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Entry Level Opt Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Jackson, MS ยท On-site

$71K/yr

This is an entry level position designed to focus on college hires and those with less than 1 year ... This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Jackson, MS ยท On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

This is an entry level position designed to focus on college hires and those with less than 1 year ... This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap ...

This is an entry level position designed to focus on college hires and those with less than 1 year ... This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Opt Engineer information

See salary details

$30K

$69.4K

$118K

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

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level opt engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 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 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 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.
More about Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Opt Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Opt Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Opt Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Opt Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Opt Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Entry Level Vertical Structures Engineer - Buildings

Snyder & Associates

Omaha, NE โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Overview

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is a well-established civil and structural engineering consulting firm delivering thoughtful, high-quality solutions to public and private clients throughout the Midwest. As communities continue to grow and infrastructure evolves, we're expanding Shuck-Britson (SBI), our integrated structural engineering team.

SBI has built its reputation by solving complex structural challenges with practical, experience-driven engineering. Today, as Snyder's dedicated structural engineering team, SBI combines decades of specialized expertise with the resources of a full-service engineering firm. Our engineers partner with transportation agencies, municipalities, businesses, architects, and contractors on projects ranging from bridge design and rehabilitation to buildings, specialty structures, and historic preservation.

We're looking for an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our vertical structures team in the Council Bluffs/Omaha area. In this role, you'll contribute to the structural analysis, design, and specification development of building projects while working alongside experienced engineers who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of structural professionals. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to build technical expertise, gain hands-on project experience, and grow within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

What You'll Do:

Assignments would involve assisting project engineers in the analysis, conceptualization, design and construction of projects involving vertical structure projects.

The successful candidate can expect to have regular interaction with other engineers, support staff and clients as required. Clients include both public and private entities.

Qualifications

What We're Looking For:

  • Minimum ofย a BS Degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on structures; Masters degree in Structural Engineering a preferred.
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification preferred or the ability to earn within a reasonable timeframe
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects and tasks concurrently
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Clear written and verbal communication abilities
  • Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment

Why Snyder & Associates?

  • Ownership at Snyder & Associates is held by employee shareholders, fostering a culture of accountability and long-term commitment
  • Local decision-making - not driven by private equity or absentee investors
  • Meaningful projects that serve Iowa communities and strengthen regional infrastructure
  • Strong relationships with public and private clients
  • Opportunities for technical leadership, project ownership, and continued professional growth
  • Stable, respected firm with deep roots in Iowa
  • Supportive culture that values teamwork, integrity, and long-term partnerships

ย 

Life At Snyder

Snyder & Associates has grown to become a large regional civil engineering and planning firm in the Midwest. With thirteenย office locationsย in five states, the communities we serve are the same places we proudly call home. For us, it's about more than just the project at hand. It's about improving community quality of life, which is why 94 percent of our existing clients continue to trust us as an extension of their staff. Watch theย Snyder & Associates About Us Videoย to learn more. You'll also find a welcoming, familyoriented atmosphere that encourages connection, celebrates achievements, and offers opportunities to engage with the community and bring engineering to life outside the office, empowering you to grow your career while making a difference in the places we proudly call home.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Snyder & Associates, Inc. is an E-Verify employer.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship - At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but is not limited to: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links. Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Employment Type: OTHER