Senior Level Optical Engineer Jobs
Senior level optical engineer jobs place experienced engineers in charge of optical system architecture, program-level technical decisions, and the cross-functional teams that bring complex photonic and imaging programs to completion. Roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Manufacturing, and Telecommunications, with a mix of on-site, remote, and hybrid settings, and employers like Nokia, Apple, and Molex hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Senior Level Optical Engineer jobs
SUMMARY
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.
DESCRIPTION
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field with relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design fundamentals, metrology, and/or integration.
- Experience using an optical software package (examples may include: ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's or PhD and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
- Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
- Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
- Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally 10% - 15% per year.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.
DESCRIPTION
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field with relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design fundamentals, metrology, and/or integration.
- Experience using an optical software package (examples may include: ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's or PhD and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience.
- Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
- Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
- Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
- Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
- Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.
- Ability to travel internationally 10% - 15% per year.
COMPENSATION
- The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
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Senior Level Optical Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level optical engineer job?
Employers at this level look for demonstrated ownership of full optical system development cycles, from concept through qualification. A strong candidate brings deep expertise in a core domain such as laser systems, imaging, or fiber optics, a portfolio of programs they have led or significantly shaped, and a record of technical mentorship. The ability to communicate design decisions to program managers and cross-disciplinary teams is a consistent differentiator at this stage.
Which companies hire senior level optical engineers?
Companies hiring senior level optical engineers right now include Nokia, Apple, and Molex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to concentrate among defense and aerospace primes, photonics and laser manufacturers, and technology companies with advanced imaging or sensing divisions.
Are there remote senior level optical engineer jobs?
Yes, though hardware-intensive roles often require some on-site presence. About 38% of senior level optical engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements most common in roles that combine design and analysis work with periodic lab or test facility access. Fully remote positions tend to appear in modeling, simulation, and systems engineering-focused roles.
What makes an optical engineer role senior level?
Senior optical engineer roles are defined by scope, ownership, and influence rather than task execution. At this level, engineers own the optical architecture of a system or subsystem, make binding design decisions, resolve technical risks that junior staff escalate, and mentor other engineers on the team. They are expected to work independently across the full development lifecycle and engage directly with customers, program managers, and other discipline leads.
Which industries hire the most senior level optical engineers?
Senior level optical engineer roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Manufacturing, and Telecommunications, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they rely on custom optical systems, precision instrumentation, and high-performance imaging or sensing technologies that require experienced engineers capable of leading complex, long-horizon programs.