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Optical Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and excellence? At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and innovation? At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and innovation? At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core ...

ASML

Senior Process Engineer - Optical Fabrication

Wilton, CT · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Job Summary ASML Wilton is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the Optical Fabrication team with primary ownership of Generating & Polishing (GnP) processes. This role is responsible for ...

ASML

Senior Process Engineer - Optical Fabrication

Wilton, CT · On-site

$107K - $139K/yr

Job Summary ASML Wilton is seeking a Senior Process Engineer to join the Optical Fabrication team with primary ownership of Generating & Polishing (GnP) processes. This role is responsible for ...

Ametek

Field Sales Application Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$100K - $124K/yr

S. Engineering, Optics or Optical Engineering * 3-5 years of experience in optical metrology ... design engineering and manufacturing, preferably with Interferometry. May continue optical ...

Ametek

Manufacturing Quality Engineer I

Middlefield, CT

$72K - $93K/yr

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and innovation? At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core ...

ASML

DUV FLS Production Engineer

Wilton, CT · On-site

Job Title FLS Production Engineer -FLS Production Engineer - G2M & Mechanical and Mechatronics ... Able to read optical, mechanical and electrical drawings * Knowledge of MATLAB, LabVIEW and Python

ASML US, LLC

DUV FLS Production Engineer

Wilton, CT · On-site

Job Title FLS Production Engineer -FLS Production Engineer - G2M & Mechanical and Mechatronics ... Able to read optical, mechanical and electrical drawings * Knowledge of MATLAB, LabVIEW and Python

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Connecticut

Optical Engineer information

See Connecticut salary details

$79K

$136.6K

$160.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Connecticut is $136,615.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,700.00 and $158,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges optical engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

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 field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut? For Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in CT? For Optical Engineer jobs in CT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,615 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Ametek

Middlefield, CT • On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 hours ago

AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and excellence?

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation, headquartered in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As a Precision Optics Manufacturing Engineer, you will drive solutions for optical manufacturing challenges, focusing on developing and optimizing processes for precision optics, especially large-area optical assemblies. Materials include glass, fused silica, Zerodur, and sapphire, used in semiconductors and aerospace/ defense industries. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and optimize processes for manufacturing precision optics.
  • Solve complex technical problems related to large-area optics and assemblies.
  • Define process parameters and controls to meet dimensional and surface quality requirements.
  • Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication.
  • Improve yield, reduce defects, and lower cost of poor quality (COPQ).
  • Work independently, mentor junior staff, and potentially lead cross-functional projects.
  • Create detailed manufacturing instructions and review optical manufacturing methods.
  • Ensure compliance with MIL and ISO specifications

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in mechanical engineering or related field.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience in mechanical design and optics manufacturing process development.
  • Proficiency in mechanical drawings, SOLIDWORKS, geometric dimensioning/tolerancing, and data analysis (MatLab/MathCad or equivalent).
  • Some programming experiences (Python/ Matlab).
  • Experience in one or more optics manufacturing techniques like polishing, CNC, MRF.
  • Hands-on experience in optical assembly and metrology (interferometry, CMM).

Bring your passion, commitment, and curiosity to Zygo, where our values-curiosity, collaboration, persistence, confidence, problem-solving, and safety-guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we work together to solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and make our world a safer, better place. Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? 

We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!

Due to the nature of Zygo's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.

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