1

Optical Engineer Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

OVD Process Engineer

Norcross, GA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and ... Process engineer to launch and support new OVD production line to ensure safe and efficient ...

Be Seen First

Senior Field Service Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are highly recognized as a quality developer and supplier of state-of-the-art laser-based systems for precision optics alignment, assembly, and inspection. The successful candidate will work with ...

Be Seen First

Optical Technician

Fayetteville, GA ยท On-site

$12 - $17/hr

An Optometric Technician is able to handle a wide range of duties while using optical equipment to perform the initial testing needed to prepare a patient for an exam with the optometrist. Essential ...

Sr. Software Engineer (Firmware)

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

You will collaborate closely with optical, hardware, and test engineers to deliver high-quality, production-grade firmware for next-generation optical networking systems. Key Responsibilities

Welding Engineer

Embry Hills, GA ยท On-site

$35.25 - $48.50/hr

Experience with Testing, Scanning and Optical Microscopes is a plus Data base experience is a plus ... Education Requirement: Bachelors Degree required. Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering ...

Sr. Software Engineer (Firmware)

Atlanta, GA ยท Hybrid

$114K - $151K/yr

You will collaborate closely with optical, hardware, and test engineers to deliver high-quality, production-grade firmware for next-generation optical networking systems. Key Responsibilities

Be Seen First

Optical Technician

Fayetteville, GA ยท On-site

$12 - $17/hr

An Optometric Technician is able to handle a wide range of duties while using optical equipment to perform the initial testing needed to prepare a patient for an exam with the optometrist. Essential ...

You will collaborate closely with optical, hardware, and test engineers to deliver high-quality, production-grade firmware for next-generation optical networking systems. Key Responsibilities

You will collaborate closely with optical, hardware, and test engineers to deliver high-quality, production-grade firmware for next-generation optical networking systems. Key Responsibilities

Optical Technician / Optician

Snellville, GA ยท On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

Design, develop and test new software/firmware features on optical transport coherent pluggable ... Collaborate with engineers and architects (software and systems) at different sites and cultures to ...

Design, develop and test new software/firmware features on optical transport coherent pluggable ... Collaborate with engineers and architects (software and systems) at different sites and cultures to ...

Design, develop and test new software/firmware features on optical transport coherent pluggable ... Collaborate with engineers and architects (software and systems) at different sites and cultures to ...

Process Controls Engineer -VAD

Norcross, GA

$78K - $101K/yr

Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and ... Process Controls Engineer - VAD Norcross, GA Position Summary: We are seeking a highly motivated ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineer information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$79.8K

$138.1K

$162K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Atlanta, GA is $138,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,100.00 and $160,600.00 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 Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA?

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

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,104 per year, or $66.4 per hour.

OVD Process Engineer

LIGHTERA

Norcross, GA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.
Our mission is simple and bold: to build brighter, more connected communities through cuttingรขโ‚ฌ'edge optical technologies.
OVD Process Engineer-Glass Making
Norcross, GA
JOB PURPOSE:
Process engineer to launch and support new OVD production line to ensure safe and efficient operations. Provide engineering support to meet the start-up and ramp-up schedules for production. Use process expertise to achieve daily output and quality requirements and drive continuous improvement.
MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • Manufacturing or industrial experience of least 5 years
  • Experience with chemical vapor deposition processes
  • Experience working with glass, flames, high temperature furnaces, heat transfer modeling or anything similar would be valuable

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications)
  • BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Materials Science engineering disciplines
  • Database experience in SQL or equivalent
  • Some programming knowledge is desirable (e.g. C+, Python)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Work with a growing team to implement a new process and become the expert in optical fiber overcladding technology
  • Support the engineering needs of the construction and installation teams during early phases
  • Spec and source key parts working with equipment suppliers
  • Work with operations team to ensure all process and product flow details are prepared on time
  • Test equipment during commissioning phase to prove equipment meets process requirements
  • After production begins, responsible to monitor daily and control/improve glass making processes using sound scientific principles and analysis
    • Includes: all OVD deposition + sintering furnace
  • Plan and implement projects to maintain and improve processes to meet KPI and impact requirements.
    • Includes: quality, output, and yield
  • Perform regular data analysis for process and product improvements with effective hands-on problem-solving ability
  • Excel as team player and occasional leader
  • Work with operations, maintenance & engineering teams to implement continuous improvement
  • Support troubleshooting existing equipment problems and processes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
  • Highly adaptable to a broad set of technical areas (mechanical, materials, and chemical systems) in industrial applications
  • Hands-on manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of applied statistical practices & data analysis
  • Strong communication skills with proven ability to work with a diverse team of technical and non-technical staff
  • Take on a leading role for short and medium term projects and see through to completion with minimal supervision
  • Excellent documentation (SOP's, maintenance instructions), communication, and presentation skills
  • This position entails sitting, standing, lifting up to 25Lbs in a manufacturing plant environment
  • Must be able to travel atleast 5 weeks during the next year.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation, and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement, and a matching 401(k) plan.
Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.
Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position.
Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.
About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.
Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.
Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.