Optical Scientist Jobs
Optical Scientist jobs are open across defense, semiconductor, medical devices, telecommunications, and government research, from new-grad associate to principal and staff levels, with specializations in laser systems, imaging optics, and fiber optics. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is rapidly expanding its Optical Technologies Group, building a world-class, vertically integrated capability in multi-spectral space and airborne electro-optical (EO) payloads, optical communication terminals (OCTs), adaptive optics (AO), missile seekers, and directed energy (DE) systems. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge technologies that protect the nation and its warfighters.
We invest heavily in optics and photonics infrastructure, internal R&D, and employee-focused technical training. We seek a hands-on, photonics-centric scientist who can both lead laboratory development efforts and contribute to analytical/theoretical research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can operate with minimal direction, and communicates a clear technical vision across diverse teams.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead design, modeling, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical systems.
- Apply expertise in EO system simulation, adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, wavefront sensing, laser systems, radiometry, interferometry, and polarization.
- Perform parametric studies, design trade analyses, and performance verification of EO sensor concepts.
- Architect and execute laboratory demonstrations, including hands-on optical alignment, assembly, and precision testing.
- Develop and implement algorithms for EO data processing (MATLAB, Python).
- Utilize optical design software (Zemax, FRED, or equivalent) for conceptual and detailed optical system design.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems engineering, opto-mechanics, mechanisms, algorithms, GNC) to mature EO subsystems and payload concepts.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and subject-matter expertise in advanced optical physics and photonics.
- Serve as a focal point for technical communication with company leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
- Contribute to technical reviews, program reports, and customer briefings.
- Anticipate emerging EO technology needs and develop innovative solutions to address them.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, program security requirements, and safe laboratory practices.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; six or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, four or more years experience with a Masters degree, and two or more with a PhD. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR system design, analysis, and test.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory optical integration and alignment.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for modeling and data analysis.
- Familiarity with optical design tools (Zemax, FRED, Code V, or equivalent).
- Strong background in applied physics, mathematics, and computational methods.
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and communicate across disciplines.
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in both theoretical and experimental settings.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a record of innovation and practical implementation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences.
- Passion for advancing EO and photonics technologies in national security applications
Job Category
Scientists
Experience Level
Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
105,890
Pay Range High
189,545
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
Yes
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
Desired
Clearance Level
Secret
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is rapidly expanding its Optical Technologies Group, building a world-class, vertically integrated capability in multi-spectral space and airborne electro-optical (EO) payloads, optical communication terminals (OCTs), adaptive optics (AO), missile seekers, and directed energy (DE) systems. Our mission is to deliver cutting-edge technologies that protect the nation and its warfighters.
We invest heavily in optics and photonics infrastructure, internal R&D, and employee-focused technical training. We seek a hands-on, photonics-centric scientist who can both lead laboratory development efforts and contribute to analytical/theoretical research. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, can operate with minimal direction, and communicates a clear technical vision across diverse teams.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead design, modeling, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical systems.
- Apply expertise in EO system simulation, adaptive optics, free-space optical communications, wavefront sensing, laser systems, radiometry, interferometry, and polarization.
- Perform parametric studies, design trade analyses, and performance verification of EO sensor concepts.
- Architect and execute laboratory demonstrations, including hands-on optical alignment, assembly, and precision testing.
- Develop and implement algorithms for EO data processing (MATLAB, Python).
- Utilize optical design software (Zemax, FRED, or equivalent) for conceptual and detailed optical system design.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems engineering, opto-mechanics, mechanisms, algorithms, GNC) to mature EO subsystems and payload concepts.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and subject-matter expertise in advanced optical physics and photonics.
- Serve as a focal point for technical communication with company leadership, customers, and government stakeholders.
- Contribute to technical reviews, program reports, and customer briefings.
- Anticipate emerging EO technology needs and develop innovative solutions to address them.
- Ensure compliance with company standards, program security requirements, and safe laboratory practices.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
- Typically requires a Bachelors degree, Masters degree or PhD in a scientific or related technical field and progressively complex scientific experience as follows; six or more years experience with a Bachelors degree, four or more years experience with a Masters degree, and two or more with a PhD. Equivalent scientific experience may be substituted in lieu of education.
- Demonstrated expertise in EO/IR system design, analysis, and test.
- Hands-on experience with laboratory optical integration and alignment.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Python for modeling and data analysis.
- Familiarity with optical design tools (Zemax, FRED, Code V, or equivalent).
- Strong background in applied physics, mathematics, and computational methods.
- Proven ability to lead technical teams and communicate across disciplines.
- U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
- Self-starter with the ability to operate independently in both theoretical and experimental settings.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a record of innovation and practical implementation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to brief technical and non-technical audiences.
- Passion for advancing EO and photonics technologies in national security applications
Job Category
Scientists
Experience Level
Mid-Level (3-7 years)
Workstyle
Onsite
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time Salary
Pay Range Low
105,890
Pay Range High
189,545
Travel Percentage Required
0% - 25%
Relocation Assistance Provided?
Yes
US Citizenship Required?
Yes
Clearance Required?
Desired
Clearance Level
Secret
Search Jobs at | General Atomics and Affiliated Companies
See All 23 Optical Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Science & Research
- Chemicals & Materials
- Technology & Software
- Artificial Intelligence
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with optical design software such as Zemax OpticStudio or CODE V
- Demonstrated ability to design, build, and characterize free-space or fiber-based optical systems
- Familiarity with optical metrology tools including interferometers, profilometers, and spectrometers
- Experience with laser systems, including safety protocols and laser classification standards
- Active U.S. security clearance or eligibility to obtain one for defense and government programs
Tips for Your Optical Scientist Job Search
Tailor your resume to system-level work
Recruiters scanning optical scientist resumes look for end-to-end system experience, not just component-level skills. Describe full optical system development from design through test and integration, and call out the specific wavelengths, apertures, or performance specs you worked against.
List your simulation tools explicitly
Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, and Oslo each signal different employer ecosystems. List every optical design or stray-light tool you've used in a dedicated skills section, because many applicant tracking systems filter on exact tool names before a human reads your resume.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists optical scientist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target postings by application domain
Defense and aerospace listings often require clearance eligibility upfront, while medical-device roles emphasize ISO 13485 and FDA design-control experience. Filter your search by industry domain early so you're not customizing applications for roles with hard eligibility barriers you can't clear.
Prepare a build-to-test narrative for interviews
Hiring panels at optical scientist level almost always include a hands-on breadboard or alignment exercise, or ask you to walk through a past testbed design. Prepare a crisp story for one system you built and characterized, covering your error budget assumptions and how measured performance compared to your model.
Negotiate on publication and IP rights
Many optical scientist roles in defense and government-contractor settings include broad IP assignment clauses that cover personal projects. Before signing an offer, review the invention-assignment agreement and ask whether you can carve out any prior work or side research that predates your employment start date.
Optical Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most optical scientists?
The companies hiring the most optical scientists right now include Corning, MANTECH, and STR, with the largest share of openings in Virginia, New York, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Defense contractors, national laboratories, and semiconductor equipment manufacturers consistently account for the largest volume of postings.
How many optical scientist jobs are remote?
About 18% of optical scientist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of July 2026, which is lower than the cross-industry average because most roles require access to lab equipment, cleanrooms, or controlled testbeds. Computational optics, optical system modeling, and tolerance analysis roles are the sub-areas most likely to allow remote or hybrid arrangements.
How do you become an optical scientist?
You become an optical scientist by earning at least a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering, then developing hands-on lab skills through university research, co-ops, or internships. Build proficiency in at least one major optical design tool, work through real system builds from design to test, and pursue graduate study if you want to move into research-heavy or principal-level roles.
How do you get hired as an optical scientist with little experience?
Entry-level optical scientist roles typically go to candidates who can show lab work from a thesis or senior capstone, even if it was small in scope. Document any system you aligned, characterized, or modeled with specific performance numbers. Apply to positions at national laboratories, university spinouts, and small photonics companies, which are more likely to hire new graduates than large defense primes requiring immediate independent contributor output.
What does the optical scientist interview process look like?
The optical scientist interview process typically begins with a recruiter screen focused on background and tool experience, followed by a technical phone interview with a senior engineer covering optical design principles, aberration theory, or error budgeting. Final rounds usually include a panel interview with cross-functional team members and a technical presentation or whiteboard exercise where you walk through a past system design or troubleshooting scenario in detail.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that fit your background, then apply directly to each one that matches your experience and specialization.
See All 23 Optical Scientist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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