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Optical Materials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable ...

Leidos

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable ...

Via Logic LLC

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable ...

Corning

Materials Scientist, Microscopy

Wilmington, NC · On-site

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Scope of Role Corning is seeking a Materials Scientist or Materials Engineer, Microscopy, to join ...

Corning

Materials Scientist, Microscopy

Wilmington, NC · On-site

... and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our ... And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ...

Corning

Materials Scientist, Microscopy

Wilmington, NC · On-site

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Scope of Role Corning is seeking a Materials Scientist or Materials Engineer, Microscopy, to join ...

RJ Lee Group Inc

Materials Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

We are seeking a Materials Scientist or Applied Physicist to join our Materials Characterization ... Optical MicroscopyScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR ...

TERRACON

Materials Scientist/Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$57K - $80K/yr

Terracon is seeking an early-career Materials Scientist or Engineer to join our growing Materials ... and Optical Microscopy. * Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a desire to solve complex ...

TERRACON

Materials Scientist/Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

... and Optical Microscopy. * Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and a desire to solve complex ... materials science, and consulting projects. * Participate in the continuous improvement of ...

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Optical Materials Scientist information

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How much do optical materials scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical materials scientist in the United States is $123,973.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical materials scientist do?

An Optical Materials Scientist studies and develops materials that interact with light, such as glass, crystals, polymers, and semiconductors. They investigate how these materials can be used to manipulate light for applications like lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and photonic devices. Their work involves researching material properties, designing experiments, and collaborating with engineers and physicists to create innovative optical technologies. Optical Materials Scientists are essential in industries like telecommunications, imaging, and renewable energy.

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

To thrive as an Optical Materials Scientist, you need a strong background in materials science, optics, and physics, typically supported by a Ph.D. or master's degree in a related field. Experience with advanced characterization techniques, spectroscopy tools, and simulation software like COMSOL or MATLAB is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are essential for developing innovative optical materials, ensuring precise experimentation, and collaborating successfully on research and development projects.

What are some typical challenges optical materials scientists face when developing new materials for optical applications?

Optical Materials Scientists often encounter challenges such as achieving precise control over material purity and microstructure, which are crucial for optimal optical performance. Meeting stringent requirements for transparency, refractive index, and durability can require extensive experimentation and collaboration with engineers and product designers. Additionally, scaling up synthesis methods from laboratory to manufacturing while maintaining consistent quality is a common hurdle. These challenges make the role both intellectually demanding and highly collaborative, involving close work with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Optical Materials Scientist vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Materials ScientistOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Physics, or Optical Engineering; often includes research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; focus on design and application
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesDesign labs, product development teams, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptics manufacturing, research institutions, tech companiesOptics and photonics companies, telecommunications, aerospace

Optical Materials Scientists focus on developing and analyzing new optical materials, while Optical Engineers apply optical principles to design and improve optical systems. Both roles often collaborate but differ in their primary focus—materials research versus system design.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Materials Scientist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Optical Materials Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,973 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Optical Materials Scientist

San Diego, CA • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Leidosexternal

$107K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a talented Optical Materials Scientist to support our Emerging Space Systems Division. In this role, you will drive the development of tunable optical metasurfaces designed to enable multi- and hyper-spectral sensing on next-generation space missions.
Our Space Business Area is actively transforming space payload solutions through customer-funded programs and high-impact internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. If you are passionate about enabling groundbreaking capabilities in space-based sensing and working at the intersection of optical simulation, nanofabrication, and laboratory experimentation, we want you on our team.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design & Modeling: Lead full-wave electromagnetic modeling to identify, optimize, and evaluate tunable infrared metasurface filters based on phase change materials.
  • Performance Simulation: Architect advanced models to analyze the specific impact of tunable filters on the overall performance of infrared sensor systems.
  • Fabrication Planning: Research, identify, and establish viable methods to successfully fabricate optimized optical designs.
  • Experimental Validation: Create and execute comprehensive laboratory characterization plans to validate modeled performance against real-world data.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to evaluate, test, and mature emerging optical technologies.
  • Data Analysis & Documentation: Analyze experimental data to inform ongoing design decisions and document technical results to support IR&D and formal program milestones.

Basic Qualifications
  • Education: BS degree in Physics, Materials Science, Optics, or a related field with 8+ years of prior relevant experience or MS degree with 6+ years of prior relevant. May possess a Doctorate in technical domain.
  • Security Clearance: US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an active DoD Secret security clearance.
  • Core Experience: Demonstrated research or development experience specifically in optical and infrared materials.
  • Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with full-wave electromagnetic modeling software (e.g., Ansys HFSS, COMSOL, or Lumerical).
  • Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with the infrared/optical properties of materials (including phase change materials), metamaterials, and metasurfaces.
  • Sensor Technology: Foundational familiarity or experience with infrared detector technology.
  • Optimization Skills: Experience utilizing optimization methods, including adjoint gradient descent and topology optimization.
  • Professional Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving skills, sharp attention to detail, and effective written/verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Clearance: Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI).
  • Cleanroom Experience: Hands-on experience with cleanroom environments and nanofabrication techniques (e.g., electron-beam lithography, photolithography, etching).
  • Spaceflight Hardware: Prior exposure to designing optical components intended for space environments or satellite payloads.
  • Programming: Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for automated data collection or custom optical modeling scripts.
  • Publication Record: Record of research contributions demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications, patents, conference presentations, or development of relevant optical technologies.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 19, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

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At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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