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Optical Engineer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Master's degree or PhD in Materials Science, Optics, Chemistry or Physics or related field with no ... Programing/scripting experience is a plus. * Experience with statistics and statistical tools (JMP ...

Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 ...

Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 ...

Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 ...

Our comprehensive services include: proactive management of tools to identify and improve performance; expertise in optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 ...

Optician

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

Coachable attitude-ready to learn and grow in the optical field * Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing patient needs and office demands * Professional phone etiquette and a warm ...

Outstanding skills in optical systems, opt-mechanics, electrical engineering or mechanical ... engineering * Strong data analysis and problemsolving skills * Ability to work effectively in a ...

Product Development Engineer

Hillsboro, OR ยท On-site

$80K - $137K/yr

Outstanding skills in optical systems, opt-mechanics, electrical engineering or mechanical ... engineering * Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills * Ability to work effectively in a ...

PhD degree or equivalent background in Physics, Optics, Materials Science, or Chemistry. * 2+ years ... Programming/scripting experience is a plus. * Experience with statistics and statistical tools (JMP ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineer information

See Oregon salary details

$87.8K

$151.8K

$178.2K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Oregon is $151,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,400.00 and $176,600.00 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, 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 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 most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in OR? For Optical Engineer jobs in OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,838 per year, or $73 per hour.
System Engineer

System Engineer

KLA Corporation

Hillsboro, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world's leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow's electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.
Group/Division
With over 40 years of semiconductor process control experience, chipmakers around the globe rely on KLA to ensure that their fabs ramp next-generation devices to volume production quickly and cost-effectively. Enabling the movement towards advanced chip design, KLA's Global Products Group (GPG), which is responsible for creating all of KLA's metrology and inspection products, is looking for the best and the brightest research scientist, software engineers, application development engineers, and senior product technology process engineers. The Optical Metrology Division products are used for optical overlay metrology. The portfolio of products includes unique solution packages which are based on hardware and software systems to enhance yield and effectiveness. As a world leader in its field of expertise, the division's products are the most advanced in performance (measurement accuracy of nanometers and below), reliability, ease of use and compatibility with other KLA's products. KLA (Israel) controls over 80% of the world market sales in its field, and its products are used by every major semiconductor manufacturer around the world. KLA Israel is located in the Migdal Haemek Industrial Park.
Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
Senior Systems Engineer
We are looking for an experienced Systems Engineer to join our team! Our Systems Engineers are the driving force behind the development process-combining deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and a clear understanding of customer needs to deliver complex, high-performance solutions.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Lead the technical development of a complex metrology system within a cross-disciplinary engineering team
  • Own and manage system error budgets to meet required specifications; define technical roadmaps for future advancements
  • Decompose large systems into well-defined subsystems, modules, and components for efficient implementation
  • Perform detailed root cause analysis on development issues and field escalations
  • Drive system-level validation and verification activities, including testing and performance qualification
  • Partner with program managers to develop and maintain project schedules
  • Collaborate closely with service, manufacturing, engineering, and marketing teams to optimize system performance and resolve issues

Key Responsibilities
  • Ensure system designs meet all functional and performance requirements
  • Develop deep technical expertise across hardware, software, and algorithms, aligned with customer use cases
  • Troubleshoot and maintain engineering prototype systems at headquarters
  • Review and approve system requirements and design documentation
  • Contribute to product strategy by partnering with marketing to translate market needs into system requirements
  • Collect and analyze large datasets (internal and customer-generated) to gain insights into system behavior
  • Support field escalations by providing structured action plans and hands-on assistance, including on-site support when needed
  • Design and execute multi-disciplinary experiments; author and review detailed test plans and reports

What's in It for You
  • Play a key role in designing highly sophisticated, state-of-the-art systems
  • Work alongside experts across software, algorithms, physics, motion, mechanics, electronics, and optics
  • Lead innovation in a truly multidisciplinary environment
  • Access to continuous professional development opportunities
  • Diverse and flexible career growth paths

What You Should Have
  • Strong curiosity and a passion for continuous learning
  • BSc or MSc in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of multidisciplinary R&D experience
  • PhD in a relevant field is a strong advantage
  • Solid experience in data analysis and signal/image processing (Python or MATLAB preferred)
  • Strong system-level thinking and ability to understand complex architectures
  • Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to work across disciplines and independently
  • Demonstrated leadership capabilities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including presentation skills
  • Endless curiosity and a strong drive to continuously learn and explore new technologies
  • Strong system-level thinking and ability to understand and analyze complex systems
  • Solid experience in data analysis and signal/image processing using Python or MATLAB
  • Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines and independently
  • Proven leadership capabilities and ability to influence cross-functional teams
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including technical presentation

Additional Information
  • Travel: Up to 20%

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with 5+ years of multidisciplinary systems R&D experience, PhD in a relevant field is a strong advantage.
Base Pay Range: $115,900.00 - $197,000.00 Annually
Primary Location: USA-OR-Hillsboro-Beaverton-KLA
KLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA's Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.