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Optical Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lumilens

Optical Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Hands-on experience with optical test instruments (e.g., optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, polarization controllers, bit-error-rate testers) * Familiarity with communication interfaces and ...

Lumilens

Optical Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Hands-on experience with optical test instruments (e.g., optical spectrum analyzers, power meters, polarization controllers, bit-error-rate testers) * Familiarity with communication interfaces and ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

IPG Photonics

Laser Scientist

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Working knowledge of laser physics, condensed matter physics and optical spectroscopy * Deep expertise in nonlinear optics, frequency conversion, including operation in DUV/VUV regimes * Experience ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers). * Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers). * Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers). * Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks ...

IonQ

Senior Optical Test Setup Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Requirements: * 3+ years of professional experience in optical spectroscopy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Master or Ph.D. in engineering, physics, or a related field ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

Hands-on experience with characterizing and troubleshooting high-speed coherent optical transceivers using various lab equipment such as optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), wave analyzers, and real ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Operate standard alignment and test equipment (autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrophotometers, optical spectrum analyzers). * Perform mechanical and optical assembly tasks ...

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Optical Spectroscopy information

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How much do optical spectroscopy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical spectroscopy in the United States is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 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.
More about Optical Spectroscopy jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Spectroscopy jobs? The most popular types of Optical Spectroscopy jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Spectroscopy jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Spectroscopy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Spectroscopy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Spectroscopy jobs are:
Optical Spectroscopy jobs near you

Optical Test Engineer

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.
Scaling advanced photonics demands test and measurement systems as sophisticated as the devices themselves. We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design, build, and validate the optical test infrastructure that ensures our products meet rigorous performance, yield, and reliability standards-from wafer-level characterization through integrated module validation. You will be the critical link between design intent and production reality, turning data into actionable insight across every stage of our manufacturing pipeline.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Partner with PIC design, electrical, mechanical and test teams to define requirements for production and develop test approaches for complex hardware
  • Design, build, and validate optical test systems including imaging, microscopy, polarimetry, profilometry, and interferometry
  • Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance
  • Assist with validation activities, including performance characterization at the wafer-, die-, and integrated module level
  • Work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to identify drivers of performance, yield, reliability, and quality issues
  • Review designs for manufacturability; drive integration build flow, test operations, and execution readiness

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, lasers, or test
  • Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g., power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzers)
  • 1+ years of programming experience (e.g., C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • Experience in optical lab or production environments with strong attention to detail
  • Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax)
  • Experience integrating and testing electrical and/or avionics systems
  • Experience with documentation practices and configuration management
  • Hands-on experience with electro-optic wafer- and die-level test systems
  • Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
  • Experience writing test plans and procedures, and delivering go/no-go decisions with clear rationale
  • CAD proficiency (NX preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Optical Test Engineer: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
  • Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
  • 401(k) retirement plan access.
  • Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.

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