A system for monitoring tightness of stator windings in an electric machine is provided. The system includes a light source for providing an optical power. The system also includes an optical separation sensor situated in a stator core and including an optical interface element for absorbing some of the optical power. Further, the system includes a power meter for measuring at least one intensity of the optical power after absorption by the optical interface element and a control subsystem for assessing the tightness of the stator windings.