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Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Bloomington, IN

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Optical Application Engineer information

See Bloomington, IN salary details

$46.7K

$102.4K

$140.6K

How much do optical application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical application engineer in Bloomington, IN is $102,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,700.00 and $124,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical application engineer?

An Optical Application Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and supporting optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, for various applications. They work closely with clients to understand technical requirements and provide solutions that meet specific optical performance needs. Their responsibilities often include testing prototypes, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with engineering and sales teams to ensure successful product integration. Optical Application Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, imaging, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical application engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Application Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and relevant industry standards is essential. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you translate customer requirements into practical solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering innovative optical solutions that meet technical specifications and client needs.

How does an optical application engineer typically collaborate with product development teams to deliver client solutions?

Optical Application Engineers often work closely with product development teams by translating client requirements into technical specifications, participating in design reviews, and troubleshooting integration challenges. They serve as a vital bridge between customers and internal engineering, ensuring that optical systems meet performance criteria and application needs. Frequent collaboration includes providing feedback on prototypes, suggesting design modifications, and supporting testing and validation processes. This teamwork helps ensure that final products align with both technical standards and client expectations.

What job categories do people searching Optical Application Engineer jobs in Bloomington, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Application Engineer jobs in Bloomington, IN are:

Infographic showing various Optical Application Engineer job openings in Bloomington, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,396 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington Intelligent Systems Engineering Location Bloomington Position Summary
Indiana University, Bloomington
Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering
Postdoctoral Fellow in Bio-Photonics and optical imaging (Leung Research Group)
The Leung Research Group (https://sites.google.com/view/LeungGroup) in the Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering in Bloomington, Indiana, USA, invites applications for a postdoctoral position focused on developing cutting-edge optical imaging systems using advanced light manipulation techniques for biomedical applications. Experimental expertise in advanced optical system design, structured beam generation, and characterization methods will be advantageous. Familiarity with laser pulse shaping, spatiotemporal vortex (STOV) beams and orbital angular momentum, is advantageous. The ideal start date is December 1, 2025 (negotiable).
The Leung Research Group seeks to develop novel optical methodologies in which the numerous degrees of freedom of light are fully leveraged to enhance imaging performances beyond the limits of classical approaches. Our research group is forging new frontiers in optical metrology and biomedical imaging through synergistic work performed by different teams in the lab. Our research projects combine and elevate state-of-the-art technologies including but not limited to optics, microscopy imaging, systems engineering, and biophotonics.
We are committed to providing all members of our group a collaborative, supportive, and motivating academic environment with abundant opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary active collaborations and teamwork to expand their knowledge and skillset and to exercise creativity and innovation in their research work. Your successful career development is important to us, and we will invest in the development of your leadership, mentorship, and scientific writing/publication skills, presentation skills, and grants writing skills.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services, and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
Appointment Type: Twelve-month full-time non-tenure track appointment with potential to be extended annually, subject to satisfactory performance and funding; The position is currently funded for two years.
Salary: We offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits.
Links to additional information which may be of interest:
https://luddy.indiana.edu/
https://engineering.indiana.edu/about/index.html
https://bloomington.iu.edu/index.html
https://www.visitbloomington.com/

Basic Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in one of the following or another related area is required before the position start date: physics, optical sciences, optical engineering, photonics, quantum science, biomedical engineering 
  • Ph.D. candidates about to graduate are also welcome to apply.
  • Hands-on experimental experience with developing optical systems and the use of lasers.
  • Proficiency in data processing software e.g., Python, Matlab.
  • Exhibits excellent professionalism and work ethics, initiative and self-motivation.
  • Strong ability to problem-solve and think critically.
  • Possesses good written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary, fast-paced working environment.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions may be sent to: Dr. Hui Min Leung (huileung@iu.edu)
Additional Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications: 
Experiences and/or knowledge in one or more of the following will be an advantage:
  • Generation, manipulation, and characterization of spatio-temporal structured light and/or wave packets
  • Fourier domain imaging concepts
  • Use of pulsed lasers
  • Imaging science and optical microscopy
  • Basic proficiency in Zemax or equivalent
Salary and Rank Special Instructions
Applications received by October 1, 2025 will receive full consideration. However, we will continue accepting applications until the position is filled. Interested candidates should review the application requirements and apply online at:
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/30334
Application Materials:
1. Cover letter describing your research interests and how your background and expertise align with this position.
2. CV, including your contact information and publication list
3. Email addresses for three professional references
For Best Consideration Date 10/01/2025 Expected Start Date 12/01/2025 Posting Number IU-101305-2025