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Optical Engineer Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

... Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive ...

New

L3Harris Technologies

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

... Engineer to join our team onsite,providing criticalsupport for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems;specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive ...

Allstar Technologies

System Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

You will help design and install copper and fiber optic network cabling, telephone systems ... Provide sales engineering support to Allstar's sales team * Acquire and maintain training ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Allstar Technologies

System Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

You will help design and install copper and fiber optic network cabling, telephone systems ... Provide sales engineering support to Allstar's sales team * Acquire and maintain training ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

New Haven, IN · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Optical Sales Associate POSITION SUMMARY: An optician is an eye care professional that counsels patients through the eyewear selection process, educating patients on doctor recommendations that will ...

Bridgeview Eye Partners

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Allstar Technologies

System Engineer

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

You will help design and install copper and fiber optic network cabling, telephone systems ... Provide sales engineering support to Allstar's sales team * Acquire and maintain training ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

Optical Engineer information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$76.5K

$132.4K

$155.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Fort Wayne, IN is $132,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,900.00 and $153,900.00 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Fort Wayne, IN? For Optical Engineer jobs in Fort Wayne, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Fort Wayne, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:
What cities near Fort Wayne, IN are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Fort Wayne, IN with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,355 per year, or $63.6 per hour.

Lead, Optical Engineering

L3HHCM20

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Code:  40948

Job Location:  Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

 

Job Description:

The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform optical design and analysis on advanced telescopes, calibrators, and unique optical test sets.
  • Develop optical budgets and sensitivities including wavefront error, MTF, line of sight, and throughput.
  • Perform analyses to show compliance with optical requirements and specifications for imaging systems, assemblies, component drawings, coatings, manufacturability, etc.
  • Provide optical modeling, analysis, image simulations, and metrology support during system alignment, integration and testing.
  • Support the development of optical technologies and architectural concepts to support the company's current and new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
  • Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
  • Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
  • Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
  • Must be able to obtain a US DoD Secret security clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis purposes.
  • Experience with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
  • Familiarity with evaluating and selecting vendors to supply critical components for advanced systems.
  • Familiarity interfacing generative AI with traditional optical modeling tools
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

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