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Optical Engineering Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 40948 Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off) The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join ...

ICEYE

Staff Optical Engineer

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$68.58 - $100.24/hr

Engineering / Optical Systems * Reports to: Engineering Manager, Optical Systems * Employment type: Permanent * Workplace model: Hybrid * Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl.

groteindustries

Engineering - Senior Engineer

Madison, IN

$95K - $131K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer Reports to: Senior Engineering Manager Leadership Scope: Individual Contributor Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of ...

Grote Industries

Engineering - Senior Engineer

Madison, IN · On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer Reports to: Senior Engineering Manager Leadership Scope: Individual Contributor Company Info: With a heritage of nearly 120 years, we aren't just a company; we are a brand of ...

Pae

Mid-Level Optical Engineer

Odon, IN · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Optical, Photonics, Physics, Electrical, or similar) with 3-6 years of experience or Master's Degree with 0-3 years of experience. * Must be able to obtain and ...

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Optical Engineering information

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$21

$49

$111

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Indiana is $49.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.12 and $79.13 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,767 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Lead, Optical Engineering

L3HHCM20

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site

$116K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Code:  40948

Job Location:  Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

 

Job Description:

The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform optical design and analysis on advanced telescopes, calibrators, and unique optical test sets.
  • Develop optical budgets and sensitivities including wavefront error, MTF, line of sight, and throughput.
  • Perform analyses to show compliance with optical requirements and specifications for imaging systems, assemblies, component drawings, coatings, manufacturability, etc.
  • Provide optical modeling, analysis, image simulations, and metrology support during system alignment, integration and testing.
  • Support the development of optical technologies and architectural concepts to support the company's current and new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
  • Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
  • Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
  • Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
  • Must be able to obtain a US DoD Secret security clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis purposes.
  • Experience with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
  • Familiarity with evaluating and selecting vendors to supply critical components for advanced systems.
  • Familiarity interfacing generative AI with traditional optical modeling tools
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

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