ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Material Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning Incorporated

Senior Research Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$109K - $149K/yr

Senior Research Scientist Date: Aug 11, 2026 Location: Corning, NY, US, 14831 Company: Corning ... Experience/background in optical materials and applications * Experience with non-silicate and non ...

New

Meta

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA · On-site

$154K - $217K/yr

... optics, photonics, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field or ... record of novel research (publications, prototypes, or demonstrated technical impact) • ...

Meta

Display Research Scientist

Redmond, WA

$154K/yr

Display Research Scientist Responsibilities: * Achieve breakthroughs in future AI enabled AR ... PhD in optics, photonics, physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field or ...

Periodic Labs

Research Scientist, Thin Films

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$225K - $325K/yr

As a Research Scientist in Thin Film Materials Discovery, you will lead thin-film synthesis efforts ... Experience probing the optical, electronic, magnetic, thermal, and/or other properties of thin ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

... optical engineer/research scientist to support next-generation optical system research and ... Learn and apply optical system design principles, including performance, manufacturability, and ...

Orbotech

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

... optical engineer/research scientist to support next-generation optical system research and ... Learn and apply optical system design principles, including performance, manufacturability, and ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

... optical engineer/research scientist to support next-generation optical system research and ... Learn and apply optical system design principles, including performance, manufacturability, and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEducation JobsHigher Education JobsOptical Material Research Scientist Jobs

Optical Material Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

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

As of Sep 12, 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.

Research Scientist, Optical Systems

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Metaexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Meta Reality Labs is seeking a Research Scientist, with experience in waveguide fabrication and process development, to advance optical systems research...

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply