Jobs / United States / Boeing Company
Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior)
Boeing Company · 🇺🇸 2 Locations
Sponsorship verdict
Posting rules out sponsorship
The posting rules out sponsorship or requires citizenship/clearance.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 72 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 7 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Boeing Company paid sponsored hires in similar roles11 certified filings for “Mechanical System Design & Analysis Engineer” (Mechanical Engineers) in WA: $135k–$170k, median $143k. Most were filed at wage level IV (100%) — 4 lottery entries, ≈61% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Security clearance mentionedFrom the posting’s own wording.
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
A verdict summarises public evidence; it is not legal advice and never a guarantee — the employer and the immigration authority decide. Sign in to factor in where you can already work.
Or apply yourself on the official page →
Why not apply?
The posting mentions a security clearance — usually restricted to citizens of that country.
SponsorApply flags time-wasters so your applications go where they can land. These come from the posting's own wording — read the original listing to confirm. See better-fit alternatives →
Sponsor Radar — Boeing Company
The US Department of Labor certified 72 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 7 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Boeing Company →
About the role
Optical Engineer (Experienced or Senior) Company: The Boeing Company Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS) is looking for an Experienced or Senior Optical Engineer (Level 3 or 4) to join our team at the Starfire Optical Range on Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The role supports the Air Force Research Lab in their advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities using ground-based telescopes. We are seeking candidates with experience in optical design, integration of optical systems, and field testing of systems. This position will work with extremely talented, high-performing, multi-disciplined engineering teams to work on state-of-the-art adaptive optics and optical imaging systems. Starfire Optical Range is a world class research facility with recognized achievements in adaptive optics, enabled by the quality, enthusiasm, and dedication of our entire team. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in all disciplines required to plan, design, integrate, and test complex optical, electronic, laser systems to achieve research objectives. Position Responsibilities: • Oversee the design, fabrication, and integration of high-precision optical systems, facilitating the transition of conceptual opto-mechanical frameworks into functional experimental hardware • Establish and validate technical specifications for optical systems and components to ensure adherence to performance standards • Execute trade studies and simulations to optimize system performance and design • Resolve complex optical challenges through innovative engineering and analysis • Support project management by providing work statement, budget, schedule and other required inputs and by reporting project status • Writes appropriate sections of proposals to support development of new business This position is expected to be 100% onsite. The selected candidate will be required to work onsite at one of the listed location options. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/ Experience): • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (with a focus in Electrical, Mechanical or Aeronautical), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement • 4+ years of experience in optical design • 4+ years’ experience with optical software, Zemax, Code V, or OSLO Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience): • 9+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience • Advanced study in Optical Specialization • Active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance • Experience working with adaptive optics systems • Experience with advanced engineering hardware design, fabrication, evaluating, and testing processes • 5+ years of experience performing modeling and/or simulation of Electro-Optical and Infrared systems with a technical computing language, such as Matlab or Mathematica • A strong dedication to a teaming dynamic, strong written and verbal skills, and detail oriented Benefits of working at Starfire Optical Range: • Your contributions will directly impact the advancement of Space Domain Awareness capabilities, a critical mission for our national security. • You’ll have the opportunity to work with world-class telescopes and advanced optical systems. • You’ll assume ownership for the architecture, development, and long-term health of a key application. • You’ll be part of a supportive enthusiastic team of experts in various fields. • We are committed to the professional development of our team members and provide opportunities for learning and advancement. Relocation: This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates Drug Free Wo