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Optical Spectroscopy Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician

Bastrop, TX

$19.50 - $26/hr

RF equipment (VNAs, dielectric testers); optical spectroscopy equipment (spectrophotometers, ellipsometers, photoluminescence) and mechanical test frames. * Prepare reports on generated materials ...

SpaceX

Materials R&D Technician

Bastrop, TX · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

RF equipment (VNAs, dielectric testers); optical spectroscopy equipment (spectrophotometers, ellipsometers, photoluminescence) and mechanical test frames. * Prepare reports on generated materials ...

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Conduct research and development in optical sensors, signal processing, spectroscopy, and/or general optics. * Contribute to technical writing, including reports, standard operating procedures, and ...

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Proficiency in optical diagnostics and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements). * Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code ...

Volks Resources

Fiber Splicer

Abilene, TX · On-site

$21.25 - $25.25/hr

Experience on large-scale fiber deployment projects * AT&T, Spectrum, or similar telecom project experience * Certifications in fiber optics (a plus) What We Offer * Competitive pay (based on ...

4406

Research Scientist, Optics, Levi Lab

Dallas, TX · On-site

Current projects in the Levi laboratory are related to optical imaging of skin and burn wounds. The laboratory integrates near-infrared, short wave infrared and visible spectrum imaging approaches to ...

Varsity Tutors

Physics 2 Tutor

Amarillo, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain Gauss law, electromagnetic induction, wave optics, and the photoelectric effect ... and interpreting atomic spectra. Emphasizes connecting mathematical formalism to physical ...

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All JobsOptical Spectroscopy JobsOptical Spectroscopy Jobs in Texas

Optical Spectroscopy information

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$11

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$21

How much do optical spectroscopy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical spectroscopy in Texas is $16.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $17.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Spectroscopist, and why are they important?

To excel as an Optical Spectroscopist, you need a strong background in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, typically with a relevant degree such as physics or materials science. Familiarity with spectroscopic instruments, data analysis software, and laboratory safety procedures is essential, often supported by experience with tools like MATLAB or LabVIEW. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are valuable soft skills for interpreting results and collaborating with research teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, meaningful analysis, and effective contribution to scientific or industrial advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical spectroscopy, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in optical spectroscopy often encounter challenges such as instrument calibration, interference from ambient light, and sample preparation consistency. Managing these issues typically involves regular maintenance and calibration of equipment, working in controlled environments, and adhering to standardized protocols for sample handling. Collaboration with team members, including chemists and engineers, is common for troubleshooting and optimizing experimental setups. Staying updated with advancements in spectroscopy techniques and software also helps in overcoming technical hurdles and improving data accuracy.

What is the difference between Optical Spectroscopy vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical Spectroscopy

Credential RequirementsTypically requires a degree in physics, chemistry, or related field; certifications in spectroscopy are common.
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, research facilities, or industrial labs.
Industry UsageUsed in scientific research, material analysis, and quality control.

Optical Spectroscopy involves analyzing light spectra to study materials, requiring advanced technical knowledge and specialized equipment. In contrast, an Optical Technician primarily assists in setting up optical devices, performing maintenance, and supporting optical systems. While both roles work with optical equipment, Optical Spectroscopy is research-focused with a deeper understanding of spectral analysis, whereas Optical Technicians focus on operational support and equipment handling.

What is optical spectroscopy?

Optical spectroscopy is a technique used to study the interaction between light (typically in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared range) and matter. By analyzing how materials absorb, emit, or scatter light, scientists can determine the composition, structure, and properties of substances. This method is widely used in fields like chemistry, physics, biology, and material science for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas? For Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Spectroscopy jobs in Texas are:
Optical Spectroscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Spectroscopy job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,074 per year, or $16.4 per hour.
Materials R&D Technician

Materials R&D Technician

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX

$19.50 - $26/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

MATERIALS R&D TECHNICIAN 

In this role as a Materials R&D Technician, you will focus on daily lab operations to support materials and process development, failure investigations, process control validation, and more-for Starlink user terminals, gateways, printed circuit boards, panel-level packaging, and solar products. Hands-on laboratory experience is required. A basic understanding of materials science fundamentals is preferred. The ideal candidate is highly skilled in setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory equipment. Success in this role requires being hands-on, flexible, a quick learner, organized, detail-oriented, and having a collaborative, results-oriented attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Maintain safe and efficient operations by enforcing proper workflow, safety, cleanliness, organization, and inventory control of lab consumables.
  • Support maintenance and calibration needs of lab instrumentation.
  • Ensure proper and consistent sample preparation and traceability for materials testing.
  • Calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and operate thermoanalytical equipment (DSC, DMA, TGA, TMA); microscopy tools (FTIR, Raman, SEM/EDS); RF equipment (VNAs, dielectric testers); optical spectroscopy equipment (spectrophotometers, ellipsometers, photoluminescence) and mechanical test frames. 
  • Prepare reports on generated materials test data. Provide basic interpretations of results to requesters and flag off-nominal results for engineering review.
  • Summarize data and document results in an organized and thorough manner. 
  • Develop, author, and implement standard operating procedures.
  • Manage lab backlog and ensure requests are performed according to program priorities.
  • Champion larger-scale lab improvement initiatives while completing day-to-day test requests.
  • Promote 5S principles for organizing and sustaining a clean, tidy workspace.
  • Properly use and maintain precision-calibrated tools, such as micrometers and calipers, to ensure accurate measurements.
  • Familiarize yourself with relevant ASTM, ISO, and IPC standards.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
  • 1+ years of materials testing experience in a laboratory environment.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Associate degree in an applied science field or 2+ years of professional experience in a lab environment.
  • Knowledge of safe work practices in environments involving furnaces, environmental chambers, saws, solvents, acids/bases, etc.
  • Understanding of basic materials science fundamentals.
  • Experience setting up and running tests and experiments.
  • Positive attitude and experience working on cross-functional teams.
  • Strong attention to detail when executing test instructions.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Atlassian JIRA, and work order systems.
  • Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to collaborate closely with engineering teams.
  • Strong organizational skills to keep work areas tidy and manage workflow.
  • Creative approach to problem-solving, with a willingness to learn and try new things.
  • Experience using various hand tools and/or power tools.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Able to work off-shifts and available for overtime and weekends if needed. 
  • Able to wear appropriate PPE for lab and machine shop environment.
  • Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. unassisted.
  • Lifting, standing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying are generally required to perform the functions of this position.

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