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Optical Engineer Jobs in Idaho (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 21-40

Optical Engineer information

See Idaho salary details

$78.1K

$135.1K

$158.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Idaho is $135,123.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,400.00 and $157,100.00 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.
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Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Idaho as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $135,123 per year, or $65 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Micron Technology rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.

Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

The Advanced Mask Development department in Microns Technology Development organization delivers reticle solutions that help shape next-gen memory and storage products in the evolving global technology landscape. This team works at the intersection of advanced equipment, materials science, and precision manufacturing. If you enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating with other subject-matter experts and department leaders, and seeing your direct impacts on product quality, youll feel at home here!

Position Overview:

Micron is seeking a highly experienced Resolution Enhancement Techniques (RET) Engineer to join the AMD team at Micron. At the Senior Member of Technical Staff level, our ideal candidate is a master in their field and has a history of innovation and driving technical direction in the industry. This role will focus on developing and optimizing RET and Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) solutions that enable high-fidelity wafer patterning for advanced memory technologies. This role will partner with a variety of teams to develop innovative reticle solutions, improve tapeout methodologies, and resolve complex patterning challenges across both R&D and HVM environments. We are looking for an ambitious and goals-centric individual to help drive groundbreaking solutions that maintain Microns competitive advantage.

Responsibilities:

  • Drive a steady stream of sophisticated projects with built-in contingency plans related to mask development, lithography optimization, and tapeout flow improvements; Sustain performance with multiple critical projects through close collaboration with sister teams.

  • Develop, optimize, and implement RET and OPC solutions to improve pattern fidelity, manufacturability, and yield for advanced memory products

  • Investigate and deploy innovative methodologies, software capabilities, and process enhancements to improve lithography performance and operational efficiency

  • Use extensive technical knowledge to guide strategic directions, interpret customer needs, and clearly communicate these needs to internal and external contacts; Guide managers and leaders in creating new capabilities and systems.

  • Analyze patterning issues across R&D and manufacturing environments, identify root causes, and drive effective corrective actions

  • Drive adoption of AI-enabled engineering best practices to accelerate innovation, automate routine analyses, and enable the organization to focus on solving highly complex technical challenges

  • Mentor junior engineers and nurture the development of technical best practices and knowledge-sharing within the team

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field with 12+ years of semiconductor industry experience focusing on RET, OPC, lithography, or mask development

  • Hands-on experience developing and applying RET/OPC methodologies and reticle solutions to improve semiconductor patterning performance

  • Strong understanding of EUV lithography fundamentals/development including optics, diffraction, phase-shift technologies, resist behavior, and advanced patterning techniques

  • Experience with lithography simulation tools such as Sentaurus Litho, ProLith, or similar platforms

  • Proven track record collaborating effectively across multiple engineering disciplines with strong verbal, written, and presentation skills

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills with a background in creating technical solutions in both technology development and manufacturing environments

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS or PHD in Electrical Engineering or Materials Science

  • Experience using EDA software (Synopsys, Siemens, Cadence, Brion, etc) for OPC modeling, assist feature design, or lithography simulations; Familiarity with programming/scripting languages (Python, Perl, TCL, C, or C++).

  • Experience mentoring junior engineers and inspiring the career and technical development of others

As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.

Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

To learn about your right to work click here.

To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers

For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Microns People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3)

Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.

Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.

AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.

Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.

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