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Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced degrees a strong plus. * Experience : 1.5 - 5 years in related role, with application experience in fiber optic ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced degrees a strong plus. * Experience : 1.5 - 5 years in related role, with application experience in fiber optic ...

Network Connex

OSP Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$40K - $75K/yr

Experience with OSP engineering, telecommunications, fiber optic design, or utility projects ... in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team ...

New

Auria

Software Performance Analysis Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125 - $165/hr

S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to ... Familiarity with Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) and Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) sensors ...

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All JobsOptical Application Engineer JobsOptical Application Engineer Jobs in Crete, IL

Optical Application Engineer information

See Crete, IL salary details

$48.4K

$106K

$145.6K

How much do optical application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical application engineer in Crete, IL is $106,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $129,300.00 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 cities near Crete, IL are hiring for Optical Application Engineer jobs?

Cities near Crete, IL with the most Optical Application Engineer job openings:

Optical Application Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Application Engineer job openings in Crete, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,042 per year, or $51 per hour.

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Panduit

Tinley Park, IL • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Panduit rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Panduit, we don't just offer a job - we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company's success. You'll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you're ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit!
Innovation thrives when engineers are empowered to think differently, experiment boldly, and solve meaningful challenges. That's why we've built an environment designed for creativity and collaboration. Our 200,000 sq. ft. Innovation Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, features 18 cutting-edge laboratories and a state-of-the-art rapid modeling tool room - all dedicated to helping you turn ideas into impactful reality.
The Fiber Optics Design Engineer will drive the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data center, and high-performance computing applications. This role leads the full product lifecycle, from concept through launch, while partnering across teams to advance cutting-edge optical technologies. Hands-on fiber optics experience is essential for this role.
What You Will Do
  • Develop advanced fiber optic connectivity solutions, including connectors, cable assemblies, and high-density interconnect systems.
  • Lead products through the full development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to testing and manufacturing release.
  • Execute product validation, qualification, and reliability testing for next-generation datacenter applications.
  • Research emerging technologies and apply innovative solutions to drive product advancement.
  • Partner with application engineering teams to understand customer environments, deployment challenges, and real-world use cases.
  • Create technical documentation, including specifications, test plans, validation reports, and application notes.
  • Bring creative, out-of-the-box thinking to product concepts, designs, and problem-solving.

What You Will Bring
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Opto-electronics, or Optical Engineering. Advanced degrees a strong plus.
  • Experience: 1.5 - 5 years in related role, with application experience in fiber optic connectivity in datacenter preferred. Experience with fiber optic connectors (MPO, LC, etc) cable assemblies, optical testing, optical measurements (insertion loss, return loss, alignment sensitivity, environmental testing), optical packaging, and ferrule alignment.
  • Knowledge: Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links, fundamentals of micro-optics or lens design, and industry standards (IEC, TIA, Telcordia).
  • Systems: Experience using MATLAB or Python for engineering analysis. Experience with product design in 3D CAD preferred.
  • Skills: Strong communication and teamwork skills.

What We Can Offer You
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance. This role will require you to be in the office 50% of the time (schedule based on manager's discretion).
  • Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community.
  • Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career.
  • Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future.

Compensation: The expected annual base salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process.
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)

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