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Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

ITS/Traffic Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Orlando, FL. Your Role * Designs and develops ... Specifically, our work includes traffic signal design, fiber optic communications cable routing and ...

ITS/Traffic Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Orlando, FL. Your Role * Designs and develops ... Specifically, our work includes traffic signal design, fiber optic communications cable routing and ...

We are seeking entry-level candidates willing to collaborate, innovate, and team with our engineers ... Experience with Fiber Optic gyros, Ring Laser Gyros and MEMs gyros. * Experience with mechanical ...

We are seeking entry-level candidates willing to collaborate, innovate, and team with our engineers ... Experience with Fiber Optic gyros, Ring Laser Gyros and MEMs gyros. * Experience with mechanical ...

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Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See Florida salary details

$62K

$107.3K

$125.9K

How much do optical engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level in Florida is $107,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,400.00 and $124,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical engineer entry level?

An Optical Engineer Entry Level job involves designing, testing, and improving optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, under the supervision of senior engineers. Responsibilities may include running simulations, performing laboratory experiments, and assisting in product development. Entry-level optical engineers often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or manufacturing. Strong analytical skills, a background in physics or engineering, and proficiency with optical design software are essential. This role provides hands-on experience and opportunities for career growth in optical engineering.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry-level optical engineer?

As an entry-level Optical Engineer, you will typically support the design, prototyping, and testing of optical components and systems under the guidance of senior engineers. Your daily tasks may include conducting simulations, preparing reports on experimental results, assembling optical setups in the lab, and troubleshooting equipment. You’ll often collaborate with cross-functional teams that include mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers. This role provides an excellent opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to real-world product development, and learn from experienced mentors while laying the groundwork for future advancement in the optical engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the optical engineer entry level position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Entry Level, a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles—usually acquired through a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field—is essential. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is typically expected for hands-on work and simulations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective team communication make candidates stand out in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies are crucial for successfully designing, testing, and refining optical systems used in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and manufacturing.

Are optical engineers in demand?

Optical engineers are in demand due to their role in developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field requires skills in optics, photonics, and related software tools, with job growth driven by technological advancements and increasing reliance on optical technologies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Florida?

For Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings in Florida 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 $107,319 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer/ Entry-Level

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Lockheed Martin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Standard Job Description
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques.
You will be the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, working in the Optical Components Center (OCC) in Orlando, FL. Our team is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting the production life-cycle of electromagnetic grids and thin film coatings for various optical systems, and we're looking for a talented Manufacturing Engineer to join our team.
This position is for first shift, Tuesday to Friday (4/10B)
What You Will Be Doing
As the Photolithography/Thin Film Coating Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings. You will design and develop optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows, and define the parameters of equipment for the processes. You will also perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data, and provide technical guidance to operators.
  • Supporting manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings
  • Designing and developing optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows
  • Defining the parameters of equipment for the processes and defining maintenance items for supporting the equipment
  • Performing characterization of the deposited coatings and analyzing data
  • Providing technical guidance to operators and developing and managing work instructions
  • Investigating defective hardware and implementing corrective actions to prevent defects from occurring
  • Driving the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and quality
  • Support manufacturing processes of optics, with an emphasis on photolithography and/or thin film coatings.
  • Design and develop the optical coatings to be deposited on lenses and windows.
  • Define the parameters of equipment for the processes and define the maintenance items for supporting the equipment for product sustainment.
  • Perform characterization of the deposited coatings and analyze data.
  • Provide technical guidance to operators and effectively communicate the processes in work instructions. Develop and manage work instructions.
  • Investigate defective hardware and provide next steps to get the hardware back into production and implement corrective actions that will prevent defect from occurring.
  • Drive the adoption of new technologies (capital investments, automation, robotics) to improve efficiency and quality.

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline from an accredited college.
Must have skills, experience and/or course work in one OR more of the following categories:
• Thin film
• Coatings
• Photolithography
• Optics
Experience or basic training in at least one
programming language for data analysis:
• Python
• Matlab
• Excel VBA
Microsoft Office software experience
Must be a U.S. citizen and have the ability to obtain a
security clearance.
Desired Skills
Breadth in skills, experience and/or course work across multiple disciplines of manufacturing engineering is strongly desired. Examples include but not limited to: writing/reviewing work instructions (or standard operating procedure manuals), data analytics, automation, mechanical design of equipment or supporting tools, maintaining the product lifecycle, and working in a clean room environment.
Candidates with thin film coating specialization will have skills and/or experience in the design, manufacturing (physical vapor deposition, ion beam sputtering, chemical vapor deposition), and metrology of optical thin film coatings.
Candidates with photolithography specialization will have skills and/or experience with semiconductor fabrication processes (wafer preparation, coating, exposure, development, and etching) and with photolithography equipment (steppers, scanners, and track system).
Knowledge of process control techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), control charts, and yield enhancement.
Having strong time management skills (ability to adjust priorities), ability to work independently, and able to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams are critical skills to support on the floor production.
Work Schedule :Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits.
Security Clearance :This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Work Schedule :4x10 hour day, 3 days off per week
National Pay Statement :Pay Rate: The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $67,000 - $117,990. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays.
(Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
This position is incentive plan eligible.

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About Lockheed Martin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a global security and aerospace company, the majority of Lockheed Martin's business is with the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. federal government agencies.The remaining portion of Lockheed Martin's business is comprised of international government and commercial sales of products, services and platforms.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bethesda, MD, US

Year founded

1912