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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Sumter, SC (NOW HIRING)

Physics 2 Tutor

Columbia, SC · 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 ...

College Physics Tutor

Columbia, SC · 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 ...

... 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 ...

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Sumter, SC salary details

$73.9K

$127.9K

$150.1K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Sumter, SC is $127,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,900.00 and $148,700.00 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 Sumter, SC?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Sumter, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 160 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is looking for a Solutions Engineer to join our team focused on high-speed digital and optical technologies. In this role, you will work closely with Keysight's Field Sales team to understand customer measurement challenges, demonstrate Keysight’s solutions, and enable our customers to be successful. As the key technical resource in the pre-sales process, you will develop product and application expertise through which you can work to create customer preference for Keysight products.

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~16,800 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.


Responsibilities

Keysight is looking for a Solutions Engineer to join our team focused on high-speed digital and optical technologies. In this role, you will work closely with Keysight's Field Sales team to understand customer measurement challenges, demonstrate Keysight’s solutions, and enable our customers to be successful. As the key technical resource in the pre-sales process, you will develop product and application expertise through which you can work to create customer preference for Keysight products.

Here are some tasks that a Solutions Engineer on this team would perform on a regular basis:

  • Develop and maintain expertise key high-speed digital and optical products including oscilloscopes, bit error rate testers, arbitrary waveform generators, protocol analyzers, optical component test solutions, and others
  • Translate customer’s measurement or application requirements into solutions built around Keysight hardware and software products
  • Plan and deliver complex demonstrations of test solutions to customers at their site
  • Create and present technical presentations and demos at seminars, on-site customer events, and occasionally trade shows
  • Act as the customer voice to influence future product design and development decisions
  • Collaborate on projects with stakeholders from various internal teams including account management, marketing, industry solution planning, R&D, and services

This position within our high-speed digital and optical solutions engineering team often involves working on the following application areas:

  • PCIe, USB, HDMI, DisplayPort and other computer bus standards
  • IEEE, OIF, and LPO standards for 100G/200G/400G/800G/1.6T/3.2T applications
  • DDR memory design and test
  • MIPI D/M/C-PHY design and test
  • Automotive electrical communication interfaces
  • Testing related to optical components, optical transceivers, and coherent optical communications
  • Other areas include signal integrity, jitter analysis, time domain reflectometry, network analysis, protocol analysis, and wideband signal analysis

Keysight values engineers with strong technical backgrounds and excellent communication skills. Effective communication is crucial for this role and your career growth. You should be able to work well in teams, understand team dynamics, and demonstrate leadership skills. We seek candidates who are dynamic and persuasive in professional settings.

This position offers a compensation structure of 90% salary and 10% commission, with 100% target pay achieved at 100% of targeted sales. Higher commission rates apply once the target is exceeded.

This person should be located in the Southeast, ideally in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida. Travel expectation is targeted as 25-40% for this role.


Qualifications
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
  • 5+ years of relevant industry experience with customer-facing technical responsibilities, ideally as a solutions engineer
  • Hand-on experience with relevant test equipment, measurement workflows, solution development, and customer technical problem solving
  • Strong understanding of high-speed digital measurement applications and/or optical communications interfaces with an emphasis on physical layer AI infrastructure technologies
  • Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Passion for continuous learning
  • Familiarity with programming languages such as C#, C, Python, and/or MATLAB
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • This is a field job and candidate must be capable of driving a company vehicle and transporting test equipment to/from customer sites (ability to lift 50 lbs)

Additional characteristics of candidates we are seeking for this position include:

  • Independent professional that works best under broad and general directions
  • Highly competitive, assertive with a passion to "win" and "teach"
  • Ability to create a vision and convey the message in a persuasive manner
  • Comfortable in challenging customers by offering the customer unique perspectives
  • Sociable, people oriented, outgoing, desires quality customer interactions, and wants to earn recognition

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

Pay Range MIN $150,730.00 MIDPOINT $200,970.00 MAX $251,220.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

#LI-EY1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Qualifications:
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
  • 5+ years of relevant industry experience with customer-facing technical responsibilities, ideally as a solutions engineer
  • Hand-on experience with relevant test equipment, measurement workflows, solution development, and customer technical problem solving
  • Strong understanding of high-speed digital measurement applications and/or optical communications interfaces with an emphasis on physical layer AI infrastructure technologies
  • Strong communication, presentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Passion for continuous learning
  • Familiarity with programming languages such as C#, C, Python, and/or MATLAB
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • This is a field job and candidate must be capable of driving a company vehicle and transporting test equipment to/from customer sites (ability to lift 50 lbs)

Additional characteristics of candidates we are seeking for this position include:

  • Independent professional that works best under broad and general directions
  • Highly competitive, assertive with a passion to "win" and "teach"
  • Ability to create a vision and convey the message in a persuasive manner
  • Comfortable in challenging customers by offering the customer unique perspectives
  • Sociable, people oriented, outgoing, desires quality customer interactions, and wants to earn recognition

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

Pay Range MIN $150,730.00 MIDPOINT $200,970.00 MAX $251,220.00

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

#LI-EY1

Careers Privacy Statement***Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer.***

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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