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Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$98K - $120K/yr

Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ...

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ...

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

$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 ...

HOYA Vision Care

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline OR a Bachelor's degree ...

CommScope Inc.

Staff, Engineer

Shakopee, MN

$87K - $111K/yr

This role drives end‑to‑end manufacturing readiness by integrating product design, optical test ... with R&D and PLM on schedules, resources, and capital planning while driving process capability ...

Hoya

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

Ramsey, MN

$100K/yr

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline OR a Bachelor's degree ...

HOYA Vision Care

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

Ramsey, MN

$100K/yr

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline OR a Bachelor's degree ...

CommScope, Inc.

Staff, Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$87K - $111K/yr

This role drives end-to-end manufacturing readiness by integrating product design, optical test ... with R&D and PLM on schedules, resources, and capital planning while driving process capability ...

3M

Tooling Process Engineer

Maplewood, MN · On-site

Measure, statistically analyze, and summarize large data sets related to inspection of optical ... Experience working in R&D and plant settings * Multi-axis machine programming experience * Deep ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Research Engineer JobsOptical Research Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Optical Research Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$81.3K

$140.7K

$165K

How much do optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical research engineer in Minnesota is $140,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $126,300.00 and $163,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Research Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Research Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating in multidisciplinary teams and conveying complex concepts. These skills and qualities are critical for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision in research, and successfully advancing projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Research Engineers face when transitioning from research to product development?

Optical Research Engineers often find that moving from theoretical research to practical product development brings new challenges, such as balancing innovative design with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical engineers and manufacturing specialists, to ensure optical systems meet both performance and production requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as priorities can shift rapidly during the development cycle. Gaining experience with industry-standard simulation tools and prototyping methods can help facilitate a smoother transition.

What does an Optical Research Engineer do?

An Optical Research Engineer specializes in the study, design, and development of optical systems and technologies, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging equipment. They conduct experiments, analyze optical phenomena, and contribute to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves using computer simulations, drafting technical reports, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve or invent new optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Research EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; focus on design and implementation
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsManufacturing, product development, engineering teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, universitiesOptical device manufacturers, telecom, aerospace
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Optical Research Engineers focus on developing new optical technologies and conducting experiments, often in research settings. Optical Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and implementing optical systems in commercial or industrial environments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and objectives differ, with research engineers emphasizing innovation and development, and optical engineers focusing on practical application and product deployment.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Research Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Optical Research Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Research Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Research Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Research Engineer

Research Engineer

3M

Maplewood, MN

$98K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 hours ago

3M rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 242 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:

Research Engineer

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a(n) Research Engineer, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio
  • Guiding small teams of technicians to complete requested tests.
  • Establishing test plans and methods, preparing samples, conducting
    tests, analyzing data, and completing test reports.
  • Collaborating with local and division manufacturing teams on division/value stream level projects focused on improving manufacturing operations
  • Ensuring technical claims in 3M published literature are accurate and supported by test data
  • Working with marketing and 3M's business teams to engage with customers around the world.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Three (3) years of optical experience in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Optics or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Five (5) years of previous technical experience with demonstrated strength in engineering/technical skills in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Experience with a variety of metrology tools that could include SEM, AFM, CMM, confocal microscopes, etc. to precisely measure micron and sub-micron features.
  • Experience and knowledge with a variety of laboratory test equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude with designing and building test fixtures.
  • Experience interpreting industry standards, product qualification testing, fiber optic, and electrical components.
  • Experience working closely with customers, with responsive engagement externally and internally.
  • Communication skills (oral, written and presentation).

Work location: Maplewood, MN

  • Work location: This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN.
  • Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international
  • Relocation: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.

Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $98,964 - $120,957, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/20/2026 To 06/19/2026 Or until filledAll US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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