1

Optical Engineering Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

PA · On-site

$123 - $139/hr

Familiarity with encoder technologies (absolute/incremental, magnetic, inductive, optical) * Engineering degree in electronics or mechatronics or another relevant technical discipline Benefits ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Mechanical Engineering Manager Spectra-Strip Location: Valley Green, PA Amphenol High Speed ...

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Yocumtown, PA · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Mechanical Engineering Manager - Spectra-Strip Location: Valley Green, PA Amphenol High Speed ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Engineering information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$22

$52

$117

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Pennsylvania is $52.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.62 and $83.37 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,258 per year, or $52 per hour.

Thin Film Engineering Technician

Doylestown, PA • On-site

Dontech Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees

$31 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description


Location: Doylestown, PA
Department: Production - Coating
Reports to: Production Manager - Coating

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Thin Film Engineering Technician to work with the R&D Engineering team on the design, hands-on development, and optimization of advanced optical coatings for electronic display, touchscreen, precision optics, and aerospace applications (including satellites and interplanetary spacecraft). This role is pivotal in supporting high-performance and high-reliability aerospace, defense, avionic, medical, and industrial markets.
This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, forward-thinking individual to work in a fun, fast-paced environment.

In this role, you will:
  • Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and production staff to ensure successful transfer of coating designs and process details to manufacturing.
  • Help create and optimize processes for complex thin film coatings (e.g., AR, dichroic short wave pass filters, dielectrically enhanced ITO coatings) using industry-standard software (TFCalc, FilmStar) and through hands on processing of batch and roll-to roll thin film coating systems.
  • Operate and help maintain thin film vacuum deposition systems (e-beam, ion-assisted deposition, sputtering) in a cleanroom environment. Prepare, run, and monitor thin film coating processes, including multilayer stacks for reflection, transmission, and conductivity performance.
  • Measure and evaluate coatings using optical and physical metrology tools (e.g., spectrophotometers, profilometers, ellipsometers, adhesion and abrasion resistance).
  • Troubleshoot coating runs/defects and assist with root cause analysis for process deviations.
  • Help perform preventive maintenance on vacuum pumps, chambers, and associated equipment.
  • Support fixture design and provide input on process improvements.
  • Help develop and maintain process documentation including best practice work instructions, engineering-to-production work order conversions, FMEA, control plans, and PPAPs.
  • Mentor less experienced technicians and provide technical leadership across coating operations.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer specifications into manufacturable coating solutions.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of processes, runs, and test results.
  • Support production as needed.
  • Safely handle equipment and materials in accordance with company policies and industry standards.
Why Join Dontech?

Since 1971, Dontech has been at the forefront of engineering and manufacturing advanced optical coatings, filters, and assemblies that solve mission-critical challenges in aerospace, avionics, military, medical, and high-reliability industrial applications. We innovate solutions for problems worth solving - whether it’s creating conductive optical filters for cockpit displays, thermal coatings for satellites, or transparent heaters for medical imaging systems.
As a Thin Film Engineering Technician, you’ll be part of a close-knit, results-driven team dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction. At Dontech, you won’t just be operating equipment—you’ll be contributing to the performance and reliability of systems that matter.
We are a privately held, family-owned company with a 50+ year track record of growth, teamwork, and integrity. If you value hands-on problem-solving, technical excellence, and a collaborative culture, we’d love to have you apply to be considered for our team.

Qualifications
  • Associate’s degree in a technical discipline (physics, engineering technology, optics, or similar) or high school diploma with equivalent relevant technical experience – combination of hands on and formal education towards a Bachelor of Science in Optical or Electrical Engineering, or towards a Bachelor of Science in Physics. We value high skill level and relevant experience over only having the formal education. Candidates with significant relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
  • 5–10 years of experience in high-performance optical thin film coating design and manufacturing. Hands-on experience with thin film vacuum deposition processes (electron beam, ion-assisted, DLC, sputtering, and IBS).
  • Deep understanding of high vacuum systems, deposition physics, and thin film characterization. Familiarity with optical test equipment and coating evaluation methods. Proficiency in coating design software and optical simulation tools.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Experience in low to mid-volume, high-mix production environments.
  • Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to follow detailed work instructions and keep accurate technical records.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Reliable, on-site attendance.
  • U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Person status required (per ITAR regulations).
  • Dontech may consider candidates with less experience who demonstrate strong technical (e.g., mechanical/electrical) aptitude, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn. Pay rate offered would be commensurate with experience.

The Physical Demands: The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:

  • Regularly required to communicate, verbally (in person or over the phone), in writing and via email;
  • Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle, hold or reach;
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. regularly;
  • Ability to lift up to 45 lbs. occasionally (may be done with the assistance of another employee);
  • Ability to perform duties inside a clean room, wearing required appropriate gowning, including but not limited to latex/non-latex gloves, and paper half-mask;
  • Considerable mental and visual effort;
  • Color vision correctable to 20/20;
  • Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles and electrical shock;
  • Occasionally working in an area where the noise level is above normal; and
  • Must be odor tolerant of cleaning agents (e.g., acetone, rubbing alcohol).
What We Offer
  • Compensation includes a competitive base hourly pay rate, taking into consideration applicable experience. Eligible for overtime and annual bonus consideration.
  • Opportunities for technical growth and hands-on learning in advanced optics and thin film technology.
  • A collaborative environment rooted in Dontech’s Core Values: innovation, teamwork, integrity, customer satisfaction, and employee work/life balance.
  • The chance to make a direct impact on high-reliability applications—from aircraft cockpits to space exploration.

Dontech's Benefits Package for Full-Time Regular employees (regular schedules of 30+ hours per week) includes:

  • Medical (or opt-out), including Telemedicine and a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) option
  • Vision
  • Prescription
  • Dental
  • Hospital / Accident / Critical Illness options
  • 401(k)
  • Profit Sharing
  • Flexible spending accounts for health care or dependent care savings
  • Life (Company paid as well as optional additional voluntary coverage)
  • Short-term Disability
  • Long-term Disability
  • Legal Insurance option
  • Identity Theft Insurance option
  • Training Opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off (prorated for regular schedules between 30 and 40 hours/week)
  • Paid Holidays (prorated for regular schedules between 30 and 40 hours/week)
Ready to apply?

If you’re excited by the idea of innovating coatings that perform in the world’s most demanding environments, we’d like to hear from you. Apply today and help Dontech continue solving problems worth solving.

Dontech Inc. is located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia in Central Bucks County.
Dontech Inc.
700 Airport Blvd.
Doylestown, PA 18902
http://www.dontech.com/
Apply through this site or by mail to above listed address.
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Dontech Inc, please call Human Resources at 215-348-5010.