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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Lead Electronics Engineer

PA ยท On-site

$105K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

... as optical sensing units for fuel systems, debris monitoring devices, chip-in-oil detectors, and ... Use advanced simulation tools (e.g., PSpice, LTSpice, ModelSim) to validate and optimize circuit ...

Physics 2 Tutor

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... engineering applications, and MCAT physical science preparation. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ... optics. Adapts instruction using visual simulations, worked examples, and laboratory-connected ...

Sales and Capture Manager

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Project Management, Engineering or related field ... electro-optics. Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and ...

Sales and Capture Manager

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Project Management, Engineering or related field ... electro-optics. Hardware-In-the-Loop motion simulators replicate the flight motion profiles and ...

College Physics Tutor

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of classical mechanics, thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and magnetism ... Adapts instruction using worked problems, PhET simulations, and laboratory-connected examples to ...

High School Physics Tutor

Pittsburgh, PA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... optics, electricity and magnetism, and introductory modern physics. Ability to explain Newton laws ... Adapts instruction using demonstrations, PhET simulations, and scaffolded problem sets to support ...

Sensors Team Lead

Pittsburgh, PA ยท On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Sim team to build accurate sensor simulation models and validate them through ... Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

Collaborate with the Sim team to build accurate sensor simulation models and validate them through ... Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

Sensors Team Lead

Pittsburgh, PA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Sim team to build accurate sensor simulation models and validate them through ... Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering ...

Showing results 21-35

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$80.6K

$139.4K

$163.6K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Pittsburgh, PA is $139,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,200.00 and $162,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical simulation engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an optical simulation engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:

$152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is with Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Technical Support, Mine Emergency Operations (MEO) Division.
MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining; promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners. MSHA carries out the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) as amended by the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.

Qualifications:

In addition to the basic requirements as described in the Education section, your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience and/or additional education requirements defined below. If qualifying based on experience, be sure these types of examples are evident in your resume.
Specialized Experience is the experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position successfully, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level.
For this position, specialized experience is defined as professional engineering work the demonstrates a thorough comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices of engineering in the mining industry including knowledge of rock mechanics concepts and methods of experimental stress analysis, underground mining equipment, and a comprehensive knowledge of long-wall mining as practiced in the United States.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, experience and skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Specialized experience must include all of the following:

  • Provides engineering expertise and analyzes highly complex technical problems associated with mine emergencies.
  • Manages mine emergency personnel, including training and logical (supplies and equipment) support, and assures mine emergency readiness and preparedness.
  • Experience related to conducting and participating in Mine Emergency Response Drills to simulate actual mine emergencies and provide evaluations and recommendations to appropriate Agency personnel and mine operators.
  • Facilitating a consensus in the face of opposing viewpoints in critical mine safety and health matters.
  • Plans, directs, and reviews the work of subordinate staff, comprised of engineers, scientists and other technical specialists.
Education:

You must meet the Basic Requirements to qualify for Supervisor General Engineer, as described below. Transcripts must be submitted to verify education requirements.
Basic Requirement:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum coursework requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.

Employment Type: OTHER