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 Connector Development Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Lead the charge in designing next-gen connector solutions, driving projects from concept to qualification while collaborating with global teams to meet performance and reliability standards for top te...
2 days ago
Senior Hardware Qualification Engineer, Platforms
$159K - $230K *
Analyze and execute testing protocols for cutting-edge hardware solutions, ensuring performance and reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and enhance data center tec...
5 days ago
Embedded Software Engineering Manager
$170K - $260K *
Lead the charge in developing embedded firmware for innovative printers, ensuring quality and performance across a growing platform. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable solutio...
1 week ago
Senior Conceptual Design Engineer, Advanced Concepts
$155K - $195K *
Lead the conceptual design of hypersonic vehicles, translating mission requirements into architecture recommendations. Collaborate across engineering teams to drive innovative solutions from initial c...
1 week ago
Electronics Engineer - Microscope Production
$70K - $125K *
Drive the production of cutting-edge electron microscopes by troubleshooting, documenting processes, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and quality in manufacturing op...
4 days ago
$75K - $97K *
Join a dynamic R&D team to support medical device product design and testing. Utilize your technical skills to ensure compliance, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to innovative solutions that enhan...
2 weeks ago
$88K - $105K *
Drive engineering excellence by leading design projects, analyzing components, and resolving technical issues. Collaborate with teams to innovate and enhance product performance while ensuring adheren...
6 days ago
$170K - $210K *
Innovate in spacecraft electronics design, defining high-speed and optical systems to revolutionize space networking. Collaborate across teams to create cutting-edge hardware that enables unprecedente...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Power Delivery Engineer
$120K - $145K *
Shape the future of energy delivery by owning the complete design and execution of electrical infrastructure that connects innovative geothermal power systems to utility grids worldwide. Lead multidis...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$120K - $162K *
Transform your career by leading the development of innovative Copper Clad Laminate processes. This hands-on role involves equipment management, process optimization, and collaboration with cross-func...
1 week ago
Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer II
$68K - $131K *
Join a dynamic team as you leverage your mechanical engineering expertise to design and develop innovative solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive projects from concept to completi...
Today
$119K - $186K *
Empower innovation by leading mechanical engineering efforts for new product development, ensuring technical excellence and customer-focused design from concept through production, while managing cros...
4 days ago
Quality Reliability Engineer Electrical/Electronics
$80K - $95K *
Drive quality improvements and ensure product excellence by leading initiatives in V18 electrical hardware, transmission controls, and interior switch quality. Collaborate with cross-functional teams...
3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of analog design by developing cutting-edge CMOS circuits for mixed-signal and power-management applications. Take ownership of complex projects and collaborate w...
Today
$81K - $152K *
Transform optical coating design and production readiness by collaborating with customers and engineering teams. Drive continuous improvement and ensure successful product realization in a dynamic man...
Reposted 1 week ago
$81K - $152K *
Drive excellence in manufacturing engineering by leading NPI processes and collaborating with design teams to launch high-quality, reliable products in a dynamic, global environment. Join us to optimi...
3 weeks ago
$135K - $175K *
Transform your engineering expertise by leading the integration of cutting-edge robotics systems. Collaborate with skilled professionals to design, build, and document innovative solutions that bring...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$135K - $175K *
Engage with interdisciplinary teams to design, build, and integrate complex robotic systems, ensuring they are robust and reliable for field testing and operation in diverse environments. Take ownersh...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Staff Quantum Engineer (Qubit System Performance)
$161K - $222K *
Join a team that's pioneering advancements in quantum computing by enhancing qubit performance. Leverage your expertise to drive innovative solutions, collaborate with top engineers, and mentor emergi...
2 weeks ago
$108K - $130K *
Elevate your career by driving engineering excellence and innovation in product certification. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance quality, reliability, and performance of medical devic...
Today
$88K - $165K *
Elevate product quality and efficiency by managing BOM updates, analyzing designs, and collaborating with teams to enhance manufacturability and resolve issues throughout the product lifecycle...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of verification by defining strategies, leading execution, and mentoring teams. Drive innovation in testbench architecture and ensure high-quality outcomes through rigorous analysis a...
2 weeks ago
$120K - $145K *
Elevate verification processes by defining strategies, designing robust test environments, and leading execution. Collaborate across teams to ensure high-quality outcomes and mentor junior engineers i...
2 weeks ago
Lead Customer Engagement Engineer
$119K - $221K *
Unlock potential by providing technical support on our products, collaborating closely with customers and internal teams to diagnose issues, recommend solutions, and enhance product features. Engage i...
3 weeks ago
Lead Customer Engagement Engineer
$119K - $221K *
Transform technical challenges into solutions by partnering with customers and engineering teams. Leverage your expertise to resolve issues, provide support, and enhance product functionality, all whi...
4 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.