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Optical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

eyecarecenter

Optical Technician / Optician

Cary, NC · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Employee Discounts 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 ...

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 ...

Network Building + Consulting

Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... fiber optic networks, and other project types as required. Responsibilities will focus on the ... Create engineering drawings using AutoCAD for telecommunications new site builds, modification ...

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 ...

eyecarecenter

Optical Technician / Optician

Cary, NC · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Employee Discounts 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Optical Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$80.7K

$139.6K

$163.8K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Raleigh, NC is $139,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,400.00 and $162,300.00 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, 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 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,593 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Optical Assistant - NCEENT of Cary

Duke University

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Re-posted 5 days ago

Duke University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

483rd of 612 rated colleges and universities

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke Health Integrated Practice
Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.
$5,000 Commitment Bonus for qualifying candidates!
JOB LOCATION
NCEENT of Cary - 1010 Tryon Village Drive
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an Optical Assistant to be an integral member of the healthcare team and provide direct and indirect care to patients.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Analyze and interpret prescriptions.
  • Advise patients of available frame styles, lens designs, materials and coatings.
  • Maintain and clean optical equipment as necessary.
  • Access and assist patients on insurance coverage, and promotions.
  • Enter customer billing/service records.
  • Partner with clinic staff to maintain a high level of patient satisfaction.
  • Attend and actively participate in staff meetings to maintain and improve technical skills and service levels for patients.
  • Ensure patient's visual and auditory privacy and maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Ensure HIPAA compliance standards are met.
  • Interact with staff and co-workers in a manner that promotes positive working relationships.
  • Meet all required competencies and maintain skill level.
  • Complete required Annual Review and Safety, Compliance, and Infection Control trainings.
  • Flexibility to travel to various optical locations as needed.
  • Other duties and tasks as assigned.

JOB ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • One-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Requires excellent communication skills and a keen understanding of patients with sensory impairment.
  • Must be able to express a caring attitude while performing tasks required with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Ability to communicate professionally, in both verbal and written communication.
  • Basic PC and data entry skills.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively under stressful situations.

JOB HOURS
The schedule for this position is day shifts, Monday-Friday, with no weekends or holidays.
Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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About Duke University

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Duke is regarded as one of America's leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Durham, NC, US

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