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Full Time Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124.13K - $151.71K/yr

Optical Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of ...

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124.13K - $151.71K/yr

Optical Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of ...

Tamus

Research Engineer III

Bryan, TX

ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO), and National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory ... research or engineering techniques and procedures of interest to the Department of Defense or ...

Quantinuum

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

We are seeking an Optical R&D Manager in our Broomfield, CO Location. All applicants for placement ... Personnel Manager for a team of engineers and scientists whose charter is to conceptualize and ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

This is a Full-time research staff position. Initial appointment length is flexible and may be ... Build, test, debug, and maintain wearable optical/electronic neuroimaging hardware. * Support ...

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$98.96K - $120.96K/yr

Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ... Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/20/2026 To 06/19/2026 Or until filled All US-based 3M full time ...

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$98.96K - $120.96K/yr

Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ... Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/20/2026 To 06/19/2026 Or until filled All US-based 3M full time ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Experience in using lab equipment such as polishing machine, optical microscope and SEM/EDS ... Position is full time, exempt * Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday ...

E Ink

Research Engineer

Billerica, MA · Hybrid

$75K - $105K/yr

... Research Engineer! About the position: E Ink is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented, and ... optical testing Establish quality control testing for new technologies Deliver on project ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices ... Position is full time, exempt * Position works an eight (8) hour day shift, Monday through Friday

Apple

Biomedical Research Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze ...

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Full Time Optical Research Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

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How much do full time optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time optical research engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectFull Time Optical Research EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsDesign, develop, and test optical systems in industry settings
Industry UsagePrimarily in research-focused roles, innovation projectsProduct development, system integration, manufacturing

Full Time Optical Research Engineers focus on advancing optical technologies through research and experimentation, often working in labs or academic settings. Optical Systems Engineers apply optical principles to develop practical systems and products in industry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environment.

What cities are hiring for Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Optical Research Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Research Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs include:
Full Time Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Optical Research Engineer

Optical Research Engineer

3M

Austin, TX • On-site

$124.13K - $151.71K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

3M rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 229 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 511 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Optical Research Engineer
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a(n) Optical Research Engineer you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Being part of a team of optical scientists supporting fiber optic interconnect product development at 3M.
  • Be part of an exciting new project for 3M's Interconnect Portfolio
  • Supervising, training, and guiding a small team of technicians to complete requested tests.
  • Establishing intellectual property for 3M, analyzing competitor technology and developing I.P. strategies.
  • Establishing test plans and methods, preparing samples, conducting
    tests, analyzing data, and completing test reports.
  • Collaborating with local and division manufacturing teams on division/value stream level projects focused on improving manufacturing operations
  • Managing laboratory facilities and equipment including repairs, upgrades, and procurement of new test equipment.
  • Interfacing with a global team and contributing to new product development and support of existing platforms
  • Ensuring technical claims in 3M published literature are accurate and supported by test data

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Three (3) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Master's degree in optical science or engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics from an accredited institution
  • Five (5) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Five (5) years of experience working in the area of fiber optics for communications system
  • Familiarity with data center systems architecture and networking
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Ten (10) years of previous technical experience with demonstrated strength in engineering/technical skills in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Experience and knowledge with a variety of laboratory test equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude with designing and building fixtures.
  • Experience interpreting industry standards, product qualification testing, fiber optic, and electrical components.
  • Experience providing work direction to others.
  • Communication skills (oral, written and presentation).

Work location:
  • Work location: This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN.
  • Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international
  • Relocation: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

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