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Optical Physicist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning, NY · On-site

Analyze optical physics problems through simulation to identify solutions, define operating conditions, and optimize designs * Partner with experimental teams to validate modeling results against ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience with lens design, optical ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience with lens design, optical ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Preferred Qualifications Experience in ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience with lens design, optical ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Camera & Optical Engineer

Richardson, TX · On-site

$116K - $151K/yr

... Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field • Minimum 10 years of experience in optical system design and camera integration • Proficiency in optical design tools (ZEMAX, CODE V, or ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or equivalent work experience EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: * Experience with LED properties * Knowledgeable of ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (in optics/physics) or Engineering/Mathematics background or equivalent work experience EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: * Experience with LED properties * Knowledgeable of ...

Focused Energy Inc

Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Master's or PhD in optics, computational physics, applied mathematics, or a related field * Strong experience in optical and multiphysics simulation of complex physical systems * Ability to couple ...

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Optical Physicist information

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How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is photonics a good career?

Optical Physicists working in photonics research and development often find the field to be promising due to its applications in telecommunications, medical devices, and laser technology. The career typically requires strong knowledge of optics, electronics, and materials science, with opportunities in academia, industry, and government labs. Job growth is driven by advancements in optical communication, imaging, and sensing technologies.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers and physicists to work on projects involving optical systems, sensors, and instrumentation for space exploration and research. These roles often require expertise in optics, laser systems, and related technologies, along with relevant degrees and security clearances. Optical physicists may be involved in designing, testing, and maintaining advanced optical equipment used in space missions.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I might have as an Optical Physicist?

As an Optical Physicist, your daily work might include designing and testing optical systems, conducting experiments to analyze light behavior, developing simulations, and troubleshooting system performance. You could work on projects involving telecommunications, laser technologies, imaging devices, or even cutting-edge research in quantum optics. Collaboration is common, as you’ll often partner with engineers, other scientists, or product development teams to bring new optical technologies to life. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work and theoretical analysis, providing opportunities to grow your skills and contribute to innovative solutions.

What does an optical physicist do?

An optical physicist researches and develops technologies related to light and optics, such as lasers, lenses, and optical systems. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, using tools like spectrometers and optical fibers, and may require advanced degrees in physics or engineering.

What does an Optical Physicist do?

An Optical Physicist studies the behavior and properties of light, including how it interacts with different materials. They apply principles of optics to develop technologies like lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Their work is used in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. They may conduct experiments, develop mathematical models, and collaborate with engineers to create optical devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Physicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need deep knowledge of optics, photonics, and physics principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software such as Zemax or COMSOL, experience using laboratory equipment like spectrometers and lasers, and sometimes industry certifications are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for designing and analyzing complex optical systems, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects, and advancing innovation in the field.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior optical physicists, specialized researchers, or executives in optics-related industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require expertise in optics, physics, or engineering, along with strong project management and technical skills.
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Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,805 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling

Corning

Corning, NY

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 75425

The company built on breakthroughs. ​  
Join us.​                    

                                                          

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what’s possible.  ​  

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations – not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company, and the world, forward. ​  

​At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more.​   

Come break through with us.  

Corning’s businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Corning Incorporated is hiring a Staff Scientist, Optical Modeling to join our research team at Sullivan Park in Corning, NY. This is an onsite role, Monday–Friday, with relocation support available and minimal travel (less than 10%, domestic and international).

In this role, you'll advance the fundamental understanding of optical phenomena and the interaction of light with various materials through modeling and simulation, in support of Corning products and manufacturing processes. Working within Corning's research organization at Sullivan Park, you'll apply your knowledge of optical physics, mathematical methods, and numerical computations — including ray tracing and wave optics — to influence the design of optical components, modules, and systems across Corning's businesses, including high-growth areas like optical communications and display technologies. As a subject matter expert and thought leader, you'll have the opportunity to propose and lead research initiatives, collaborate with multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams, and drive technological advancement and new scientific discovery. Backgrounds in photonics, fiber optics, integrated photonics, computational optics, and applied optical physics align strongly with the demands of this position.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert, proposing and leading research initiatives that advance Corning's optical technologies
  • Develop and implement optical models to study light behavior in glass, thin films, waveguides, optical fiber components, and connectivity solutions
  • Analyze optical physics problems through simulation to identify solutions, define operating conditions, and optimize designs
  • Partner with experimental teams to validate modeling results against measured data and propose measurement techniques needed to accurately model systems of interest
  • Build software tools and modeling capabilities that support both current business needs and future technology direction
  • Contribute to multidisciplinary projects and translate modeling results into practical recommendations
  • Document results in technical reports and patent applications

Minimum Qualifications and Skills

  • PhD in optical sciences, physics, or a closely related discipline
  • Broad knowledge of optics, including experience simulating optical systems using both ray tracing and wave-propagation methods
  • Experience modeling optical fiber components, optical waveguides, connectivity solutions, and light scattering
  • Working knowledge of numerical techniques such as finite element, frequency-domain and time-domain methods
  • Experience with scientific computing and code development
  • Hands-on experience with industry-standard optical simulation tools such as Lumerical, Zemax, COMSOL, RSoft, or LightTools
  • Strong communicator who works well independently and across diverse teams, with a proactive, solution-oriented approach and a commitment to advancing the state-of-the-art

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

  • 3+ years of experience in optical physics modeling and simulation
  • Industrial experience designing optical components, modules, or systems
  • Experience modeling optical fiber transmission links
  • Working knowledge of computational physics and mathematical algorithms
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++
  • Familiarity with Linux, software engineering practices, version control, and test suites
  • Experience using AI-enabled tools to write code or generate software for optical physics modeling

This position supports immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $119,542.00 - $164,370.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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