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Optical Engineer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

$74K/yr

Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of ... as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR Combination of education and ...

$101K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ... OR Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a ...

$101K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ... OR Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a ...

$95K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ... OR Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a ...

New

$95K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ... OR Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a ...

New

$65K/yr

There are Basic Requirements for a 0801 General Engineer. You must meet the Basic Requirements for ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

$106K - $146K/yr

Senior Distribution Systems Engineers to help support our ongoing BIM contract. This position is on ... optic cables using OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer), power meters, and other tools. • ...

Assists members in choosing eyeglass frames and lens options appropriate to the lens prescription, under supervision of a Licensed Optician. * Measures member for pupillary distance using pupilometer ...

$65K/yr

There are Basic Requirements for a 0801 General Engineer. You must meet the Basic Requirements for ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

$88K/yr

You will serve as a NUCLEAR ENGINEER in the Welding Engineering and Non-Destructive Test Examiner ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineer information

See Hawaii salary details

$86.2K

$149.2K

$175.1K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Hawaii is $149,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,000.00 and $173,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii? For Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in HI? For Optical Engineer jobs in HI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,206 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.
Qualifications:Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule, Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Degree: Professional Engineering. To be acceptable, the curriculum must: (1) be in a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional Registration: Current registration as a professional engineer by any State, the District of Columbia , Guam, or Puerto Rico . Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test: Evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) examination, or the written test required for professional registration, which is administered by the Boards of Engineering Examiners in the various States, the District of Columbia , Guam, and Puerto Rico .
3. Specified Academic Courses: Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum.
4. Related Curriculum: Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or in an appropriate professional field, e.g., physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE APPLICANTS MUST ALSO MEET THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-11:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-09) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include the ability to interpret, select, and apply a variety of engineering principles and guidelines. Analyze, investigate, and delineate specifics of the problem encountered and devises ways to meeting engineering requirements.
GS-12: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-11) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include the ability to research, develop, test and evaluate; procurement and production of munitions, aircraft, and related hardware. Provide technical consultation involving munitions test engineering technology. Determines test requirements and overall objects. Prepare test plans to meet the requirement of the project.
GS-13: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-12) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include engineering design and correction of repair procedures. Assume full authority for contract modification and technical recommendations for change order approval. Participate in contract negotiations and award recommendations. Exercise budget control directly supporting the construction, surveillance, and inspection effort. Approves or delegates authority for approval of construction plans, specification, cost estimates, design calculations, construction schedules, contract cost change proposals, and engineering studies.
GS-14: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-13) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include plan and program, support contract management, improvement and modernization, advanced strategic planning, marketing, technical symposia, and management of the organization direct and reimbursable budget and verification of test program funds.
GS-15: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience to at least the (GS-14) grade level under the General Schedule (GS) or other pay systems. Examples of specialized experience include direct and coordinate engineering, construction, and maintenance programs and approves criteria for specialized critical system design and construction. Plan, develop and implement procedures for review of facility acquisition programs, and military construction programs. Direct engineering sufficiency review of these programs as wee as the total construction until turnover.
Click on the following link to view education and/or experience requirements for this position: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
1. Knowledge of multi-disciplinary professional engineering concepts, principles, practices, standards, methods, techniques, materials, and equipment.
2. Skill in preparing design concepts and ability to convey ideas and formulate working drawings using CADD, GIS, and project management/scheduling software programs such as MS Project and Primavera.
3. Skill in evaluating state-of-the-art scientific and environmental/engineering technologies and incorporating into the planning, design, operation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of installation natural and built infrastructure.
4. Knowledge of the principles, practices, and policies of professional engineering program management to include program planning and budget cycles, and financial control/budgeting systems.
5. Knowledge of contracting principles, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements as applied to program management.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Employment Type: OTHER