software Engineer
$85K - $120K *
Drive the evolution of our software systems that enhance advanced manufacturing. Collaborate in a dynamic team to improve automation and data analysis, shaping the future of optical technology for imp...
3 weeks ago
Systems Engineer III - (E3) | Optics
$138K - $190K *
Drive innovation in optical systems engineering by designing, integrating, and optimizing high-performance optical subsystems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and exceed cust...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $140K *
Elevate your career as a Senior Electrical Engineer, leading innovative projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver exceptional electrical design solutions while...
4 days ago
$125K - $140K *
Pioneer innovative electrical design solutions while leading projects from concept to completion. Collaborate with clients and stakeholders to ensure compliance and efficiency, mentoring junior engine...
4 days ago
New Product Industrialization Engineer - Optical
$102K - $150K *
Transform product development by collaborating with suppliers to optimize optical components. Drive quality and efficiency in manufacturing processes while ensuring seamless integration of technology...
6 days ago
Senior Physical Design Engineer
$109K - $174K *
Advance your career by developing cutting-edge mixed-signal SoC ASICs, optimizing performance and power efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in physical design and e...
2 weeks ago
Hardware Strategic Sourcing Manager, Optics
$150K - $180K *
Unlock potential by spearheading strategic sourcing for cutting-edge AI hardware. Collaborate cross-functionally to enhance supplier relationships, drive procurement efficiencies, and shape impactful...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Electrical Engineer - ATE
$130K - $160K *
Transform the future of power electronics by designing and validating innovative systems. Collaborate across functions to optimize product performance and ensure seamless integration from concept to m...
1 week ago
Systems Architect, Instrumentation R&D Lead
$254K - $328K *
Lead the charge in defining and governing technical architecture strategy across Instrumentation R&D. Drive innovation, enhance development efficiency, and ensure scalable, modular products that lever...
Today
Manufacturing Process Support Engineer
$110K - $172K *
Optimize your career by enhancing manufacturing processes and product performance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational excellence, support new product introductions, and imple...
5 days ago
Senior Principal Packaging Engineer
$161K - $228K *
Join a dynamic team to innovate and enhance semiconductor packaging solutions, driving reliability and performance while optimizing processes and materials for high-volume production. Lead projects an...
1 week ago
Category/Commodity Manager - Optics
$92K - $105K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of precision optics by developing sourcing strategies and optimizing supplier performance. Collaborate across functions to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and...
4 days ago
Principal Mixed Analog Design Engineer
$170K - $210K *
Elevate the future of AI connectivity by architecting high-performance analog circuits. Lead design from concept to silicon, mentor engineers, and set technical standards in a dynamic, high-growth env...
1 week 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.