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Optical Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Keller, TX · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Role Purpose We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support product development ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Keller, TX

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Role Purpose We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support product development ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Keller, TX · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ... Role Purpose We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support product development ...

Optician

Plano, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Engineered Optical opened in 2017 and has been steadily growing. We are a very customer service oriented practice and are looking for the right person to join our team for the long-term. The ability ...

AI Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Opportunity We're expanding our engineering team to meet the growing demands of our B2B partners and B2C users. AI is central to Boom's vision on two fronts. Externally, we're building the agentic ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Texas is $133,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 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 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 Texas?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in TX?

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

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,796 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Corning

Keller, TX • On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Requisition Number: 76335
The company built on breakthroughs.
Join us.

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible.
How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations - not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward.
At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.
Come break through with us.
Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to support product development with product qualification, reliability, and environmental testing of fiber optic and micro-optic components and assemblies. This role focuses on developing and executing test plans, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring micro-optical products meet performance and reliability requirements prior to production and deployment. The ideal candidate is hands-on and looking to grow technical depth in optical qualification and reliability engineering.
Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, develop, and execute product verification and qualification plans for fiber optic and micro-optic components and assemblies
  • Set up and operate environmental and mechanical tests (thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, and mechanical shock); build and maintain optical test setups to characterize performance throughout testing
  • Collect, analyze, and document test data to identify performance changes, degradation, or failure modes; produce clear qualification and validation reports
  • Support failure analysis and corrective action with design and manufacturing teams; coordinate outsourced qualification testing at external labs as needed
  • Maintain compliance with relevant industry standards (Telcordia, IEC, JEDEC, ISO) and support New Product Introduction (NPI) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) projects through proper stage gating and change management

Experiences/Education - Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • 3+ years of experience in an engineering role
  • Hands-on experience with measurement and characterization equipment

Experiences/Education - Desired
  • Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience in optics, micro-optics, opto-mechanical systems, or optical qualification/reliability testing
  • Hands-on experience with environmental/reliability test equipment (thermal chambers, humidity chambers, vibration/shock testing)
  • Experience with optical measurement tools - Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), polarity, and interferometers
  • Experience with test automation or scripting (Python, LabVIEW)
  • Knowledge of accelerated life testing concepts

Key Competencies
  • Applies structured analytical thinking to identify failure modes and root causes from test data
  • Maintains high accuracy and repeatability in test setup, execution, and documentation
  • Follows established test procedures while identifying and contributing to process improvement opportunities
  • Works effectively in a hands-on lab environment and engages across design and manufacturing teams to drive shared outcomes

Travel/Location of Work
  • Travel up to 30% domestic and international.
  • Onsite Corning, Keller, TX facility.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.
The range for this position is $81,677.00 - $112,306.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
A job that shapes a life.
Corning offers you the total package.
Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.
  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions.

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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