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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Ensure adherence to engineering design packages (EDPs), technical specifications, and scopes of ... Mentor junior technicians, fostering skill development and professional growth. * Promote a culture ...

Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer SME The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC ... Ability to perform tasks and oversee efforts of junior and journeyman personnel Desired ...

Senior Materials Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and technicians on metallurgical techniques and best practices. * Model the ... Hands-on experience with SEM, optical microscopy, metallograph, and hardness testing equipment.

Senior Materials Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and technicians on metallurgical techniques and best practices. * Model the ... Hands-on experience with SEM, optical microscopy, metallograph, and hardness testing equipment.

Engineering Co-op: MuReva

Brecksville, OH · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

MuReva Phototherapy spun-off from its parent company, Lumitex, a leader in fiber-optic lighting ... Under the direction of an experience Engineer, our Co-ops will be provided with exposure to ...

Engineering Co-op: MuReva

Brecksville, OH

$97K - $128K/yr

MuReva Phototherapy spun-off from its parent company, Lumitex, a leader in fiber-optic lighting ... Under the direction of an experience Engineer, our Co-ops will be provided with exposure to ...

Mentor and coach junior staff * Contribute to Independent Research and Development (IR&D) studies ... Experience with fiber optic interfaces in harsh environments and optical network design * Expertise ...

Mentor and coach junior staff * Contribute to Independent Research and Development (IR&D) studies ... Experience with fiber optic interfaces in harsh environments and optical network design * Expertise ...

Mentor and coach junior staff * Contribute to Independent Research and Development (IR&D) studies ... Experience with fiber optic interfaces in harsh environments and optical network design * Expertise ...

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Junior Optical Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$31.8K

$68.3K

$104.1K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in Ohio is $68,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or CODE V), basic laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within engineering teams and present findings clearly. These skills ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and collaborative project development in this technically demanding role.

What does a junior optical engineer do?

As a Junior Optical Engineer, you may assist in designing, testing, and evaluating optical systems such as lenses, imaging devices, or sensors under the supervision of senior engineers. Your responsibilities often include running simulations, performing hands-on experiments in the lab, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports. You’ll also collaborate closely with colleagues in mechanical and electrical engineering to integrate optical components into larger systems. This role often provides opportunities to learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications, which is valuable for long-term career growth in the optical engineering field.

What is a junior optical engineer?

A Junior Optical Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional specializing in optical systems, components, and technologies. They assist in designing, testing, and optimizing optical devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research and development. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of optics principles, and proficiency with simulation tools are often required. This role provides foundational experience for growing into more advanced optical engineering positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:
Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,259 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Applied Optics/Physics Intern

Applied Optimization

Fairborn, OH • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Responsive recruiter
Applied Optimization (AO) Job Description
Job Title: Applied Optics/Physics Intern Reports to: Principal Scientist
FLSA Status: Part-Time (Non-Exempt) Department: Space Science
Position Objective:
  • Applied Optimization is an engineering R&D firm working on day and night observations of the sky in the visible and infrared, along with archiving, reporting, and analyzing the collected data.
  • Provide direct hands-on responsibility for theoretical prediction, numerical modeling, high quality data acquisition, reporting, analysis, and interpretation. Support
  • Meticulous, detail-oriented individual who brings consistent quality and reliability to the collection and analysis of atmospheric and astronomy data.

Essential Functions:
  • Support theoretical development and mathematical modeling and simulation
  • Perform Fourier transform calculations for linear system
  • Support the analytical derivation of circular and vortex beams for optical propagation in atmospheric turbulence
  • Support optical engineering modifications of new generation telescope equipment.
  • Perform optical bench experiments to support customer requirements
  • Support the collection, reduction, and analysis of astronomy and atmospheric data using ground-based telescope equipment
  • Ensure accuracy and follow documentation procedures for all work; maintain notebook of daily activities and provide weekly report of work
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:
  • Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program related to the field of physics, astronomy, optics, or engineering physics with a superior academic record
  • Knowledge in beam propagation in atmospheric turbulent media
  • Knowledge of signal and image processing
  • Attention to detail and effective time and schedule management skills
  • Ability to execute instructions and communication in written, oral, and diagram form
  • Effective organizing, planning, debugging, and problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail and effective time and schedule management skills
  • Ability to adapt within a small team to support evolving customer requirements
  • Ability to travel to customer sites for technical support
  • Basic computer and software skills including but not necessarily limited to Microsoft Office products (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • College sophomore or junior with cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.5 or higher
  • Aptitude for software development using MATLAB, C++, or Python is highly desirable
  • Knowledge or experience in navigating astronomical coordinate systems of the night sky
  • Knowledge of Atmospheric physics
  • Knowledge of optics software such as ZEMAX.

Citizenship/Security Clearance Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder
  • May be required to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance

Employment Structure:
  • In-office attendance is required; remote work is not available at this time

About Our Internships:
  • Hours: The internship is a part-time, year-round position that requires a minimum of sixteen hours per week of work. The hours are flexible and they can change from one semester to another based on the student's class schedule. The weekly hours can be adjusted to balance for the examinations, tests and project submissions.

About Us: Applied Optimization is a growing organization located in Fairborn, OH. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and a comprehensive benefits package. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Find out more about us at www.appliedo.com.
This job description is subject to change.
We are 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, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Applied Optimization
About Us
Since 1995, Applied Optimization, Inc. (AO) has been collaboratively discovering innovative solutions in material science and space science to address the technical challenges of our clients and partners in industry and government. Offering the right balance between critical thinking and non-conformity, our team of scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and software developers strive to further the understanding and state-of-the-art of additive manufacturing (AM), materials processing, space situational awareness, and space object characterization. Our software products' capabilities include optimizing AM process parameters, mitigating defects in build parts, and processing and exploiting photometry data from Earth's space domain.
Our Focus
We focus on interdisciplinary research and development of space science and materials science. From analyzing brightness data from man-made space objects in earth's orbit to mathematical modeling in AM processes, Applied Optimization's team is adept at assessing, researching, and developing optimized solutions for today's technological problems. We customize our technical solutions to customer needs to ensure specific answers for specific problems Our innovative solutions are designed to provide results when utilized in a client's day-to-day processes.
Company Website: