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Optical Engineer Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Moxtek

Strategic Account Specialist

Orem, UT · On-site

$16.50 - $22.50/hr

This role is ideal for Optics Engineers or Chemical Engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of technology, customer applications, and commercial strategy, or sales professionals with a strong ...

Moxtek

Strategic Account Specialist

Orem, UT · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This role is ideal for Optics Engineers or Chemical Engineers who enjoy working at the intersection of technology, customer applications, and commercial strategy, or sales professionals with a strong ...

1-800 Contacts

Optical Office Manager

Draper, UT · On-site

Why you want this job South Valley Optical (SVO) is our onsite optical office, serving employees and their families with personalized, high-quality eye care in a collaborative environment. We're ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Utah salary details

$75.6K

$130.7K

$153.4K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Utah is $130,739.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $152,000.00 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 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 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.

More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Utah? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Utah? For Optical Engineer jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Utah look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Utah are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in UT? For Optical Engineer jobs in UT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Utah as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $130,739 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer - Augmented Reality (AR)

Coda Octopus Colmek

Murray, UT • On-site

$121.10K - $156.80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Full Listing
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Team: Hardware / Optics / AR
Experience Level: Mid-Senior
Role Overview
Coda Octopus Engineering Inc., a division of Coda Octopus Group, is a certified small business in search of an Optical Engineer (OE) to design, prototype, and optimize optical systems for next-generation Augmented Reality (AR) devices. In this role, the OE will develop and evaluate optical architectures that deliver high-quality visual experiences within compact wearable systems. This role will collaborate closely with hardware, display, mechanical, and perception teams to translate advanced optical concepts into manufacturable AR products.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop AR optical systems, including waveguides, combiners, freeform optics, projection optics, and illumination paths.
  • Perform optical simulations using tools such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools.
  • Optimize image quality metrics including MTF, distortion, eyebox, field of view, brightness, and efficiency.
  • Work with microdisplays (LCOS, OLED, MicroLED) and evaluate their integration into AR optical architectures.
  • Build and test optical prototypes to validate performance and identify design improvements.
  • Define optical tolerances and collaborate with mechanical engineering on packaging constraints.
  • Develop optical test setups and measurement procedures.
  • Work with manufacturing partners to transition optical designs into production.
  • Troubleshoot system-level optical issues in integrated AR hardware.
Required Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Optics, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience designing imaging or display optics.
  • Strong experience with optical design and simulation software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of geometrical optics, physical optics, polarization, and stray light analysis.
  • Experience with optical lab equipment (interferometers, spectrometers, beam profilers, etc.).
  • Ability to prototype and test optical systems.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AR/VR optical architectures (waveguides, holographic optics, pancake lenses, birdbath optics, freeform optics).
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, metasurfaces, or holographic optical elements.
  • Experience working with near-eye displays (NED).
  • Knowledge of human vision and display perception.
  • Experience transitioning optics from prototype to manufacturing.
What Success Looks Like
  • Deliver optical designs that balance performance, size, efficiency, and manufacturability.
  • Enable immersive AR visual quality with wide field of view, large eyebox, and minimal artifacts.
  • Collaborate across teams to ship integrated AR hardware systems.
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Paid time off

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