ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Opt Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Akuna Capital

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

Programming experience preferred * Major GPA of 3.5 or above * Legal authorization to work in the U ... S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM In addition ...

Akuna Capital

Junior Trader

Chicago, IL

$145K/yr

Programming experience preferred * Major GPA of 3.5 or above * Legal authorization to work in the U ... S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM In addition ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOpt Engineer JobsJunior Opt Engineer JobsJunior Opt Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Opt Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.8K

How much do junior opt engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior opt engineer in Chicago, IL is $73,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior opt engineer?

Junior Opt Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, supporting tasks like system modeling, prototyping, and data analysis. Junior Opt Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to help improve optical products or technologies used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior opt engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Opt Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, or engineering, often with a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory measurement tools, and CAD systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for designing, analyzing, and improving optical systems while collaborating efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges a junior opt engineer might face when starting in the field?

As a Junior Opt Engineer, one common challenge is quickly learning to work with complex optical systems and precision instruments, often requiring hands-on troubleshooting and calibration. Adapting to strict documentation and quality standards in industries like telecommunications, defense, or medical devices can also be demanding. Additionally, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers—requires good communication skills and a willingness to learn from more experienced colleagues.

What is the difference between Junior Opt Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectJunior Opt EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certification preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or officesAssembly, calibration, and maintenance of optical devices in labs or manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptical engineering firms, tech companies, research institutionsManufacturers, labs, and service providers in optics and photonics

The Junior Opt Engineer typically focuses on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and technical knowledge. In contrast, Optical Technicians mainly handle the assembly, calibration, and maintenance of optical equipment, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Opt Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Opt Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Opt Engineer job openings:

Junior Opt Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Opt Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $73,964 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Junior Quantitative Developer & Strategist

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London, and Singapore.
What you'll do as a Junior Quantitative Developer & Junior Quantitative Strategist at Akuna:
Akuna's Quant team creates trading strategies scientifically by combining its quantitative expertise with sophisticated understanding of derivatives and financial markets. The team is looking to add both Junior Quant Developers and Junior Quant Strategists who will make a direct and measurable impact on our trading decisions and performance.
We are searching for creative thinkers with strong programming backgrounds who can convert ideas into trading solutions, tighten our innovation cycle through rapid prototyping of performant production code, and have the desire to develop a deep understanding of financial markets. No prior experience with financial markets is required.
In these roles you will:
  • Design and develop production code of trading strategies: pricing models, execution logic and performance optimization along with researchers, traders, and system engineers.
  • Analyze and incorporate market signals in our trading systems.
  • Advance existing codebase and propose new solutions and improvements.

Qualities that make great candidates:
  • Bachelors, masters, or PhD degree in a technical field - Engineering, Computer Science, Math, Physics (or related subject) must be completed upon employment
  • Strong Python programming background
  • Experience in object-oriented programming
  • Exposure to linear algebra and introductory statistics
  • Desire and ability to learn the intricacies of financial markets
  • Must be graduating August 2027 or prior
  • GPA of 3.5 or above
  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required on the first day of employment including F-1 students using OPT or STEM

Additional qualities that make great candidates:
  • Experience with generic and/or parallel programming
  • Deeper understanding of any of the following fields: Linear Algebra, Numerical Methods, Statistics, Optimization, Signal Processing, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, Heterogeneous/High Performance computing
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role
  • Exposure to financial markets and trading

**Resumes must be submitted in PDF format.
In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
Please note: By submitting an application to this role, you are indicating this is your top preference and acknowledge you will not be considered for other Quant and/or Tech roles at Akuna this recruiting season. This acknowledgement does not limit applications to Trading roles - in addition to this role, you may apply to any Trader roles of interest.
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

Apply