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 Business Development Manager, Silicon Photonics
$221K - $313K *
Shape the future of optical connectivity by leading business development for cutting-edge silicon photonics solutions. Drive strategy, engage key partners, and turn innovative designs into revenue, wh...
1 week ago
Senior Business Development Manager, Silicon Photonics
$221K - $313K *
Develop and lead the go-to-market strategy for silicon photonics, driving business growth through strategic partnerships and design wins. Engage with key industry players to shape commercial models an...
1 week ago
Senior Business Development Manager, Silicon Photonics
$221K - $313K *
Lead the go-to-market strategy for silicon photonics, driving business development and revenue growth through strategic partnerships and design wins with key industry players in the optical and data c...
1 week ago
$122K - $158K *
Lead engineering initiatives by overseeing design and commissioning teams, ensuring timely project delivery and compliance. Foster strong client relationships while managing multiple projects in a dyn...
4 weeks ago
$136K - $175K *
Lead a dynamic engineering team to design and commission innovative projects, ensuring client satisfaction while maintaining project timelines and quality standards. Cultivate relationships with clien...
4 weeks ago
$91K - $163K *
Reimagine quality assurance as you drive automation and testing excellence across banking technology platforms. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance software performance and security whi...
Yesterday
Sustaining Engineering Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in sustaining engineering initiatives, ensuring product performance, compliance, and lifecycle management. Collaborate across teams to drive engineering changes and enhance operational...
2 days ago
Sustaining Engineering Program Manager
$110K - $130K *
Drive your career with impactful engineering programs that enhance product performance and compliance. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliability and sustainability of existing products while mana...
2 days ago
Sustaining Engineering Program Manager
$108K - $130K *
Lead cross-functional programs to enhance product performance and compliance. Drive engineering changes and lifecycle management for existing products, ensuring reliability and customer satisfaction t...
2 days ago
$100K - $120K *
Champion innovative navigation technologies in next-gen robotics. Collaborate on Lidar, Stereo Vision, SLAM, and Bluetooth Beacon methods. Drive advancements in robotic navigation through experimentat...
3 weeks ago
Senior Technical Marketing Manager - Advanced Packaging
$174K - $239K *
Engage in defining product value propositions and driving customer adoption of cutting-edge advanced semiconductor packaging solutions through cross-functional collaboration and market intelligence...
Reposted yesterday
$185K - $275K *
Unlock potential by designing high-performance RF modules for airborne and ground systems. Lead the development of active and passive RF circuits, PCB assemblies, and ensure successful transition to p...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Lead and innovate in sensor technology by developing global engineering teams, driving product development, and shaping the technology roadmap to meet market needs and enhance customer solutions...
Yesterday
Silicon Photonics Design Engineer (RFIC Engineering)
$135K - $210K *
Develop cutting-edge photonics integrated circuits for space and ground applications. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to enhance connectivity solutions, driving innovation in optical technol...
5 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead and develop mechanical design teams to deliver innovative marine navigation systems. Ensure technical quality, resource management, and adherence to standards while fostering a collaborative envi...
5 days ago
Software Engineer - Computer Vision & Machine Learning
$90K - $170K *
Unlock potential by developing cutting-edge machine learning and computer vision algorithms for autonomous agricultural and off-highway equipment, driving innovation and efficiency in robotics and AI...
2 weeks ago
Staff Mechanical Engineer (NPI)
$175K - $215K *
Lead the design and development of next-gen biometric wearables, ensuring high-quality deliverables through collaboration and technical expertise. Mentor junior engineers while driving innovative solu...
2 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Elevate the future of robotic surgery by leading innovative design projects. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform user insights into exceptional products, ensuring usability and manufa...
2 weeks ago
Sr Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist
$146K - $183K *
Unlock potential by driving innovation in advanced materials through data analysis, machine learning, and collaboration with scientists and engineers to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency in a dy...
1 week ago
Sr Advanced R&D Engineer/Scientist
$146K - $183K *
Pioneer advanced research initiatives by developing innovative technologies and statistical models to enhance aerospace safety and efficiency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform data...
1 week ago
Senior Process Engineer, Oncology
$128K - $150K *
Empower our Process Engineering team by leading innovations and scaling commercial assays. Drive enhancements in chemistry processes, mentor junior engineers, and ensure FDA/GMP compliance while optim...
3 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Technical Program Manager
$150K - $180K *
Champion the execution of technical programs, driving R&D and manufacturing to meet customer specifications. Collaborate with stakeholders to define goals, manage resources, and ensure accountability...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Manager, Technical Program Manager
$150K - $180K *
Lead the execution of technical programs from initiation to delivery, collaborating with stakeholders to define scope, manage resources, and ensure accountability. Drive continuous improvement and com...
2 weeks ago
$147K - $202K *
Join a dynamic team as you design and optimize manufacturing processes for cutting-edge display and semiconductor technologies, collaborating with R&D and vendors to drive innovation and resolve compl...
Today
$124K - $171K *
Elevate manufacturing processes by designing and optimizing solutions in semiconductor and display technologies. Collaborate with R&D teams, analyze data, and troubleshoot complex engineering challeng...
Today
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.