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Optical Material Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3M

Optics Research Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Optics Research Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

3M

Optics Research Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Optics Research Scientist Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical ...

Meta

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Pasadena, CA

$122K/yr

In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical ... Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and ...

Meta

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Redmond, WA

$122K/yr

In this role, you will work at the intersection of nanofabrication, materials science, and optical ... Research Scientist, Optical Systems Responsibilities: * Develop and optimize techniques and ...

Nova Ltd.

Research Scientist

Fremont, CA · On-site

Drive advanced research in materials characterization, semiconductor metrology, and surface science ... Research and evaluate technologies related to X-ray sources and optics, detector systems, electron ...

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA

... optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction ... This involves, but is not limited to, designing and characterizing materials yet to be discovered ...

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA · On-site

... optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction ... This involves, but is not limited to, designing and characterizing materials yet to be discovered ...

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Optical Material Research Scientist information

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$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do optical material research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical material research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical material research scientist do?

An Optical Material Research Scientist studies, develops, and tests materials that interact with light, such as glass, crystals, polymers, and other compounds. Their work involves discovering new materials or improving existing ones for applications in lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and photonic devices. They use laboratory experiments, computer simulations, and analytical techniques to understand the optical properties and performance of different materials. These scientists often collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to bring innovative optical materials into practical use.

What are some typical challenges faced by optical material research scientists when developing new materials?

Optical Material Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring material purity, achieving desired optical properties, and maintaining consistency during scale-up from laboratory to production. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers and application specialists, is essential to address issues like material compatibility and performance under various environmental conditions. Staying updated with the latest fabrication techniques and analytical methods helps scientists overcome these challenges and drive innovation in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical material research scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Material Research Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, materials science, and optics, typically supported by a PhD or equivalent research experience. Expertise with characterization tools like spectrometers, electron microscopes, and simulation software, as well as familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and present research findings. These skills ensure the successful development and analysis of advanced optical materials for various scientific and industrial applications.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Material Research Scientist jobs?

For Optical Material Research Scientist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Material Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 75% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Materials Research Scientist/Engineer

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

SRI International
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SRI Internationalexternal

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices

  • Apply scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

Job description

Overview
The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International's Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will have the opportunity to make important contributions to on-going and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.
SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. From the computer mouse to robotic surgery, cancer treatments, and more, SRI's 75 years of innovation have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value, and lasting benefits to society. SRI was instrumental in the creation of the internet, high-definition television, and the U.S Postal Service's automated letter sorting system. Some of its many successful spinout companies include E-Trade, Siri, Symantec, Intuitive Surgical, and Nuance. CHECK OUT OUR HISTORY!
The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division at SRI. The lab is home to several collaborative groups that perform research and development in a variety of areas, including optical materials, advanced sensing systems, nanofabrication, energetic materials, radar systems, and atmospheric science. By and large, our lab is focused on applying academic research to address DoD applications. CHECK OUT OUR LAB!
Responsibilities
  • Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
  • Apply your scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
  • Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

This is a junior PI-track (principal investigator) opportunity to be mentored to become a PI for new research thrusts; based on your own ideas and direct interactions with customers, both in and outside your area of academic expertise.
Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience required.
    • Higher levels of relevant experience with demonstrated independent work or task leadership skills will also be considered.
  • Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance required. Current clearance is a plus.
  • Limited travel required.

The salary range is: $115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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