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Optical Engineering Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Systems Engineer - FREEPORT, PA

Freeport, PA · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform systems engineering, project planning, budgeting, and scheduling * Lead other engineers in ... Strong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methods * Good working knowledge of physics ...

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Interface directly with customer engineering groups. * Provide optical testing support for nonstandard products. * Act as project manager for custom projects managing entire project responsibility ...

Engineering Project Manager

Freeport, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION SPECIFICS The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials ... Facilitate communication between sponsors, investigators, resource managers, project engineers, and ...

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Optical Engineering information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$20

$48

$109

How much do optical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering in Pittsburgh, PA is $48.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.64 and $77.74 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Optical Engineering jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Optical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineering job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,917 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Optical Blanking Engineering Manager

Teledyne

Freeport, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Teledyne Technologies rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 157 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Be visionary

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.

We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Germanium (Ge) Blanking Department Manager is responsible for the leadership, technical oversight, and operational performance of the Ge Blanking Department within the Surveillance Precision Optics organization. This position provides handson engineering support for optics blank manufacturing processes and drives continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of Ge blank manufacturing. The role ensures that manufacturing processes, documentation, and equipment support the production of highquality optical components while meeting cost, schedule, and performance requirements. This position will initially manage 3-4 Technicians and is expected to scale to a team of approximately 8-12+ Technicians as the organization grows.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Provide direct, handson engineering support for all optics blank manufacturing processes with an emphasis on maximizing Ge material utilization and minimizing touch labor.
  • Supervise the operation, troubleshoot, and optimize production equipment and processes to ensure consistent output and adherence to specifications.
  • Develop, review, and update manufacturing processes, methods, and documentation, including work instructions, procedures, and test plans as required.
  • Design and implement tooling, fixtures, and process aids to support manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
  • Utilize metrology equipment to evaluate component performance, validate processes, and support quality assurance activities.
  • Initiate and lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on scrap reduction, throughput improvement, cost reduction, and LEAN methodologies.
  • Coordinate the collection, monitoring and management of Ge recycling.
  • Investigate production-related failures and provide corrective actions.
  • Initiate/lead process improvements projects; activities coordinated with operations.
  • Support planning and scheduling of work through the cell.
  • Provide direction, guidance, and support to production personnel and Technicians.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
  • Minimum of 5-10+ years of relevant handson manufacturing experience, preferably in optics or precision machining.
  • Demonstrated experience leading technicians or production teams and prior people leadership experience
  • Experience with optical fabrication methods, including ID saw slicing, diamond wire sawing, CNC milling, and CNC curve generation.
  • Familiarity with optical metrology, quality assurance practices, and applicable military specifications.
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, MasterCAM, Microsoft Office, and database systems.
  • Proven ability to improve product quality, enhance production effectiveness, and reduce manufacturing costs.
  • Strong background in process development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
  • LEAN training or certification preferred.

Applicants must be either a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, legal permanent resident, asylee, refugee or must be eligible to apply for and obtain the appropriate export control license from the U.S. Departments of State or Commerce.

About Teledyne FLIR Defense

Join Teledyne FLIR Defense, where we're dedicated to supporting critical missions with an exciting range of cutting-edge technologies. Our products include advanced surveillance sensors, unmanned air and ground vehicles, sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives, and a host of other solutions that help warfighters, first responders, and search-and-rescue teams do their jobs better.

We're looking for passionate innovators eager to shape the future of the Defense and Public Safety industries. If you're mission-driven to globally collaborate on solutions that can change the battlefield and save lives, we invite you to explore our current opportunities.

#FLIR

Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.

Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.


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