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Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Atomicsemi

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

About the Role We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in ... Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation * Interface ...

Ara

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

Staff Laser Engineer 1 Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is ... Conduct laser/optical research experiments. * Develop experimental architectures using CW and ...

Jobtailor

Head of Optical Technical Sales

Dallas, TX · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Stay current on evolving technology evolution and engage with Optical R&D to evaluate applications ... sales engineers, commercial management, etc.) to drive the opportunity from initial lead to ...

Nokia

Head of Optical Technical Sales, NAM

Coppell, TX · On-site

... Engineering professionals to create the overall strategy, business pipeline, and develop ... Stay current on evolving technology evolution and engage with Optical R&D to evaluate applications ...

Nokia

Head of Optical Technical Sales, NAM

Coppell, TX · On-site

$177K - $329K/yr

... Engineering professionals to create the overall strategy, business pipeline, and develop ... Stay current on evolving technology evolution and engage with Optical R&D to evaluate applications ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes ... Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries * Preparing relevant ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes ... Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries * Preparing relevant ...

Neurophos

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Hands‑on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship ...

Neurophos Inc

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Hands-on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own optical testing and ... You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development and R&D teams, ensuring alignment ...

Nokia Corp.

Head of Optical Technical Sales, NAM

Dallas, TX · On-site

$177.23 - $329.14/hr

... Engineering professionals to create the overall strategy, business pipeline, and develop ... Stay current on evolving technology evolution and engage with Optical R&D to evaluate applications ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser ... early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Research Engineer JobsOptical Research Engineer Jobs in Texas

Optical Research Engineer information

See Texas salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical research engineer in Texas is $133,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas?

For Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Research Engineer jobs in Texas are:

Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Research Engineer job openings in Texas 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 $133,796 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Senior Lithography Research Engineer

Atomicsemi

Austin, TX • On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Atomic Semi

Atomic Semi is building a small, fast semiconductor fab.

It’s already possible to build this with today’s technology and a few simplifications. We’ll build the tools ourselves so we can quickly iterate and improve.

We’re building a small team of exceptional, hands-on engineers to make this happen. Mechanical, electrical, hardware, computer, and process. We’ll own the stack from atoms to architecture. Our team is optimistic about the future and we want to continue pushing the limits of technology.

Smaller is better. Faster is better. Building it ourselves is better.

We believe our team and lab can build anything. We’ve set up 3D printers, a wide array of microscopes, e-beam writers, general fabrication equipment - and whatever is missing, we’ll just invent along the way.

Atomic was founded by Sam Zeloof and Jim Keller. Sam is best known for making chips in his garage, and Jim has been a leader in the semiconductor industry for the past 40 years.

About the team

The Positioning Team operates on the nanometer scale. We build lithography, metrology, and motion systems that pattern, inspect, and characterize our chips to push our process to lower nodes.

About the Role

We are bringing on a Senior Lithography Research Engineer to lead our efforts in achieving precise geometry at lower node sizes. This is a highly autonomous, exploratory R&D role where you will drive the development of novel patterning approaches. You\'ll know you\'ve succeeded in your first 6 months when you have successfully simulated, designed, and fabricated advanced patterning hardware that integrates into our existing processes.

Responsibilities

  • Own the end-to-end development, simulation, and fabrication of novel patterning hardware

  • Drive exploratory R&D autonomously across optical design and nanofabrication

  • Simulate optical and nanophotonic behavior to guide hands-on physical experimentation

  • Interface closely with the process team to seamlessly integrate patterning hardware with adjacent deposition, development, and etch steps

Requirements

  • PhD, or equivalent, in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field

  • Demonstrated command of applied optics (including sub-wavelength and nanophotonic regimes) and experimental optics/metrology

  • Deep, hands-on expertise in nanofabrication and sub-micron patterning

  • Strong background in lithography and patterning hardware design, including advanced resolution-enhancement techniques

  • Proven ability to plan and execute complex R&D work autonomously, taking generative ideas all the way to working physical prototypes

Nice-to-haves

  • End-to-end fabrication experience with nanophotonic or sub-wavelength optical devices

  • Design experience with metasurfaces or metalenses

Working at Atomic Semi

We’re an early-stage hardware startup with solid funding, world-class advisors, and offices in Austin, TX and San Francisco, CA.

Benefits

Atomic Semi offers the following benefits, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

  • Generous Paid Time Off inclusive of Holidays and Sick Time

  • Visa Sponsorship

  • Life and Disability Insurance

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Weekly Learning & Development opportunities

  • Commuter Benefits including Parking and Late Night Uber rides from the office

  • Lunches daily, Dinners 3x per week, Stocked Office Kitchen with Snacks and Spindrifts

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability or other legally protected statuses.

Export Control Analysis: This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

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