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 CMF Engineer - Plastics
$100K - $120K *
Transform product development by delivering innovative CMF solutions, enhancing material performance from concept to launch, while ensuring quality and manufacturability across diverse market segments...
3 weeks ago
Principal / Sr. Principal Signal / Image Processing Engineer
$125K - $187K *
Shape the future of signal/image processing by developing innovative algorithms and collaborating with engineers to enhance software solutions. Drive advancements in AI/ML applications while ensuring...
1 week ago
Senior Hardware Program Manager - Manufacturing and Quality
$180K - $200K *
Lead manufacturing and quality initiatives for innovative Wireless Optical Communication systems. Oversee production planning, quality control, and team collaboration to ensure essential connectivity...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Join a team that's dedicated to enhancing product quality through data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and effective customer communication. Lead initiatives to drive continuous improvement...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Empower product quality excellence by analyzing customer feedback, leading investigations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and ensure compliance with q...
2 weeks ago
$80K - $95K *
Lead the charge in enhancing product quality by analyzing customer feedback, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing sustainable corrective actions to drive continuous improvement...
2 weeks ago
Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Imaging
$220K - $292K *
Transform manufacturing engineering by leading a high-performing team, driving innovative strategies, and ensuring seamless new product transitions to enhance production efficiency and quality in a dy...
1 week ago
Lead Mechanical Design Engineer
$110K - $130K *
Shape the future of power systems by leading innovative mechanical design projects for AI and datacenter technologies. Drive product development from concept to manufacturing while ensuring performanc...
4 weeks ago
$160K - $190K *
Lead the development of mission-critical hardware, transforming concepts into rigorous requirements while overseeing design, testing, and integration of complex electromechanical systems for aerospace...
2 weeks ago
Manufacturing Equipment Engineer - Metrology - Semiconductor Operations
$100K - $168K *
Shape the future of manufacturing by leveraging your engineering expertise to enhance metrology systems, drive equipment reliability, and lead technical projects in a dynamic environment focused on in...
6 days ago
Senior Electronics Design Engineer
$135K - $160K *
Optimize the electrical architecture for energy storage systems. Lead a team through the design, validation, and production of inverters and batteries. Drive innovation and improve reliability in high...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Electronics Design Engineer
$125K - $150K *
Innovate and lead the electrical architecture of cutting-edge energy systems, driving design from concept to production. Shape the future of reliable, cost-effective energy solutions through hands-on...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Accelerate quality excellence by leading QA/QC initiatives across diverse projects. Oversee compliance, mentor teams, and enhance the Quality Management System to ensure superior project execution and...
6 days ago
Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Igniters and Pyrotechnics
$95K - $115K *
Engineer and optimize manufacturing processes for igniters and pyrotechnic devices, ensuring high-quality production and safety. Collaborate across teams to transition from prototypes to scalable prod...
Today
Senior / Staff Product Engineer, Mobile
$130K - $160K *
Advance our mobile stack by developing features for our popular SDKs, enhancing location services across platforms, and engaging with customers to deliver impactful solutions used globally on millions...
3 weeks ago
$101K - $158K *
Optimize serviceability and performance through engineering changes, collaboration, and data analysis. Lead sustainment activities, enhance product reliability, and support new developments in a dynam...
6 days ago
$220K - $292K *
Drive innovation in electronic warfare by designing advanced RF architectures and systems. Collaborate with a dynamic team to deliver cutting-edge solutions rapidly, ensuring operational excellence an...
2 weeks ago
Senior Engineer, Mechanical (Valencia (CA), United States)
$100K - $125K *
Support mechanical product development from concept to manufacturing, ensuring designs meet regulatory standards and quality requirements. Collaborate across teams to develop specifications, conduct t...
3 weeks ago
Staff Electrical and Electronic Design Engineer - Future Forward
$130K - $155K *
Pioneer innovative electronic designs for next-gen robotic systems, leading the development from concept to production. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality, compliant produc...
Today
Senior Operations Quality Engineer
$150K - $190K *
Pioneer innovative quality solutions in a fast-paced environment, leading efforts in product introductions and continuous improvements while collaborating across teams to enhance operational efficienc...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$95K - $115K *
Join a team that's redefining materials management in a fast-paced environment. Lead inventory control, oversee warehouse operations, and ensure timely delivery of materials for innovative production...
6 days ago
$135K - $150K *
Drive the development of innovative electronic systems for medical devices, focusing on circuit design, integration, and compliance. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality prod...
Today
Regional Quality Engineer (NVD)
$95K - $105K *
Drive quality excellence by managing supplier performance and ensuring compliance across manufacturing processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues, lead investigations, and im...
Today
Sr. Manager, Manufactuing Engineering
$138K - $170K *
Lead the Manufacturing Engineering team to enhance production efficiency, drive innovation in technology, and ensure high-quality outputs in manufacturing operations. Collaborate across departments to...
3 weeks ago
Product Engineering - Engineering Manager / Sr. Engineering Manager
$150K - $180K *
Pioneer growth by leading a dynamic team of engineers dedicated to delivering high-quality technical solutions. Shape team culture and optimize processes while collaborating cross-functionally to driv...
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.