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Optical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Elemental Brands

Engineering Intern

Reno, NV

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Every day, our engineers, innovators, creators, and problem-solvers work together to develop and ... Perform product tests, including mechanical, electrical, chemical and materials, and optical ...

CLICK BOND INC

Test Engineer

Carson City, NV

Use inspection devices (micrometer, caliper, optical comparator etc.) to determine product compliance with engineering drawings and associated aerospace specifications. * Program and edit the ...

Click Bond Inc.

Test Engineer

Carson City, NV · On-site

Use inspection devices (micrometer, caliper, optical comparator etc.) to determine product compliance with engineering drawings and associated aerospace specifications. * Program and edit the ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV

Optical Engineer information

See Reno, NV salary details

$82.8K

$143.2K

$168K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Reno, NV is $143,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,600.00 and $166,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV? For Optical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Reno, NV are:
What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Reno, NV with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Reno, NV as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,190 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Engineering Intern

Elemental Brands

Reno, NV

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Internship

Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Description

The Opportunity:

At Elemental Brands, our success starts with our people. Every day, our engineers, innovators, creators, and problem-solvers work together to develop and deliver innovative LED lighting solutions through Diode LED®, Lucetta®, Lucetta CI®, Gammalux®, and Elemental LED®. Together, we're driving innovation and helping define the future of the low-voltage linear lighting industry.

That same spirit of innovation and collaboration shapes everything we do. We encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and fresh ideas across every department, empowering employees to grow their careers, make meaningful contributions, and help shape the future of lighting.

Recognized by EDAWN as “Company of the Year – Large” and “Employees First – Large,” and by the University of Nevada, Reno as “Graduate Employer of the Year,” Elemental Brands is proud to be an award-winning workplace where people come first, innovation thrives, and careers flourish.

Job Description

Come work for a rapidly growing company as a Mechanical Engineering Intern where you will work side-by-side with Engineering Leadership, benefit from hands-on training, and experience a fun company culture that promotes a vibrant and collaborative work environment.  With this internship, you will learn how to apply a wide range of your new competencies into real business environments while acquiring analytical and data mining skills.  If you are ready to put your future career on a launch pad and excel in a dynamic role where your contributions matter, keep reading and apply today! 

Challenge Yourself - The Specifics:

  • Perform product tests, including mechanical, electrical, chemical and materials, and optical/photometric tests
  • Assist in manufacturing process design
  • Perform quality assurance and quality control tests on outgoing and returned products
  • Document results, prepare test reports and engineering memoranda
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
  • Enrollment as a Junior or Senior in a Bachelor’s Degree program in Mechanical Engineering at an accredited college/university or equivalent training and experience
  • Previous internship experience in a corporate setting is helpful but not necessary
  • Spot on communication skills that you will help you learn how to influence others with the story of what you are seeing in the data
  • Basic knowledge of engineering principles
  • Knowledge of optics, photometrics and LEDs are desirable, but not required
  • Deep proficiency with using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Ability to respond to and effectively prioritize multiple tasks
  • Ability to understand and interpret engineering policies and procedures

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

The Perks and Benefits: 

  • Company-matched 401(k) plan up to 5%, with no vesting schedule once eligibility requirements are met
  • Discounted Corporate Gym Membership at South Reno Athletic Club
  • Employee Discount
  • Monthly Birthday Lunch Celebrations
  • On-site Snacks and Beverages

About Us:

Visit us at www.elementalbrands.com or call 877-564-5051.