ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Quantinuum

Integration Engineer - 917

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

... 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 ...

Banner Engineering

Electrical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$100K - $128K/yr

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

$100K - $128K/hr

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 Corp

Electrical Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$100.70 - $128.28/hr

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

CommScope, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... optic products. This position is onsite (five days a week) at our Shakopee, MN facility. How You'll ... Deliver new concepts through brainstorming, component research, iterative prototyping, and ...

CommScope Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... optic products. This position is onsite (five days a week) at our Shakopee, MN facility. How You'll ... Deliver new concepts through brainstorming, component research, iterative prototyping, and ...

Actalent

Technician/Junior Engineer

Maple Grove, MN

$30 - $40/hr

Job Title: R&D Technician/Junior Quality Engineer We are seeking a dedicated R&D Technician or ... as calipers, micrometers, optical comparators, height gauges, and vision systems. * Strong ...

New

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 23, 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.

Sr. Project Manager - R&D

HOYA Vision Care

Ramsey, MN • On-site

$100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

HOYA rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join The HOYA Vision Care Team!

For over 60 years, HOYA Vision Care has been a passionate leader in optical technology innovation. As a manufacturer of high quality, high performing eyeglass lenses, we continuously aim to bring the best possible vision care solutions to eye care professionals.

We are currently hiring a Sr. Project Manager - R&D in our Ramsey, MN location! 

Salary Range: $100K+ 

What's in it for you?

  • Health/Dental/Vision/Disability Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • 401K plans
  • PTO and Paid Holidays
  • And more!

What you'll do:

  • Supports project change control activities, including documentation and evaluation of scope, schedule, or design changes.
  • Assists in assessing the technical, regulatory, and timeline impacts of proposed changes.
  • Communicates approved changes to project teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment and execution.
  • Escalates project risks and issues when necessary and supports resolution through crossfunctional collaboration.
  • Supports execution of the Stage Gate and product development processes and ensures required project deliverables are completed.
  • Contributes to continuous improvement of project management practices, templates, and workflows, particularly related to ISO 13485 readiness.
  • Continuously learns and applies medical device development best practices, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures.
  • Builds understanding of the business, product portfolio, and competitive landscape relevant to assigned projects.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline OR a Bachelor's degree plus an MBA with experience working in technical or engineeringdriven environments.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in technical project management or project coordination, preferably within R&D, engineering, or medical device product development.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting crossfunctional technical projects, including development, validation, design transfer, or product launch activities.
  • Experience working in a regulated environment, with exposure to ISO 13485 concepts, such as design controls, risk management, documentation, or change control processes.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting crossfunctional technical projects, including development, validation, design transfer, and product launch activities.
HOYA Group: Founded in 1941 in Tokyo, Japan, HOYA Corporation is a global technology and med-tech company and a leading supplier of innovative high-tech and medical products. HOYA's divisions and business units research and develop products utilized in the healthcare and information technology fields. In the healthcare field, we provide medical device products such as eyeglasses, medical endoscopes, contact and intraocular lenses, orthopedic implants, surgical/therapeutic devices and medical device reprocessing and disinfection solutions. In the information technology field, we provide products such as optical lenses, photomasks and blanks used in the manufacturing process for semiconductor and LCD/OLED devices, text-to-speech, human resources and other software solutions and critical components for the mass memory and cloud storage industries. With over 150 offices and subsidiaries worldwide, HOYA currently employs a multinational workforce of 37,000 people.

HOYA Vision Care: As a global leader in optical technology, HOYA Vision Care is dedicated to providing innovative vision care solutions for every stage of a patient's life. A steadfast partner to Eye Care Professionals around the world, it stands at the forefront of optical excellence. With a global presence, consisting of 43 laboratories and a growing team of 20,000 employees, HOYA Vision Care delivers innovative lenses and other vision care solutions to millions of people in 110 countries.

We focus on a better tomorrow, today. You can become part of our story. HOYA Vision Care is the place where you can act according to your strengths and evolve according to your aspirations. It's a place where you can shape the way you work, guided by our CLEAR Values, and empowered by generations of expertise. You can get involved in our sustainability initiatives and choose to become a One Vision ambassador. You can give back the gift of sight to people all over the world by deciding to work with us.

We welcome people who challenge us to become better, who share our sense of purpose and who embrace growth so that our vision and mission align. We invite you to find out more, and together we can continue to provide vision for a lifetime.
Driven by a passion for partnership as well as innovation, HOYA has been a partner to Eye Care Professionals for over 75 years, enabling them to give people the greatest gift, the gift of vision. We provide Eye Care Professionals with the lenses, consultation solutions and other services that help them to develop their practice while changing the way people see the world. We see them as visionaries, and everything we do is for them. Founded in Japan in 1941, today, HOYA has a presence in over 80 countries across the globe.

What HOYA employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply