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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Georgia is $43.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.95 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical engineering?

Optical engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the design, development, and application of optical systems and devices, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. Optical engineers use knowledge of physics and materials science to manipulate light and create products that rely on light and vision technologies. This field is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, consumer electronics, and aerospace. Optical engineers often work on improving performance, efficiency, and functionality of optical components and systems.

What are some common challenges optical engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop complex products such as cameras, sensors, or fiber optic systems. A common challenge is effectively communicating highly technical optical concepts to colleagues from other disciplines who may not share the same background. This requires strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills to ensure design requirements are understood and integrated smoothly. Additionally, balancing optical performance with cost, manufacturability, and system constraints can be demanding but also provides valuable experience for career growth.

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 deep understanding of 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 essential, and certifications like Certified Optical Engineer can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and translate technical concepts. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, testing, and improving optical systems that meet precise technical and commercial requirements.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineeringOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related area
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing companiesManufacturing floors, assembly lines, testing labs
Job FocusDesigning optical systems, developing new technologiesAssembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defense

Optical engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and specialized skills. Optical technicians support these efforts by assembling and testing optical components, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and related software tools. Employment opportunities are expected to increase as industries continue to adopt advanced optical technologies.

What can you do with an optical engineering degree?

An optical engineering degree prepares individuals for roles designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. Graduates often work in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics, utilizing skills in optics, physics, and computer-aided design. Certification and hands-on experience with optical simulation tools can enhance job prospects.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in Georgia?

For Optical Engineering jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Georgia look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Georgia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,192 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Principal Hardware Engineer

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Adtran Networks North America Inc.
See more jobs at Adtran Networks North America Inc.external

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Welcome! Our Growth is Creating Great Opportunities! Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! Thanks for your interest in working on our team!


Position Summary

ADTRAN is seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to provide technical leadership in the development of next-generation Optical Transport and Coherent Pluggable solutions for metro, core, long-haul, and data center interconnect applications. This role is responsible for the architecture, design, validation, and production support of advanced optical networking products, including coherent transceivers, DWDM systems, and optical transport platforms. The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert and collaborate across optical, electrical, firmware, FPGA, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to deliver innovative, high-performance networking solutions.


Key Responsibilities

  • Technical Leadership
    Lead the hardware architecture and design of coherent pluggable transceivers and optical transport subsystems.
    Drive technical decisions related to high-speed digital, RF, mixed-signal, and optical hardware design.
    Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers across multiple product development teams.
    Serve as the primary technical resource for complex engineering challenges and design reviews.
    Evaluate emerging technologies, components, and architectures to support future product roadmaps.

  • Hardware Design & Development
    Develop system architectures, block diagrams, schematics, and detailed hardware specifications.
    Design and validate high-speed circuit boards supporting coherent optical communication systems.
    Lead signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility analyses.
    Collaborate with PCB layout engineers to optimize designs for performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost.
    Oversee hardware integration, verification, qualification, and release activities throughout the product lifecycle.
    Support new product introductions and production transfers to manufacturing partners.

  • Optical Transport Systems
    Define and evaluate optical subsystem requirements including: coherent pluggable modules, DWDM transport systems, optical amplifiers, ROADM technologies, wavelength-selective switches, laser and photodetector-based subsystems.
    Perform system-level analysis, performance modeling, and design trade studies.
    Work with suppliers to evaluate and qualify optical components and technologies.

  • Test & Validation
    Develop test strategies, qualification plans, and validation methodologies.
    Utilize laboratory equipment including: network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, BER testers, oscilloscopes, optical measurement equipment.
    Analyze performance data and lead root-cause investigations.
    Drive corrective actions and continuous product improvements.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    Partner with Systems, Software, FPGA, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Product Management teams.
    Participate in customer, supplier, and executive technical reviews.
    Support field deployments and resolution of complex customer issues when required.
    Ensure projects meet performance, schedule, reliability, and cost objectives.


Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline required. Master's degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and directly related industry experience will be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.


Experience

10+ years of hardware engineering experience in telecommunications, networking, or optical communications. Significant experience designing high-speed electronic hardware and optical networking systems. Proven experience developing coherent optical transceivers, optical transport platforms, or DWDM networking products. Demonstrated success leading complex product developments from concept through production release.


Technical Skills

Expertise in coherent optical communications and pluggable transceiver technologies. Strong knowledge of DWDM transport systems and optical networking architectures. Experience with high-speed board design, signal integrity, and RF design techniques. Proficiency with schematic capture and simulation tools such as Xpedition, HFSS, ADS, HyperLynx, or equivalent. Strong understanding of S-parameters, impedance matching, high-speed serial interfaces, optical link budgets, mixed-signal design. Experience with laboratory characterization and optical test equipment. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Testability (DFT), and product qualification methodologies.


Leadership Competencies

Strategic thinking and systems-level problem-solving ability. Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to influence technical direction across multiple organizations. Proven coaching and mentoring capabilities. Strong project execution and decision-making skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.


Preferred Qualifications

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or Physics. Experience with coherent optical systems and pluggable architectures. Experience supporting hyperscale, carrier, or service provider optical networks. Familiarity with automation, scripting, and data analysis tools. Experience collaborating with global engineering and manufacturing teams.


About Adtran

Adtran is a leading global provider of fiber-based networking solutions and SaaS applications, focused on the broadband access market. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from the metro core to the customer premises, enabling network providers to deliver Gigabit broadband to every home and business. Our vision is to enable a fully connected world where the power to communicate is available to everyone, everywhere. At Adtran, we believe in our people. With a diverse and inclusive team spread across the globe, our culture embraces creativity and seeks innovation and quality in everything we do. Built on a foundation of communication, trust, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial spirit enables us to be a global technology leader and a strong customer advocate. Adtran began operations in January 1986. Headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, Adtran is located in Cummings Research Park - the second-largest research park in the U.S. and fourth-largest in the world. Our mailing address is 901 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, Alabama, 35806. Adtran, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adtran Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN and FSE: QH9). Find out more at adtran.com, or follow our story on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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