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Optical Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Eyemart Express

Licensed Optician NC

Raleigh, NC · On-site

One of the nation's TOP optical companies, Eyemart Express is seeking candidates with a current State License and an optical background for an optician position at one of our store locations. For ...

Corning

Senior Electrical Engineer, Power Systems

Durham, NC · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at ... Lead or support electrical engineering work across project phases including design review ...

Essilor

Licensed Optician

Raleigh, NC

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in optical care. At LensCrafters, we want every person who enters our doors to feel our passion for care.

EssilorLuxottica

Licensed Optician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in optical care. At LensCrafters, we want every person who enters our doors to feel our passion for care.

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Carrboro, NC · On-site

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

AEG Vision

Licensed Optician

Carrboro, NC · On-site

Optical dispensing experience * Minimum of one-year experience working as an Optician strongly preferred * Experience with HIPAA requirements preferred * Strong organizational skills and attention to ...

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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 3, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,593 per year, or $67.1 per hour.
Licensed Optician NC

Licensed Optician NC

Eyemart Express

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated optical retailers

Job description

Licensed Optician
Full and Part Time (Multiple Locations)
Are you looking for a career that will bring you "home?" A career with a company that has one of the absolute best store leadership teams on the planet?! Well, you just found it!
One of the nation's TOP optical companies, Eyemart Express is seeking candidates with a current State License and an optical background for an optician position at one of our store locations. For nearly 30 years, Eyemart Express has been setting the pace and the standard when it comes to delivering an awesome customer experience along with great prices and the fastest service anywhere! We have full-service labs in every one of our stores! And we're growing every year with new stores opening throughout the country. Your career growth potential is endless!
So, if you're looking to join a company that leads the industry in service, quality & speed, and that is rapidly expanding to well over 200 stores, then Eyemart is the place for you! If you have the drive, the talent, along with the leadership experience in bringing teams together and exceeding goals, then we want to talk to you. Take a look at some of the things the role consists of and send us your resume today!
Job Description:
The Licensed Optician will primarily assist patients in selecting the eyeglass frames, lenses and lens coatings that best suit their needs. The Licensed Optician will also be responsible for ensuring the lab technicians have accurate measurements and prescription information for grinding, coating and fitting lenses to the frames. Once the glasses are complete, the Licensed Optician is responsible for dispensing the glasses to the patient.
In this specialized role, we are looking for candidates who already have their licensure to be a certified optician.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide exceptional customer service
  • Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions as well as policies regarding payment, returns, exchanges
  • Compute and process payment transactions/refunds using in-house Point of Sale system
  • Perform other administrative tasks as assigned
  • Process insurance claims
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of products
  • Create and maintain patient files, following company and HIPAA policies regarding confidentiality.
  • Input customer information into computer system
  • Assess and interpret patient's needs/wants based upon prescription requirements, facial features, lifestyle, and occupation, and suggest most appropriate products (i.e. frames, lens type, coatings)
  • Take necessary measurements (i.e. measuring the patient's pupillary distance)
  • Prepare work order for lab ensuring all pertinent information is listed (i.e. patient information, prescription, lens size/type, measurements, special tinting or coating, etc.)
  • Pull correct lenses according to work order specifications
  • Inspect final product for accuracy; adjust completed glasses to fit patient using pliers, hands and heat if necessary to bend frames accordingly
  • Educate patient on how best to care for their glasses
  • Adjust/repair damaged frames, replace nose pads and missing screws
  • Price, stock and straighten merchandise

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working in the optical industry is required, as well as a current state License

Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to approximately 25 lbs
  • Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to correctly read and interpret prescription specifications and input into computer properly to ensure lenses are cut properly
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Ability to identify and solve problems, and facilitate problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management skills - ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently when there are multiple customers to assist
  • Ability to deal with stressful situations such as dissatisfied customers
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees

Working Environment:
  • Work is performed primarily in an indoor retail store setting
  • High level of interaction with general public
  • Work is independent and with patients
  • Environment is often fast-paced and deadline oriented
  • Work with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.) on a regular basis
  • Some exposure to dusts, fumes, glass and/or plastic lens particulates, standard chemicals found in optical lab (some of which may be allergenic), metal alloy (solid and melted), moderately high levels of noise, fluorescent lighting, cleaning agents and electrical energy in the lab.

VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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