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Optical Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and ... This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events * Create and ...

New

We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice ... Why You'll Love This Role As a Process Engineer, you'll be at the center of a fast-paced, high-tech ...

The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and ... This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events. * Create ...

New

Licensed Optical Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$24.50 - $34.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Licensed Optical Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$37 - $48.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Optical Center Manager

Memphis, TN · On-site

$24.50 - $34.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Optical Center Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

$37 - $48.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Manager - Optical Center

Nashville, TN · On-site

$37 - $48.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Manager - Optical Center

Memphis, TN · On-site

$24.50 - $34.50/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Target Optical Location: Franklin, TN, US, 37067 Store #: 006723 Target Optical Position: Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we ...

The Engineer will provide remote and on-site support services across North America, focusing on ... optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode, Multimode, SR vs LR Optics). • Ability to ...

We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice ... Why You'll Love This Role As a Process Engineer, you'll be at the center of a fastpaced, hightech ...

Licensed Optician

Jackson, TN · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

PDS Optical is a SDVOSB Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business that manufactures a very large number of eyeglasses each day. We have Optical Laboratories in Louisville, KY and Fort Lauderdale ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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?

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 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:
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.

Engineering Tech I (Fiber Design)

EPB

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$27/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

TEMPORARY POSITION, $27/hour, 40 hours per week
Job Summary
The Engineering Technician I is responsible for designing EPB Fiber Optic's overhead and underground facilities using the latest fiber management systems. This includes installing, removing, modifying, and/or updating fiber facilities to maintain the most accurate records. The Engineering Technician I will work directly with EPB customers, internal departments, and external partners to provide and maintain fiber optic services.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform detailed engineering tasks, including analyzing, evaluating, designing, planning, and estimating labor and material for EPB fiber optic network and systems
  • Develop familiarity by reading, understanding, and applying departmental design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes, company policies, and procedures
  • Utilize various systems to process and report work activities, inventory outside plant facilities, document projects, and perform cost estimates and analysis
  • Help direct emergency restoration activities required for our outside plant infrastructure. This includes fiber optic damages, natural disasters, power failures, and other events
  • Create and maintain fiber splice, network, and fiber mapping system records
  • Submit appropriate reports in a timely manner as requested

Education and Experience
  • Associate's Degree in CAD, Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with CAD training, or equivalent experience
  • 1-3 years of fiber optics work experience with demonstrated competence
  • Excellent oral and written communication, decision-making, mechanical aptitude, and customer service skills
  • Knowledge of the basic office tools provided on each PC (Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint). In addition, the candidate should have the knowledge or the ability to quickly learn other EPB applications such as Outlook, enQuesta, Power Plan, CRM, Microstation, GTech, Salesforce, Resco, AutoCAD, and any Web application pertinent to data management
  • Outside plant construction knowledge with the ability to read/red-line construction drawings to facilitate new builds, relocations, emergency repairs, updates, and other functions

Certifications and Other Requirements
  • Possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in state of residence and demonstrate safe and responsible operation of motor vehicles
  • Communication is vital to establish and maintain good working relationships within the department and other departments throughout EPB. This position is required to work with various groups around the company, such as Field Technicians, Sales, Billing, Network Operations, Field Services, MDUs, Electrical Designers, Key Customer groups, and more. The emphasis is working together as a team to meet the customer's needs in the most timely and cost-effective manner through efficient time management
  • Ability to perform a broad spectrum of complex assignments requiring alternative analysis, innovation, and judgment. Assumes responsibility for contributing to the department's success and making necessary decisions
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documentation related to data management. Must be able to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, field personnel, customers, and the general public clearly and concisely. Must be able to write reports, workflow procedures, and business correspondence
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical outside plant maps, fiber outside plant maps, and design drawings. The individual must also quickly obtain a basic working knowledge of an electric and fiber distribution system and understand EPB engineering construction standards
  • Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, probability, and statistics. Must have the ability to apply concepts
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Must interpret multiple instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

Physical Demands - Additional Information
  • The work environment typically represents a standard office setting
  • During system emergencies, the individual may be asked to work extended periods without sleep or rest

EPB logo

About EPB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Utilities

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chattanooga, TN, US

Year founded

1935