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Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Dallas TX Schedule: 9/80 The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS ... Other duties as assigned Qualifications * Entry level - looking for entry level candidates * 4 year ...

Dallas TX Schedule: 9/80 The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS ... Other duties as assigned Qualifications * Entry level - looking for recent graduates * 4 year ...

Dallas TX Schedule: 9/80 The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS ... Other duties as assigned Qualifications * Entry level - looking for recent graduates * 4 year ...

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 ...

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 ...

Be Seen First

Opening is for an Electronic Fiber Optic Technician. Candidate should be able to troubleshoot ... Company is looking for entry level and experience personnel. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

... Entry-Level Fiber Tech, Dark Fiber Testing, OTDR Testing, Power Meter Testing, Fiber Optic Jobs ... Engineering, Government & Critical Infrastructure. Contracting Vehicles: GSA 621i VA FSS ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Engineer Entry Level information

See Texas salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer entry level in Texas is $133,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 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.

How to get into optical engineering?

To enter optical engineering as an entry-level professional, obtain a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering with a focus on optics. Gaining hands-on experience through internships, developing skills in optical design software like Zemax or Code V, and understanding laser systems and photonics are also important steps.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,796 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Applications Engineer

Leonardo DRS

Dallas, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114898
Location: Dallas TX
Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.
Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.
Job Summary
The Applications Engineer is the primary technical resource for DRS's cooled infrared cameras. He/she is responsible for providing technical guidance, answers and advice to customers, and other DRS personnel. Candidates will be intimately involved in both DRS and customer hardware/software; everything from the definition, development, production, and debug of the infrared camera hardware and software. The candidate must also be highly detail oriented, sales driven, maintain strong communication skills (written and verbal), and have an entrepreneurial mindset.
Job Responsibilities
  • PRE SALES.
    • Pursue design opportunities and support customers design efforts
    • Answer RFQs and technical questions from customers.
    • Technically qualify customer requests for quotation to ensure that a quote will meet the customers' application and operational needs.
    • Identify product or service gaps and to define ways to address handle them using partners and/or new developments
    • Ensure customer quotations are technically accurate, commercially verified, offering the best all-round solution.
    • Maintain accurate and complete records in Customer Relations Managment (CRM).
  • POST SALES
    • Provides technical oversight and troubleshooting for both internal and external customers.
    • Provide advice on technical solutions and benefits.
    • Technical lead for customer driven hardware and software solutions - Either as the lead developer or working with a small engineering team
    • Interface with engineering teams regularly regarding technical sales and roadmap alignment
    • Maintains a complete, commonly accessible, technical documentation library
    • Maintain outstanding customer relations.
    • Prepare and support technical seminars and customer presentations
    • Support the existing customer base with technology updates
    • Provides technical guidance, as requested, to other personnel at DRS
    • Communicate with manufacturing locations for queries regarding lead-time, specials, etc.
    • Attend customer meetings as required, including customer site visits.
    • Attend relevant technical and commercial trainings as required to maintain a high level of product and process knowledge, including new products as and when released.
    • Maintain communications either verbally or electronically with customer stakeholders to offer support and required
    • Support RMA and FRB teams and process. Drive root cause and corrective action investigations
    • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Entry level - looking for entry level candidates
  • 4 year engineering degree, BSEE or BSCS
    • BSEE candidates: Semiconductor and PCB design/debug desired
    • BSCS, BSCE candidates: Windows User Interface developer/programmer desired
  • Candidate must possess strong communication and problem solving skills
  • Organized, strong attention to detail, excellent follow-through.
    • Demonstrated strong customer relations skills.
    • Warm, friendly and service-oriented philosophy.
    • Excellent oral and written communications skills.
    • Ability to multitask.

DESIRED SKILLS
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel
  • Experience developing applications with Visual Basic 6.0 or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
  • Experience developing applications with C/C++.
  • Experience with MATLAB or other numerical computing environments
  • Experience with automation of test and measurement devices such as oscilloscopes, multi-meters, power supplies, data acquisition devices, frame grabbers, etc.
  • Experience with PCB tools such as Orcad

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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