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Optical Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Type One Energy

RF Engineer

Knoxville, TN · On-site

This is a hands-on engineering position at the intersection of high-power microwave engineering, optical beam propagation, and fusion system integration. You will work alongside highly motivated ...

Canvas

Optics Programmer

Tullahoma, TN · On-site

Optics Programmer Location: Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN (On-site) We are seeking a highly skilled Software Developer with experience in scientific data acquisition and high-performance computing. The ...

Canvas

Optics Programmer

Tullahoma, TN · Hybrid

Optics Programmer Location: Arnold AFB- Tullahoma, TN (On-site) We are seeking a highly skilled Software Developer with experience in scientific data acquisition and high-performance computing. The ...

xAI

Sr. Manager, Engineering

Memphis, TN · On-site

... fiber optic networks, and related infrastructure that power our rapidly expanding supercomputing clusters. You will build and lead a world-class multidisciplinary engineering team while driving ...

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Tennessee is $47.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.83 and $75.48 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 engineers make $500,000?

In optical engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced skills in optics and photonics, and often leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries like defense or aerospace. Achieving this level typically requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a strong track record of innovation or management.

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 defense, utilizing skills in optics, physics, and computer-aided design. Certification and hands-on experience with optical software and laboratory work can enhance employment opportunities.

What do optical engineers do?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering, often working with tools like CAD software and optical testing equipment, to improve technologies in fields like telecommunications, healthcare, and defense.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers to develop and improve optical systems for space missions, telescopes, and scientific instruments. These engineers typically need a background in optics, physics, or engineering, along with experience in designing and testing optical components in challenging environments.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in Tennessee? For Optical Engineering jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:
Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,021 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$112K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 29019
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $112,057.00 - $220,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Senior
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
HII's Leadership Capability Framework defines the standard of excellence expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for modeling these capabilities and building them within their teams:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
HII, Mission Technologies has an opportunity available for a Lead Electro-Optical Engineer located in Knoxville, TN.
The Lead Electro-Optical Engineer will lead and direct the design, development, and integration of advanced electro-optical and infrared (EO-IR) systems that support high-energy laser and high-power microwave directed energy platforms. This role ensures that optical designs-including beam control systems, optical assemblies, stray light mitigation, precision alignment, and laser propagation systems-translate into safe, functional, and production-ready hardware that meets stringent performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
The ideal candidate will excel at optical systems design and analysis, demonstrate leadership in collaborative multidisciplinary environments, and thrive when developing solutions with incomplete or evolving requirements typical of advanced defense programs.
Levei 4 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $120,000 - $185,000
Level 5 - Principle Optical Engineer & Electro-Optical Lead - Directed Energy - $140,000 - $220,000
Essential Job Responsibilities
Design & Engineering Leadership
  • Lead optical systems design for beam control, laser delivery, optical assemblies, precision optical mounts, and EO-IR sensor integration critical to directed energy platforms.
  • Direct design efforts for high-power laser systems, beam steering mechanisms, stray light control, and thermal management of optical components.
  • Contribute to and influence overall product design for directed energy weapon systems.
  • Translate requirements into detailed optical designs using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software.
  • Perform and oversee optical analysis including ray tracing, stray light modeling, wavefront error analysis, thermal effects, and laser propagation.
  • Support and oversee fabrication, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems and prototypes.
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, providing guidance on technical and professional growth.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration & Systems Integration
  • Lead collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, systems engineering) to develop innovative solutions and influence product architecture.
  • Negotiate design characteristics among engineers, suppliers, customers, and program management.
  • Interface with manufacturing to optimize optical designs for fabrication and assembly.
  • Support fabrication, testing, and validation efforts to ensure systems meet performance requirements.

Risk Management & Problem Solving
  • Identify, articulate, and manage risks across optical, thermal, and alignment systems.
  • Solve complex engineering problems in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.
  • Lead design reviews and DFMEA, serving as technical escalation point.
  • Investigate anomalies and perform Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) for optical system performance issues.

Technical Documentation & Configuration Leadership
  • Create and approve engineering drawings with GD&T, design documentation, and technical specifications for optical assemblies.
  • Lead configuration management and version control for optical designs.
  • Review and approve documentation from junior team members.
  • Develop test procedures to properly test and verify optical system requirements.

Stakeholder Communication & Program Leadership
  • Communicate effectively with government customers, leadership, and technical experts.
  • Manage relationships with vendors, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Drive continuous improvement in design quality, efficiency, and manufacturability.
  • Prepare requirements packages for Technical Review Board meetings.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Level 4 - 9 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 7 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 4 years relevant experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 13 years relevant experience.
  • Level 5 - 15 years relevant experience with Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 13 years relevant experience with Master's degree in related field; OR 10 years relevant experience with PhD in related field.
  • High-level proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, or equivalent) for complex optical systems.
  • Extensive experience with high-power laser systems design, integration, and alignment.
  • Experience with stray light analysis and mitigation techniques.
  • Ability to translate requirements into tasks and completed optical designs.
  • Ability to perform fundamental optical analysis working from first principles.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership driving results in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.
  • Experience with requirements management and traceability (DOORS or equivalent).
  • Experience with fabrication, manufacturing methods, and hands-on optical prototyping.
  • Proven leadership mentoring and developing engineers across all levels.
  • Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET level security clearance.

Preferred Requirements
  • Advanced optical analysis experience including wavefront error budget analysis, thermal distortion modeling, and laser beam propagation.
  • Experience with EO-IR sensors, thermal imaging systems, and night vision systems.
  • Proficiency with MATLAB for optical modeling and data analysis.
  • Experience with Fourier transform spectroscopy and optical characterization techniques.
  • Deep thermal management expertise for high-power optical applications.
  • Experience with LIDAR or laser ranging systems.
  • Master's degree or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.
  • Clearance: Active SECRET level security clearance.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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