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Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Honeywell International, Inc.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In this role you will help advance research in quantum and optical sensing to introduce new ... As a Lead Electrical Engineer in Honeywell Aerospace's Advanced Sensing Technology group, you will ...

HOYA Vision Care

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

Ramsey, MN · On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

CommScope, Inc.

Staff, Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$87K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Quantinuum

Integration Engineer - 917

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... an R&D or advanced technical manufacturing lab environment. This position will work closely with ... Experience working with optical hardware such as lasers, cameras, optical fibers, active and ...

Quantinuum

Integration Engineer - 917

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... an R&D or advanced technical manufacturing lab environment. This position will work closely with ... Experience working with optical hardware such as lasers, cameras, optical fibers, active and ...

Physical Electronics USA

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... ion optics, and automation. PHI instruments are used by leading research institutes, universities, and industrial laboratories worldwide. What You Will Do Technical Leadership and Engineering ...

Banner Engineering

Electrical Engineer

Plymouth, MN

$100K - $128K/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Electrical Engineer II position is a hands-on research and development role focusing on ... Collaborate with optical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to provide globally ...

Banner Engineering

Electrical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Electrical Engineer II position is a hands-on research and development role focusing on ... Collaborate with optical, mechanical, software, and manufacturing engineers to provide globally ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 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
Infographic showing various Optical Research Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,654 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

Lead Electrical Engineer

Honeywell International, Inc.

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Honeywell rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description


The future is what you make it.
When you join Honeywell, you become a member of our global team of thinkers, innovators, dreamers who make the things that make the future.
That means changing the way we navigate, communicate, and sense the world around us. In this role you will help advance research in quantum and optical sensing to introduce new products and improve state-of-the art commercial and defense aerospace technologies.
We are committed to innovation, research, and development of novel technologies and are at the forefront of bringing emerging technology to real world applications.
Are you ready to help us make the future?
As a Lead Electrical Engineer in Honeywell Aerospace's Advanced Sensing Technology group, you will use your technical and managerial skills to support several projects in a fast-paced R&D environment. In this role, you will have the opportunity to drive research and development of technologies such as atomic clocks, atomic RF sensors, and photonics. You will have input into a variety of strategically important business-critical tasks in the growing field of quantum and optical sensing.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Use your expertise to solve problems and debug experimental setups
  • Find solutions in a self-directed environment.
  • Design electronic mixed-signal circuitry (analog, digital, RF) to support unique requirements of a research environment.
  • Work with physicists to use electronics to enable next generation aerospace sensors.
  • Lead a team of junior engineers.

Qualifications
YOU MUST HAVE
  • Expertise in designing, modeling, layout, fabrication and testing of circuits for advanced sensors.
  • Proficiency in simulation software such SPICE or Simulink for modeling complex circuit behavior before prototyping.
  • Expertise in RF circuits, microcontroller, and embedded system design and programming.
  • Ability to documentation and layouts to interact with suppliers to meet program needs.
  • Ability to work with a skilled technicians to build and debug circuits, using test equipment such as vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and mixed signal oscilloscopes.

WE VALUE
  • Experience implementing digital signal processing (DSP) techniques.
  • Familiarity with use and/or design of analog or mixed-signal ASICs.
  • FPGA programming for digital control and analog systems
  • Experience with opto-electronics.
  • The ability to work in a diverse team.

US PERSONS REQUIREMENT
Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.
The annual base salary range for this position is $150,000-165,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.
About us:
Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.
Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.
Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.
Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.
Benefits:
Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
  • Employee assistance program and educational assistance
  • Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
  • Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/
POSTING TIMELINE
The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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About Honeywell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Honeywell is charging into the Industrial IoT revolution with the establishment of Honeywell Connected Enterprise (HCE), building on our heritage of invention and deep, on-the-ground industry expertise. HCE is the leading industrial disruptor, building and connecting software solutions to streamline and centralize the assets, people and processes that help our customers make smarter, more accurate business decisions. Moving at the speed of software, we are creating, innovating and delivering solutions fast, challenging the way things have always been done, piloting new ways for all of us to work, and expecting our successes to set new standards for our customers and for Honeywell. The Chief Architect for Honeywell Connected Enterprise will lead a team of architects and system engineers responsible for the design of applications and infrastructure that deliver high value outcomes for customers in industrial, buildings, distribution centers, and aerospace vertical markets. The Chief Architect will work directly with leadership, development teams, and offering management to design well integrated solutions that utilize software platforming to encourage reuse and speed to market.

Industry

Furniture manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1906

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