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Optical Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

Optical Technician

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14 - $15/hr

As an Optical Technician, you will utilize core skills in optometry and medical office knowledge to provide exceptional patient care and support. Your premium skills in patient care and HIPAA ...

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is ...

New

Broad engineering skills, including knowledge of mechanical design, automation, control systems, robotics, pneumatics, optical inspection, and manufacturing processes. * Computer literacy with both ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Engineer information

See Kentucky salary details

$72.1K

$124.7K

$146.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Kentucky is $124,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,000.00 and $145,000.00 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 Kentucky? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Kentucky? For Optical Engineer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in KY? For Optical Engineer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,730 per year, or $60 per hour.

Optical Manager - Oxmoor Center

Warby Parker

Louisville, KY • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Warby Parker rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

Optical Manager

Warby Parker is on the lookout for a highly skilled Optical Manager to join our growing in-house Optical team. In this role, you'll use your professional skill set and product expertise to create incredible experiences for customers. Whether you're helping longtime Warby Parker fans or first-time wearers, you'll leave them excited and confident about our glasses. Acting as both a coach and team player, you'll lead your store's Opticians and jump in to consult customers as needed. Our ideal candidate is a lifelong learner who's able to embrace challenges, foster an encouraging work environment, and help Warby Parker grow. Sound like the job for you? Read on!

Optical duties

Work directly with customers to help meet all of their eyewear needs

Take and record measurements, adjust and fit eyewear, and execute these details with flawless accuracy

Check that our finished eyewear meets our optical standards, as well as customer requirements and requests

Use your expertise to explain prescription terminology and product offerings to customers

Leadership responsibilities

Manage a team of Opticians by giving and receiving feedback, holding ongoing development conversations, and leading by example on the floor

Uphold exceptional service standards when working with customers and implement retail experience programs that increase their loyalty and engagement

Report to the Store Leader, working together to anticipate staffing needs and oversee Optician Apprentice Program participants

Stay up to date with HR policies and procedures to promote a productive, safe culture in the store and leverage company resources to increase employees' engagement and job satisfaction

Support general store systems, inventory databases, and business operations

Who you are

A licensed dispensing optician in states that require a license (or an ABO-certified optician in non-licensing states) who's been in a management position for 2+ years

A strong leader and mentor who exhibits model behavior, drives optical metrics, and adheres to strict optical standards

Able to operate with a high sense of professionalism and open-mindedness when making decisions on behalf of the team

Passionate about the eyewear and retail industries

A clear and effective communicator-you can break down technical terms for customers to easily understand

Dedicated to going above-and-beyond to make customers (and your teammates!) happy

Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of prioritizing tasks and responsibilities for yourself and your team in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment

Someone who takes your work very seriously, but not yourself

Not on the Office of Inspector General's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE)

In compliance with local and state requirements, Warby Parker is committed to pay transparency. We offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes not only a competitive base salary/hourly rate but also variable compensation for eligible employees.

For applicable postings, the range listed is a good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation is thoughtfully determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate's qualifications, experience, internal equity, and relevant market data.

For applicable postings, non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay if you are required to work more than 40 hours in a workweek.

Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for full-time employees:

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Paid sick leave
  • Paid Holidays
  • Vacation days per year
  • Retirement savings plan (401(k))
  • Parental leave (non-birthing parents included)
  • Short-term disability
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Bereavement Support
  • Optical Education Reimbursement
  • Free eyewear
  • And more (just ask!)

Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Free eyewear
  • Paid sick leave
  • And more (just ask!)

Warby Parker will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.

If you are a California resident, please review the additional privacy disclosures available in Section 8 of our Privacy Policy, which provides a summary of how we collect, use, disclose, and share personal information about you and explain your rights under the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA").

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

CO only: The application window for this position is anticipated to close on the apply before date listed. We encourage interested candidates to apply through our Career website.

1 WA only: Full-Time employees' paid sick leave is accrued at a rate of 1 hour per every 26 hours worked. Full-time employees receive 5 paid holidays and 5-10 vacation days per year (after waiting period, depending on tenure and hours worked). 2 WA PT only: Paid sick leave (accrued at a rate of 1 hour per every 30 hours worked).

About Us

Warby Parker was founded with a mission: to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style.

We're constantly asking ourselves how we can do more and make a greater impact, and that starts by reimagining everything that a company and industry can be. We want to demonstrate that a business can scale while doing good in the world, without charging a premium for it. And we've learned that it takes creativity, empathy, and innovation to achieve that goal.

Since the day we launched in 2010, we've pioneered ideas, designed products, and developed technologies that help people see. We offer everything you need for happier eyes at a price that leaves you with money in your pocket, from designer-quality glasses and contacts to eye exams and vision tests, and you can meet us online, at our stores, or even in your home. Wherever and whenever you need it, we're there to make exceptional vision care simple and accessible. (Delightful, too.)

Ultimately, we believe in vision for all, which is why for every pair of glasses or sunglasses we sell, a pair of glasses is distributed to someone in need through our Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.

Job Info
  • Job Identification 4758
  • Job Category Store Management
  • Job Schedule Full time
  • Locations 40222 (On-site)

What Warby Parker employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Warby Parker logo

About Warby Parker

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Warby Parker was founded with a mission: to inspire and impact the world with vision, purpose, and style. We're constantly asking ourselves how we can do more and make a greater impact, and that starts by reimagining everything that a company and industry can be. We want to demonstrate that a business can scale while doing good in the world, without charging a premium for it. And we've learned that it takes creativity, empathy, and innovation to achieve that goal. Since the day we launched in 2010, we've pioneered ideas, designed products, and developed technologies that help people see. We offer everything you need for happier eyes at a price that leaves you with money in your pocket, from designer-quality glasses and contacts to eye exams and vision tests, and you can meet us online, at our stores, or even in your home. Wherever and whenever you need it, we're there to make exceptional vision care simple and accessible. (Delightful, too.) Ultimately, we believe in vision for all, which is why for every pair of glasses or sunglasses we sell, a pair of glasses is distributed to someone in need through our Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program.

Industry

Apparel and accessories stores

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2009