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Optical Engineering Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Austin, TX

$101K - $139K/yr

Electro-Mechanics, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (will be considered) * 6-15 years of experience in product development, design engineering, or new product introduction (NPI) * Product ...

Corning

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Electro-Mechanics, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (will be considered) * 6-15 years of experience in product development, design engineering, or new product introduction (NPI) * Product ...

Corning

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Electro-Mechanics, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (will be considered) * 6-15 years of experience in product development, design engineering, or new product introduction (NPI) * Product ...

Booster

Staff Perception Hardware Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

D degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with 8+ years of hands-on experience integrating and shipping complex vision hardware systems for ...

SpaceX

Manufacturing Engineer (Starlink Optical)

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER (STARLINK OPTICAL) At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building ... This is an early-career, hands-on engineering role. You will work alongside senior engineers to ...

Retym

Optical DSP Chief Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field. * Experience: Minimum of 10 ... Familiarity with optical communication standards such as OIF and others * Experience with high ...

Oracle Corporation

Senior Optical DC Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

Oracle Corporation

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

Oracle

Senior Optical DC Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

Oracle

Senior Optical DC Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

Oracle

Senior Optical Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

... engineering team, network design, delivery and AI Ops, DC Ops, and DC build teams and program/project managers to develop milestones and deliverables validating optical cabling and optical ...

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Optical Engineering information

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How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Austin, TX is $51.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $82.45 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 can you do with an optical engineering degree?

Optical engineering degrees prepare 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 testing tools can enhance employment opportunities.

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 Austin, TX? For Optical Engineering jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Austin, TX are:
Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,049 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Sr. Product Development Engineer

Corning

Austin, TX

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 76211

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                                      

                                        

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

​Come break through with us.  


Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings – carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

Responsible for the design and release of telecommunications enclosures for indoor and outdoor optical networks. This role spans the full product development lifecycle, including concept development, detailed design, prototyping, testing, and product release, along with engineering documentation and specification development.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop mechanical design solutions for new and existing products, balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost
  • Demonstrate a strong technical rationale and in-depth engineering evaluation for design proposals
  • Design plastic injection-molded and sheet metal components that meet defined functional requirements
  • Create 3D CAD models and 2D drawings to support concept presentations, analytical evaluations, patent applications, and cost/manufacturability analysis
  • Research technical literature, competitive products, patents, and manufacturing processes to inform design decisions
  • Lead design engineering efforts, coordinating CAD, simulation, prototyping, and testing resources
  • Manage low to moderate complexity projects, including scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables from kickoff through product release
  • Tailor the product development process to meet project-specific requirements
  • Mentor junior engineers on product development and engineering best practices
  • Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams to translate concepts into manufacturable designs
  • Partner with global manufacturing teams to support full-scale product release
  • Prepare technical documentation, support patent filings, and help create customer presentations and demonstrations
Required Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (required)
  • Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
  • Electro-Mechanics, Mechatronics, or Optical Engineering (will be considered)
  • 6–15 years of experience in product development, design engineering, or new product introduction (NPI)
  • Product development and NPI experience required
  • Experience designing injection-molded and sheet metal components
  • Design of experiments (DOE) experience preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems
  • Ability to take ownership and lead technical efforts
  • Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and their application in product design
Requires Competencies
  • Ability to generate and evaluate design concepts using engineering analysis
  • Leadership skills in global, cross-functional technical teams
  • Clear verbal and written English communication skills
  • Ability to balance multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
  • Proficiency in CAD tools (Creo preferred, SolidWorks/NX acceptable)
  • Working knowledge of GD&T
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Project, PowerPoint)
    •  

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  

The range for this position is $101,784.00 - $139,953.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

​

A job that shapes a life.  

Corning offers you the total package.  

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning’s total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That’s why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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