ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Canvas

Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

$90K - $124K/yr

Senior Optical Diagnostics Engineer Location: Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN (On-site) Canvas is seeking a highly skilled and innovative engineer to lead the development and implementation of advanced ...

Eye Care Center of TN

Be Seen First

Optical Assistant

Antioch, TN · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Antioch Eye Care Center is looking for a friendly, dependable, and motivated Optical Assistant to join our growing team! We are seeking someone with previous optical, optometry, ophthalmology ...

Canvas

Optics Programmer

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

Optics Programmer Location: Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN (On-site) We are seeking a highly skilled Software Developer with experience in scientific data acquisition and high-performance computing. The ...

Canvas

Optics Programmer

Tullahoma, TN · Hybrid

Optics Programmer Location: Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN (On-site) We are seeking a highly skilled Software Developer with experience in scientific data acquisition and high-performance computing. The ...

Wood Plc

Vision Applications Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Knowledge of machine vision programming, optical designs, design logic, camera logic and PLC logic preferred. This position is hand on engineering and requires aptitude in the following areas: ( On ...

Prysmian USA

Process Engineer

Jackson, TN · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

You'll work hands-on with advanced fiber-optic cable production processes, collaborate with experienced engineers and production teams, and help drive improvements that directly impact quality ...

Prysmian

Process Engineer

Jackson, TN

$45.67 - $60.10/hr

You'll work hands-on with advanced fiber-optic cable production processes, collaborate with experienced engineers and production teams, and help drive improvements that directly impact quality ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Optical Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$75.3K

$130.3K

$152.9K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Tennessee is $130,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,100.00 and $151,600.00 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in TN? For Optical Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of June 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 $130,344 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Applied Scientist, Optical (contract)

Zetta Technologies

Nashville, TN

$12K/mo

Contractor

Posted 20 hours ago

Job description

At Zetta Technologies, our mission is to create the world's most resilient and sustainable optical communications network. Come work alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that will define the next generation of fiber optics.

We are prioritizing candidates in the DC Area and Nashville, but candidates from other locations will be considered.

Responsibilities

  • Validate key technologies involved in next generation fiber optic connections, technical roadmap planning, and key technical solution design and selection;
  • Research and development of optical interconnection related network control, management, monitoring, and other automation requirements, to improve network operation and maintenance efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or above, major in fiber optics communication, optical networking, optoelectronics, communication/electronic engineering
  • Solid theoretical understanding of fiber optic communication systems including propagation modeling, optical amplifiers, optical and optoelectronic devices
  • Experience with optical networking design software or fiber optic communication system analysis software, such as VPIphotonics/Optiwave, etc
  • Familiar with IEEE802.3, Optical Transport Networking ITU-T recommendations , and OIF standards
  • Interested/have experience with hardware design, such as PCB hardware design experience, and have the ability to select and design optical and electronic chips and devices
  • Working knowledge of computer networking the TCP/IP protocol stack, and those with some knowledge of software programming ability are preferred.

Salary

  • $12,500 / month, minimum three-month contract
Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

Apply