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Optical Materials Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3M

Optics Research Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an ...

3M

Optics Research Scientist

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an ...

Gentex Corp

Optical Physicist

Simpson, PA · On-site

D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Ten (10) or more years of ...

Corning

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

Gentex Corp.

Optical Physicist

Simpson, PA · On-site

D. in Physics, Optical Science/Engineering, Materials Science, or related engineering discipline with an optics focus; or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Ten (10) or more ...

Corning

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

Corning

Senior Optics Scientist

Corning, NY · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical ... Experience with optical materials, photonic components, or integrated optical systems * Experience ...

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Optical Materials Scientist information

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$173K

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.

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 14 days ago

Job description

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!


  • 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.


  • 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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