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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Sonepar

OSP Fiber Technician (West TN)

Jackson, TN

Keep current with fiber optic design and splicing processes, tools and techniques * Protects and ... Technical degree in line work or fiber engineering or the equivalent in training and/or work ...

Sonepar

OSP Fiber Technician (West TN)

Jackson, TN · On-site

Keep current with fiber optic design and splicing processes, tools and techniques * Protects and ... Technical degree in line work or fiber engineering or the equivalent in training and/or work ...

xAI

Sr. Manager, Engineering

Memphis, TN · On-site

... optic infrastructure for mission-critical environments. * Experience leading the design and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license. * Experience managing multimillion-dollar engineering scopes ...

xAI

Sr. Manager, Engineering

Memphis, TN · On-site

... optic infrastructure for mission-critical environments. * Experience leading the design and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license. * Experience managing multimillion-dollar engineering scopes ...

xAI

Sr. Manager, Engineering

Memphis, TN

... optic infrastructure for mission-critical environments. * Experience leading the design and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license. * Experience managing multimillion-dollar engineering scopes ...

Congruex

Field Inspector

Bartlett, TN · On-site

Fielders report field conditions for design engineers to accurately design the network. Responsible ... Develop accurate fiber/optical network construction surveys * Determine existing and new locations ...

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All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Optical Design Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$72.2K

$127K

$170.2K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Tennessee is $126,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,100.00 and $143,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The growing use of laser technology, imaging systems, and photonics drives employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in optical design software and systems integration.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced optical design engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-end imaging can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in optical systems and design tools like Zemax or Code V.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical modeling software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or imaging often earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing tend to offer such compensation levels, especially with leadership responsibilities or in high-cost regions.

What are some common challenges Optical Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet performance specifications and quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What are Optical Design Engineers?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in TN? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Outside Plant Engineering Manager

Outside Plant Engineering Manager

TekCom Resources

Cookeville, TN

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Outside Plant Engineering Manager to lead the planning, design, expansion, and long-term evolution of our clients fiber-optic network infrastructure across the communities it serves. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who combines strong technical OSP engineering expertise with proven leadership experience managing fiber network expansion projects, engineering teams, rural broadband networks, and vendor relationships.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in FTTH/fiber network design, aerial and underground construction practices, GIS/network mapping tools, and outside plant engineering operations. This individual will play a key role in helping our client continue to expand and modernize its broadband infrastructure while driving operational efficiency, engineering consistency, and long-term network reliability.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the full lifecycle of outside plant engineering, including planning, fielding, design, staking, permitting support, construction coordination, and as-built documentation
  • Oversee aerial and underground fiber network design supporting FTTH, transport, and broadband expansion initiatives
  • Review engineering drawings, staking sheets, and cost estimates for constructability, accuracy, and cost efficiency
  • Manage contract engineering and construction vendors, including vendor selection, contract coordination, performance management, and invoice validation
  • Support broadband expansion projects tied to state and federal funding initiatives
  • Work closely with GIS and IT teams to strengthen network data integrity, mapping accuracy, and asset visibility
  • Drive process improvement initiatives focused on scalability, efficiency, documentation, and operational performance
  • Evaluate and implement modern engineering workflows, automation tools, and AI-enabled technologies supporting network planning and optimization
  • Lead easement acquisition, right-of-way coordination and permitting activities
  • Ensure engineering deliverables comply with all federal, state and local regulations along with industry standards
  • Develop and maintain QA/QC standards, engineering processes and scalable operational workflows
  • Assist with departmental budgeting, forecasting and infrastructure planning initiatives
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing OSP engineering team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and strong customer service
  • Coordinate closely with construction, operations, and leadership teams to ensure alignment across projects and organizational priorities
Expectations
  • Strong understanding of fiber-optic network design, telecommunications construction, and OSP engineering environments
  • Experience supporting FTTH and broadband network deployments
  • Ability to manage multiple engineering and construction projects simultaneously across geographically dispersed areas
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
  • Experience with GIS systems, network mapping tools, and data-driven engineering workflows
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and construction teams
  • Strong vendor management and project coordination experience
  • Ability to evaluate and improve engineering processes while implementing practical operational improvements
  • Understanding of infrastructure planning, budgeting, and long-term network growth strategies
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments
Top Skills Needed: Fiber Optic Network Design FTTH OSP Engineering Rural Broadband Experience Aerial & Underground Construction GIS Mapping Engineering Management Broadband Expansion Vendor Management Construction Coordination QA/QC Permitting Right-of-Way Infrastructure Planning Budgeting Telecommunications Engineering Process Improvement
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or equivalent industry experience
  • 57+ years of telecommunications or outside plant engineering experience
  • Proven experience with fiber-optic network design and deployment
  • Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure
  • Experience supporting rural broadband expansion initiatives
  • Familiarity with predictive analytics, AI-enabled engineering tools, or advanced GIS platforms
  • Experience supporting state or federally funded broadband programs
What Will Catch Our Eye:Candidates with a strong combination of fiber network engineering expertise, leadership experience, and the ability to modernize engineering operations through GIS, automation, and data-driven decision making will stand out.Experience managing FTTH deployments, contract engineering vendors, and large-scale broadband expansion projects will be highly valued.
Key Terms: FTTH Fiber Broadband OSP Engineering Fiber Design GIS Network Planning Aerial Fiber Underground Fiber Broadband Expansion Telecommunications Construction Staking Permitting Right-of-Way Engineering Leadership AI-Enabled Network Planning Rural Broadband
TekCom Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer.