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Optical Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently looking for a Mid-Level Optical Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently looking for a Mid-Level Optical Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently looking for a Mid-Level Optical Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and ...

Amentum

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We are currently looking for a Mid-Level Optical Engineer to support the design, integration, and testing of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems across maritime, airborne, and ...

Pae

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development efforts for the advancement of electro-optical and infrared systems. This position will support the ...

Amentum

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN

$120K - $160K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development efforts for the advancement of electro-optical and infrared systems. This position will support the ...

Amentum

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development efforts for the advancement of electro-optical and infrared systems. This position will support the ...

Amentum

Senior Optical Engineer

Odon, IN

$104K - $143K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development efforts for the advancement of electro-optical and infrared systems. This position will support the ...

Amentum

Senior Optical Engineer-Odon,Indiana

Ragsdale, IN

$89K - $122K/yr

We are currently looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to support our research and development efforts for the advancement of electro-optical and infrared systems. This position will support the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Optical Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$79K

$136.7K

$160.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Indiana is $136,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,800.00 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 is an optical engineer?

An optical engineer designs, develops, and tests systems and devices that utilize light, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. They often work with optical materials, use simulation software, and require knowledge of physics and engineering principles to improve optical performance and functionality.

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, and why are they important?

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced optical engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced research can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, management responsibilities, or significant expertise in optical systems and laser technologies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

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 requires strong knowledge of optics, photonics, and related tools, and job growth is driven by advancements in technology and increasing reliance on optical components.

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 Indiana? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Optical Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in IN? For Optical Engineer jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $136,655 per year, or $65.7 per hour.
Engineering - Senior Optical Engineer

Engineering - Senior Optical Engineer

Grote Industries

Madison, IN • On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Business Title: Senior Optical Engineer
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Leadership Scope: Individual Contributor
Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of trust. But more than anything, we are a collection of individuals who, together, give Grote Industries a decisive competitive advantage. At Grote, our shared vision is clear - to meet the needs of the customers we serve. We accomplish that mission every day by following a set of core values that makes us who we are.
Innovation has been the hallmark of Grote Industries from the start. From durable, easy to see stop lights to the latest in LED lighting technology, Grote has been leading the way in advanced vehicle system solutions from early in the last century right up to today. With these innovations, Grote has helped millions of people throughout North America and the world benefit from the innovation and design excellence of Grote products.
Position Summary: The Senior Optical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and support of automotive exterior lighting systems for OEM customers in the heavy-duty market. This role leads optical design activities, supports cross-functional teams, and ensures products meet regulatory, customer, performance, durability, quality, manufacturing, and cost requirements while mentoring less-experienced engineers.
Position Duties:
  • Working with project team members to understand/develop requirements and to develop new or improved lamp concepts/designs satisfying regulatory and customer performance, durability, and quality requirements along with meeting internal manufacturing process requirements and cost targets.
  • Developing the design of optical systems for lamps using LEDs, reflectors, thin plastic lenses with Fresnel/pillow/etc. optics, thick/TIR lenses, light pipes, etc. using LucidShape and other tools.
  • Performing and/or coordinating testing of lamps and components using goniometers, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, and related equipment to ensure the product meets all requirements.
  • Developing/improving and documenting design, simulation, and testing standards related to all aspects of lamp optical design.
  • Research, interpret, and apply relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards including FMVSS 108, UN Regulations (R148-R150), and SAE Lighting Systems Group standards.
  • Working with the Manufacturing and Quality teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to manufacturing processes and quality controls.
  • Working with the Purchasing team in the sourcing of purchased components and validation of suppliers and ensuring that purchased components are properly designed/spec'd to conform to industry standards, minimize cost, and maximize supply chain flexibility.
  • Working with the Sales team in the quoting of new or revised business and customer management including the estimation of part and capital costs.
  • Mentoring other engineers and team members in all aspects, and optical aspects in particular, of lamp quoting, design, manufacturing, validation, etc.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field and extensive (3-5+ years) optical engineering design experience in automotive exterior lighting (headlamps and/or signal lamps) including familiarity with relevant mechanical and/or electrical engineering design principles, along with experience with the manufacturing processes relevant to automotive lighting and optical components in particular, such as injection molding, plastic part assembly, coatings, etc. Good documentation, communication, and teamwork are essential. Specific relevant skills/experience are listed below:
  • Extensive experience with Lucid Shape and associated optical design modules/software is preferred followed by Zemax, SPEOs, or other optical design software
  • Extensive experience designing optical systems using LEDs, molded lenses (including thick lenses), and molded/metallized reflectors for automotive lighting applications is preferred, though other optical design experience may be considered
  • Extensive experience testing and validating optical systems/devices using goniometers, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, etc.
  • Injection molded plastic part design including a thorough understanding of injection mold tooling and plastic part assembly
  • Creo CAD experience is optimal, followed by Catia or NX and then other systems
  • Capability in the research, review, interpretation, and application of relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards, specifically in relation to FMVSS 108, UN Regulations (R148-R150), and the SAE Lighting Systems Group
  • Advanced GD&T application
  • Tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Reviewing the listed simulations/analyses correlated with optical design:
    • Vibration/Static/Thermal FEA
    • Thermal CFD
    • Mold flow analysis
    • Part measurement and dimensional analysis

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