2

Entry Level Opt Engineer Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based ... This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap ...

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based ... This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap ...

Entry Level Opt Engineer information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$29.1K

$67.2K

$114.3K

How much do entry level opt engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level opt engineer in Buffalo, NY is $67,188.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level opt engineer?

Entry Level Opt Engineers are professionals who have recently started their careers in optical engineering. They typically work on the design, testing, and integration of optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics for various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. These engineers often assist senior team members, perform experiments, collect data, and help troubleshoot optical components. They usually hold a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field, and may receive on-the-job training to develop their skills further.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level opt engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Opt Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory measurement tools, and CAD systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting technical findings. These skills and qualifications enable precise optical system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful integration into multidisciplinary engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level opt engineers when transitioning from academia to industry?

Entry Level Opt Engineers often find that industry projects require faster turnaround times and more collaboration compared to academic work. Adapting to the use of commercial optical design software, learning company-specific protocols, and effectively communicating technical details with cross-functional teams can be challenging at first. Additionally, balancing multiple projects simultaneously and aligning design solutions with customer requirements are key aspects that may differ from academic research. Proactively seeking mentorship and being open to feedback can help ease this transition.

What is the difference between Entry Level Opt Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectEntry Level Opt EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and development in labs or engineering settingsAssembly, calibration, and maintenance in manufacturing or lab environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research labs, optical device manufacturersOptical labs, manufacturing plants, healthcare facilities

Entry Level Opt Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems, requiring a degree in engineering or physics. Optical Technicians handle assembly and calibration of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Buffalo, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs in Buffalo, NY are:

What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs?

Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Entry Level Opt Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Opt Engineer job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,188 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Entry Level Design Engineer

Eaton

Orchard Park, NY

$69K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Eaton rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Eaton's IS AER MSD division is currently seeking a Entry Level Design Engineer. This role is based in Orchard Park, NY. The expected annual salary range for this role is $69000 - $101000 a year.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. What you'll do: Job summary Eaton's Mission Systems Division is currently seeking a detail-oriented Entry-Level Design Engineer to support research and new product development initiatives.

This role is ideal for an early-career engineer with strong CAD skills who is eager to grow into a well-rounded design engineer. You will begin with a primary focus on CAD modeling and drafting while gaining exposure to engineering design, analysis, testing, and product development processes. This is a growth-focused position with a clear path toward a full Design Engineer role, including increasing ownership of product design and engineering decisions over time.

You will report to the Design Services Engineering Manager and collaborate closely with Design Engineers, Product Design Managers, and cross-functional teams. Job responsibilities Create and modify 2D drawings and 3D models using CAD software (SolidWorks). Update and revise existing designs based on engineering changes.

Apply GD&T principles to ensure designs meet engineering and manufacturing standards. Maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, BOMs, and revision control. Support Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives.

Assist engineers with design development, prototyping, and testing activities. Perform basic engineering calculations and analysis under guidance. Participate in design reviews and implement feedback.

Collaborate with manufacturing, quality, and procurement teams. Support troubleshooting of design and production issues. Receive mentorship and guidance from experienced engineers.

Participate in structured learning and hands-on training opportunities. Gradually take ownership of smaller design projects. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Expand skills in engineering analysis, validation, and full product design. Progress toward independent design responsibility and project ownership. #LI-LD1 Qualifications: Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering (BSME) or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology (BSET) from an accredited institution.

Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) through coursework, internships, or projects. Basic understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation (coursework acceptable). No relocation is offered for this position.

All candidates must currently reside within 50 miles of Orchard Park, NY to be considered. Active-Duty Military Service member candidates are exempt from the geographical area limitation. Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position.

This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc. "This position requires access to export-controlled information. To conform to U.S

Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must be a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S

lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158." Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering (BSME) or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology (BSET) from an accredited institution

Exposure to GD&T principles and drafting standards. Familiarity with BOMs and revision control processes. Experience with ERP or PLM systems.

SolidWorks Certification (CSWP or higher). Basic machining or manufacturing knowledge. Exposure to ASME Y14 standards.

Interest or exposure to aerospace, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems. All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Eaton believes in second chance employment.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws. You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number. We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families.

Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.


What Eaton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Eaton logo

About Eaton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US