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Optical Engineering Jobs in Evanston, IL (NOW HIRING)

viaPhoton

Mechanical Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

About the Role You'll design new fiber optic products and improve existing ones, moving from ... Work with sales, operations, and engineering teams to design new products that solve customer ...

Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

You'll be able to apply your knowledge and experience in EOIR systems, optics, RF systems ... Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 2 years ...

Northrop Grumman

Systems Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

You'll be able to apply your knowledge and experience in EOIR systems, optics, RF systems ... Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 2 years ...

Engenuity Fiber

OSP Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... OSP engineering, network design, OSP construction, and ensuring the efficient deployment of fiber optics infrastructure in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area. Qualifications * Outside Plant ...

First Tek, Inc.

Engineer Hardware 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines ... Your expertise in RF, mixed signal, and/or Electro-Optical component design and analysis, modeling ...

New

Trace3

Engineer: Tier 2 (On-site)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Perform systems engineering, design, analysis, and experimentation of wireless networks. * Plan ... Ability to properly identify various fiber optic cables and optics (LC, SC, FC, Single Mode ...

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All JobsOptical Engineering JobsOptical Engineering Jobs in Evanston, IL

Optical Engineering information

See Evanston, IL salary details

$20

$48

$109

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Evanston, IL is $48.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.74 and $78.03 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 cities near Evanston, IL are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities near Evanston, IL with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Optical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Evanston, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,311 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

viaPhoton

Chicago, IL • On-site

$78K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design new fiber optic products from concept to customer delivery, including creating CAD models and detailed drawings.

  • Lead product improvement efforts by performing CAD design, creating bill-of-materials, conducting FEA and cost analysis, and analyzing existing products for enhancements.

  • Build prototypes to test functionality and fit, working with outside vendors to source and quote components.

Job description

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led. viaPhoton is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom-engineered, end-to-end fiber connectivity solutions for the data centers, 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

About the Role

You'll design new fiber optic products and improve existing ones, moving from concept sketches to detailed CAD models all the way to customer delivery. The role blends creativity with practical problem-solving. You'll work with sales and operations to turn customer problems into elegant mechanical solutions, then see them manufactured and shipped.

  • Work with sales, operations, and engineering teams to design new products that solve customer problems
  • Create CAD models and dimensional drawings from sketches and verbal direction using SolidWorks
  • Lead the product improvement design process, including CAD design, drawings, bill-of-materials, FEA, and cost analysis
  • Analyze existing products to identify cost-reduction and improvement opportunities while maintaining design requirements
  • Build prototypes to test functionality and fit, working with outside vendors to source and quote components

What You'll Bring

  • Have a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
  • Are proficient in SolidWorks or similar CAD software for creating detailed product drawings and designs
  • Have conceptual design experience (a plus, but not required, since we can teach you fiber optic design)
  • Bring a self-directed mindset and can pick up new concepts quickly
  • Can handle multiple inquiries at once and prioritize them with careful attention to detail

Want to read the full job description? Mechanical Design Engineer JD

What's in it for you?

  • Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
  • 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period
  • Flexible PTO that grows over time
  • 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
  • Monthly team events
  • Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $65,000 to $85,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.