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Optical Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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 21, 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 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.
Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Fervo Energy Company

Reno, NV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

As an Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you will be a technical leader in the design and optimization of instrumentation & controls systems for Fervo's innovative power plants. You will apply advanced engineering judgment and first-principles analysis to develop high-performance, cost-effective plant designs, while mentoring junior engineers and influencing cross-disciplinary decision-making. As Fervo transitions from first-of-a-kind projects to scaling deployment of its plants, you will play a key role in driving standardization and efficiency improvements across projects.
Requirements
Responsibilities
  • Design control system architectures for standardized 50 MW geothermal power blocks, including development of control philosophies, cause and effect matrices, control narratives, and I/O lists
  • Develop and maintain Ignition SCADA applications using Perspective, including server architectures, HMI screen development, tag configuration, alarming, historian integration, and report generation for geothermal facility operations
  • Program Allen-Bradley PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) in Rockwell Studio 5000 using standard code blocks developed by Fervo's controls architecture team; contribute to the maintenance and evolution of that shared library as experience grows
  • Produce a complete I&C drawing package including control system architecture drawings, panel designs, instrument loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, and low-voltage wiring schematics
  • Review Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and instrument datasheets; size and select instrumentation including control valves, flow meters, pressure transmitters, and safety valves
  • Design and specify control panels including enclosure layout, component selection, and low-voltage wiring; coordinate with panel fabricators through construction and factory acceptance testing
  • Configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks including Modbus TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and OPC-UA; support fiber optic infrastructure design and installation coordination between field devices, PLCs, and SCADA
  • Support greenfield construction and commissioning activities at Fervo sites, including site visits, SAT support, loop checks, and coordination with instrumentation and electrical contractors
  • Collaborate with process, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines to ensure I&C design is fully integrated across the standardized 50 MW Geoblock product; support HAZOP and PHA evaluations
  • Coordinate with IT/OT and cybersecurity teams to ensure control system designs meet network segmentation and secure remote access requirements
  • Troubleshoot process control, control network, and instrumentation problems in the field; support operations teams in identifying and resolving issues during startup and steady-state operation

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Chemical Engineering, or related degree from an ABET accredited program
  • 7 years of experience in Instrumentation & Control Engineering experience or related role
  • Strong working knowledge of industry standards and regulations.
  • Ability to lead and mentor junior staff.
  • Advanced oral and written communication skills, and a proven ability to write clear, thorough technical reports
  • Knowledge and application of National Electrical Code (NEC), International Society of Automation (ISA) and other applicable industry codes and standards as they apply to control system specification and design
  • Understanding of various process equipment such as vessels, tanks, heat exchangers & coolers, heaters, rotating equipment (pumps and compressors), packaged equipment, valves & specialty items
  • General understanding of all phases of project document production and the relationship between drawings and specifications.
  • Field experience preferred
  • Experience with process flow/P&ID development, control narratives, Cause & Effect charts, SIS design, instrumentation studies, valve and instrument sizing, and automation/control system architecture.
  • Ability to assist Process/Mechanical Engineers, support field evaluations and HAZOP/PHA reviews, and contribute to procurement (specifications, bid documents, instrument/PLC I/O lists).

Location
Fervo Energy has offices in Houston, TX, Golden, CO, Reno, NV, Oakland, CA, and Salt Lake City, UT. This position will be eligible for some hybrid work flexibility, but regular in-office presence at any of the above locations will be required.

Apply