ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Wood Plc

Vision Applications Engineer

Nashville, TN

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

Process Engineer

Jackson, TN · On-site

$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 ...

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN

At Stanton Optical, our Licensed Opticians are charged with creating a superior customer experience by teaching patients and facilitating the dispense process. Our Licensed Opticians have a genuine ...

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

At Stanton Optical, our Licensed Opticians are charged with creating a superior customer experience by teaching patients and facilitating the dispense process. Our Licensed Opticians have a genuine ...

Now Optics

Licensed Optician

Knoxville, TN · On-site

At Stanton Optical, our Licensed Opticians are charged with creating a superior customer experience by teaching patients and facilitating the dispense process. Our Licensed Opticians have a genuine ...

TekSky

Senior Electrical Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Uster Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of complex electro-mechanical ... Develop interface electronics for motion control, sensors, optical systems, and communications

QualX Corporation

Project Engineer

Memphis, TN · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Job Title Project Engineer Location Memphis, TN 38118 US (Primary) Category Information Technology ... Select and validate optics/transceivers appropriate for various data center interconnects.

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 10, 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?

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,344 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Target Optical - Licensed Manager 1 #P738 Sevierville TN

Essilor

Sevierville, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

EssilorLuxottica rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 295 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Requisition ID: 937583 
Store #: 00P738 Target Optical 
Position:Full-Time
Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information

At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we care for them. By listening and building relationships with one another, we help our guests get quality eye care products and services at a great value. We help people see more clearly and confidently for less by offering a great selection of trusted brands. Through the relationships we build, we're proud and excited to help people look their best by carrying fashionable frames at a great value.

Together, we're on a mission to change the way people think about vision care. We keep things real, keep focused on people and keep to our mission to bring a WOW! experience to your life, our guests' lives and communities. See your future with Target Optical.

Target Optical  is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and cutting-edge digital solutions. Join our global community of over 200,000 dedicated employees around the world in driving the transformation of the eyewear and eyecare industry. Discover more by following us on LinkedIn!
 

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL FUNCTION

At Target Optical we live to make our Guests Happy by making it simple and fun, to see great and look great.  The Licensed Target Store Manager delivers this mission by leading a Team of high performing Team Members to deliver an incredible experience to each and every guest and in doing so meets all goals and commitments set by the brand.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures Team Members deliver an outstanding guest experience with every guest, every time by consistently modeling and coaching the playground rules:
  • Helps Team Members understand that delivering both the Playground Rules and being Guest Ready are the two most important success factors in delighting guests.
  • Orchestrates the flow on the floor, and is the caretaker to every guest and team member.
  • Works with Team Members to develop clear action plans for immediate and future development.
  • Ensures every Team Member is accountable to their action plans and commitments.
  • Delivers clear motivating and developmental feedback in a timely manner.
  • Completes annual performance reviews along with monthly coaching conversations with all Team Members.
  • Clearly understands the driving factors for success within their own business.
  • Identifies areas of opportunity and creates an action plan for improvement.
  • Understands that the Guest experience drives the results.
  • Develops a professional business relationship with the Target Optical doctor, in applicable states, that ensures the delivery of all components of the convenient, collaborative, and consultative eye exam experience. Meets regularly to discuss current performance and collaborate on strategies to build the doctor and retail business.
  • Ensures a positive and productive Target Host relationship that contributes to growing the business. Meets regularly to discuss performance and collaborate on strategies to build the retail business.
  • Recruits the highest caliber talent / maintains a bench of potential applicants
  • Understands how the best performing Team Members work during peak traffic.
  • Creates schedules taking into account business trends, forecast and host traffic.
  • Owns the business and adjusts schedules as necessary to meet business need.
  • Completes payroll weekly.
  • Completes new hire and personnel change paperwork.
  • Is accountable to store's shrink percentage.
  • Conducts Physical Inventory twice per year.
  • Completes monthly Store Visit Form for review with RTL and optical team.
  • Ensures all operating policies and procedures are followed at the highest level to include merchandising and store presentation, timely and accurate implementation of approved marketing programs and promotions.
  • Ensures accurate completion of all sales transactions, and utilization of all sales strategies and resources.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • Opticianary License or American Board of Opticials Certification as required by state law
  • 3+ years experience in customer service or retail
  • Critical thinking
  • Recruiting, selection and development of talent
  • Selling skills
  • Motivating and influencing others

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3+ years management or supervisory experience

This posting is for an existing vacancy within our business. Employee pay is determined by multiple factors, including geography, experience, qualifications, skills and local minimum wage requirements. In addition, you may also be offered a competitive bonus and/or commission plan, which complements a first-class total rewards package. Benefits may include health care, retirement savings, paid time off/vacation, and various employee discounts.

EssilorLuxottica complies with all applicable laws related to the application and hiring process. If you would like to provide feedback regarding an active job posting, or if you are an individual with a disability who would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please call the EssilorLuxottica SpeakUp Hotline at 844-303-0229 (be sure to provide your name, job id number, and contact information so that we may follow up in a timely manner) or email HRCompliance@luxotticaretail.com.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, social origin, social condition, being perceived as a victim of domestic violence, sexual aggression or stalking, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, ancestry, veteran or military status, marital status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected pregnancy or maternity leave), genetic information or any other characteristics protected by law. Native Americans in the US receive preference in accordance with Tribal Law.

What EssilorLuxottica employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply