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Optical Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Garmin

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Cary, NC · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable * Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, Optical and Illumination engineers throughout development * Define boundary ...

New

Keysight Technologies

Solutions Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Overview Keysight is looking for a Solutions Engineer to join our team focused on high-speed digital and optical technologies. In this role, you will work closely with Keysight's Field Sales team to ...

eyecarecenter

Optical Technician / Optician

Cary, NC

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

eyecarecenter

Optical Technician / Optician

Cary, NC · On-site

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

Amphenol TCS

Development Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Development Engineer Location: Raleigh, NC Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of ...

Network Building + Consulting

Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

Civil Engineer The Civil Engineer is a hybrid position that will support the project teams with ... fiber optic networks, and other project types as required. Responsibilities will focus on the ...

Amphenol TCS

Development Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Development Engineer Location: Raleigh, NC Amphenol Communications Solutions (ACS), a division of ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Optical Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$80.2K

$138.8K

$162.8K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Durham, NC is $138,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,700.00 and $161,400.00 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 advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,772 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics

Garmin International, Inc.

Cary, NC • On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Garmin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Overview
We are seeking a full-time experienced Sr Mechanical Engineer - Illumination Optics on our Explorations Team at our Headquarters location in the Kansas City area, or at our site in Cary, NC. While other engineering product development teams at Garmin primarily focus on designing products, our team focuses on the product enabling technologies that will be essential to those products and will expedite their development. In this role, you will explore various lighting applications involving signal, conspicuity, and forward illumination systems across many of Garmin's business segments.
Essential Functions
  • Design and develop custom non-imaging optical systems for various consumer electronics applications
  • Conduct optical simulation and analysis for concept development and design change verification
  • Transform optical surfaces into mechanical component models that are manufacturable
  • Collaborate with ID, ME, EE, Optical and Illumination engineers throughout development
  • Define boundary constraints for the optics due to ID goals, electromechanical integration, thermal limitations, power budgets, and design for manufacturing
  • Develop optical and photometric requirements to meet product goals
  • Own development of optical design standards and specifications to support evaluation of optical system performance
  • Quickly ideate to conceptualize creative illumination solutions to a maturity necessary to conduct tradeoff analyses and inform risk vs reward
  • Perform benchmark testing and competitive analysis
  • Explore innovative mechanical concepts and complete complex mechanical designs
  • Technology investigations, design, testing/validation, prototyping and supporting technology transfer to product development teams
  • Ability to complete the most difficult tasks as a Master CAD-user including the completion of complex mechanical designs (Solidworks/Onshape preferred )
  • Good knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis
  • Good knowledge of injection molding, die casting, sheet metal stamping, machining, etc
  • Negotiate processes, materials, and design feasibility with factory and vendors
  • Manage basic tradeoffs, determine risk mitigation plans, determine project goal/objective feasibility, provide technical input to product development plans/concept documents, and drive process vendors to evaluate complex mechanical designs and understand risk
  • Lead explorations of new technologies and make estimates on moderately complex mechanical designs including: tooling, part cost, and design time
  • Mentor level 1 and 2 engineers
  • Overseas travel as required

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering AND a minimum of 5 years relevant experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Master CAD-user (Solidworks/Onshape preferred) - able to complete the most difficult tasks
  • Demonstrated knowledge and capability to use CAD software for completing complex mechanical designs
  • Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Desired Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in Engineering, Optics, or Physics
  • 5+ years in illumination systems development of automotive exterior or interior lighting or related application
  • Proficient in the use of optical software (LucidShape preferred, LightTools, Zemax, Speos)
  • Experience designing custom reflector and solid optics using optics software and manual raytracing methods in Mechanical CAD
  • Understanding of test methodologies for optical systems
  • Understanding of thermal management of LEDs and associated drivers
  • Experience with dynamic, digital, and software-controlled lighting systems
  • Understanding of CAE/Simulation methods
  • Experience conducting CFD or FEA simulation for early thermal verification of lighting systems
  • Electronic packaging design experience

Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits

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