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Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Columbia, SC

Confers with management, engineering and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes * Applies statistical ...

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

As Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you will develop, coordinate, and implement sustainable ... Project Management, Process Automation and AutoCAD or similar design software experience * Aptitude ...

Showing results 21-40

Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$76.8K

$132.9K

$155.9K

How much do manager optical manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager optical manufacturing engineer in Columbia, SC is $132,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,300.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manager optical manufacturing engineer do?

A Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer oversees the design, development, and production of optical components and systems, such as lenses, mirrors, and fiber optics. They manage engineering teams, coordinate manufacturing processes, and ensure product quality by implementing precise fabrication techniques. Additionally, they work closely with product development and quality assurance teams, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize production efficiency. Their role is critical in ensuring that optical products meet industry standards and client specifications.

What are some common challenges faced by a manager optical manufacturing engineer, and how can they be addressed?

A Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer often faces challenges such as maintaining high precision in manufacturing processes, managing multidisciplinary teams, and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. Ensuring product quality while optimizing production efficiency requires close collaboration with design, quality assurance, and supply chain teams. Addressing these challenges involves implementing robust quality control systems, fostering continuous training for team members, and staying engaged with industry innovations to integrate new manufacturing techniques as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager optical manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in optical engineering, manufacturing processes, and leadership, typically supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical production environments. Familiarity with CAD software, precision metrology tools, statistical process control, and quality management systems is highly valuable, along with industry certifications such as Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing. Strong communication, problem-solving, and team management skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure efficient production, high product quality, and effective team performance in the complex field of optical manufacturing.

What is the difference between Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer vs Optical Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectManager Optical Manufacturing EngineerOptical Manufacturing Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees teams, manages production processes, implements improvementsDesigns, develops, and troubleshoots optical manufacturing processes
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, manufacturing, or related; experience in team leadershipBachelor's or higher in optical engineering or related; technical expertise in optics
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles in manufacturing facilities, cross-functional teamsHands-on technical work in labs or production lines
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing companies with team managementUsed in design, development, and process optimization roles

The Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer focuses on leading teams and managing production processes, while the Optical Manufacturing Engineer concentrates on technical process development and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are optical manufacturing engineers in high demand?

Optical manufacturing engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics that require precision optical components. These engineers often need skills in optical design, manufacturing processes, and quality control, making their expertise valuable in a competitive job market.

What are popular job titles related to Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC are:

Infographic showing various Manager Optical Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $132,860 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Senior Turning Manufacturing Engineer

JTEKT North America

Blythewood, SC • On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


JTEKT rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

358th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Summary/Purpose
Plans, directs and coordinates technical support for the manufacturing process.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities:
  • Develops and evaluates manufacturing methods
  • Use a "hands on" approach to develop and implement solutions to manufacturing problems and improvements in manufacturing methods that result in improved quality and increased productivity while maintaining a safe working environment
  • Analysis and troubleshooting of production equipment based on technical drawings and mechanical evaluation
  • Provide training to Operators, Setup Persons, Manufacturing Technicians, and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians to improve technical abilities
  • Interface with all levels in the organization using verbal, written and graphical communication tools to ensure efficient production methods
  • Design and document tooling designs on drawings that communicates tooling requirements to toolmakers using CAD software, or manual charted drawings
  • Analyzes and plans work force utilization, spaces requirements, workflow and designs layouts of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency
  • Confers with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient production methods
  • Confers with vendors to determine product specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials, or parts and evaluates products according to specifications and quality standards
  • Estimates production times, staffing requirements, and related costs to provide information for management decisions
  • Confers with management, engineering and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules, and other considerations to facilitate production processes
  • Applies statistical methods to estimate future manufacturing requirements and potential including machine capability studies, etc.
  • Plans, implements and tracks Capital and Non-Capital cost reduction projects and reports to management on a regular basis.
  • Support 5-S, Kaizen Team and Koyo Production Systems, IATF16949 and ISO14001 efforts throughout the plant

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required.
  • Fully proficient in G & M code CNC programming. Fanuc preferred.
  • Strong knowledge in Turning and Milling practices including fixturing and cutting tools.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors' Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 5+ years Manufacturing Engineer Experience
  • Bearings experience preferred

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Work is mostly performed in the manufacturing setting (approx. 75%) and in the office setting (approx. 25%) with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment.
  • The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, safety shoes and mandatory hearing protection.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.

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