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

Product Manager

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

You will collaborate closely with customers, sales teams, engineering, marketing, operations, and ... Serve as a product and application expert, supporting customer engagement, training, presentations ...

Business Consulting Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$173K - $231K/yr

The application window is expected to close on: 08/21/2026 Job posting may be removed earlier if ... Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. * 5+ years of ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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.

Product Manager

Panduit

Tinley Park, IL • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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!
Panduit is seeking a Product Manager to lead the strategy, execution, and lifecycle management of our fiber infrastructure product portfolio. In this role, you will serve as the business leader and champion for assigned products, guiding product vision, market positioning, commercialization, and portfolio performance. You will collaborate closely with customers, sales teams, engineering, marketing, operations, and other cross-functional stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions that meet market needs and drive profitable growth.
The ideal candidate brings a strong blend of commercial acumen, technical expertise, and product management experience within fiber optics, network infrastructure, or data center environments.
If you are passionate about bringing innovative networking and infrastructure solutions to market while driving business growth through customer-focused product strategies, we encourage you to apply.
What You Will Do
  • Develop and execute product strategies and roadmaps that drive portfolio growth and align with business objectives.
  • Lead all phases of the product lifecycle, including business case development, product launches, portfolio management, and end-of-life planning.
  • Partner with sales, marketing, engineering, operations, and other stakeholders to deliver successful product outcomes.
  • Conduct market, customer, and competitive analysis to identify opportunities, refine value propositions, and support pricing strategies.
  • Gather and translate Voice of Customer (VoC) insights into product enhancements and innovation initiatives.
  • Serve as a product and application expert, supporting customer engagement, training, presentations, and technical collateral development.
  • Manage key business activities, including forecasting, inventory planning, pricing, and profitability analysis.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to internal and external stakeholders, helping address customer needs and drive business results.

What You Will Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Marketing, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
  • 5-7 years of product management experience, including ownership of physical product portfolios with 1,000+ SKUs.
  • Knowledge of fiber optics, fiber infrastructure, network infrastructure, and data center solutions.
  • Experience developing product strategies, managing product lifecycles, and leading new product introduction and launch activities.
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience supporting pricing, forecasting, profitability, and portfolio performance.
  • Proven ability to gather and translate Voice of Customer (VoC) insights into product improvements and innovation.
  • Strong technical aptitude with the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to customers and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills, with experience partnering across sales, marketing, engineering, operations, and other business functions.
  • Knowledge of stage-gate product development processes preferred.
  • Willingness to travel globally up to 25% for customer visits, supplier meetings, Panduit locations, and industry events.

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 $95,000 - $125,000. 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.
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