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Optical Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Ravee Optics

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Position Overview Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace ...

Ravee Optics Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense ...

Folio Photonics

Optical Engineer - Solon

Solon, OH · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Solon, Ohio Optical Engineer I Location: Folio Photonics; Solon, OH -- on-site Job Type: Full time Reports to: Head of Optical Engineering COMPANY DESCRIPTION Folio Photonics is a dynamic startup ...

New

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing optical technologies and delivering exceptional ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in ...

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing optical technologies and delivering exceptional ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in ...

AIMECH USA LLC

Optics Engineer

Niles, OH · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to advancing optical technologies and delivering exceptional ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * 2+ years of experience in ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Supervisor

New Albany, OH · On-site

The Site Supervisor - Optical Fiber Service Delivery is responsible for the overall leadership ... Ensure adherence to engineering design packages (EDPs), technical specifications, and scopes of ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

New Albany, OH · On-site

The Lead Technician - Fiber Optic Engineering is responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day execution of fiber optic deployment, splicing, testing, and maintenance activities across large ...

OPTICAL SOLUTIONS

Be Seen First

Optician

Austintown, OH · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

You will work closely with both patients and healthcare professionals to ensure the highest standards of optical care are met. The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge in ophthalmology ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Lead Technician

New Albany, OH · On-site

The Lead Technician - Fiber Optic Engineering is responsible for supporting the successful day-to-day execution of fiber optic deployment, splicing, testing, and maintenance activities across large ...

QuantumDiamonds GmbH

$96.72 - $130.86/hr

You will collaborate with engineering partners and vendors to continuously improve our current ... Design custom imaging optics from scratch where no catalog solution exists, for example high-NA ...

Kestrel Vision

Applications Engineer I

Solon, OH · On-site

As an Application Engineer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing, prototyping, testing, and validating electro-optical and electromechanical products and subsystems used in high-speed ...

Kestrel Vision

Applications Engineer I

Solon, OH · On-site

As an Application Engineer, you will be responsible for conceptualizing, prototyping, testing, and validating electro-optical and electromechanical products and subsystems used in high-speed ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Ohio

Optical Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$78.9K

$136.5K

$160.2K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Ohio is $136,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,600.00 and $158,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:

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For Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Ohio are:

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Cities in Ohio with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

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For Optical Engineer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $136,530 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Ravee Optics

Dayton, OH • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Overview
Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense applications. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative optical solutions spanning imaging systems, laser-based systems, precision optics, and emerging photonic technologies.
This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle from concept development and system architecture through prototype development, testing, and product transition while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to solve challenging optical system problems.
Primary responsibilities are to be performed in Dayton, OH. May consider hybrid position for qualified candidates.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems.
  • Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies.
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization using industry-standard tools.
  • Design and specify optical components and systems, including lens assemblies, beam expanders, fiber collimators, and illumination systems.
  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout product development.
  • Support technology roadmap development, customer engagements, technical proposals, and intellectual property generation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience designing and developing advanced optical or electro-optical systems.
  • Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, optical tolerancing, polarization, and imaging system performance.
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent.
  • Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization.
  • Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
  • Track record of excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary and hybrid teams.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • Free-Space Optical Communications (FSOC)
  • Laser systems and photonics
  • Space-based or airborne optical systems
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems
  • Precision optical instrumentation
  • Optical sensing and spectroscopy
  • Fiber-optic systems
  • Adaptive optics or beam control
  • Optical coatings and advanced optical materials
  • SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR optical systems
  • Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics
  • Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification
  • Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications
  • Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and equity participation
  • Opportunity to develop next-generation optical technologies with real-world impact
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
  • Technical leadership opportunities and significant system ownership
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development and career growth in a rapidly expanding deep-tech company
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge commercial, aerospace, and defense optical systems

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