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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 ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

$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 ...

nLIGHT

Electro-Optical Technician

Longmont, CO

$30 - $45/hr

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

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Hands on experience with optical and electrical test and measurement equipment including programmable optical power meters, attenuators, and switches, optical spectrum analyzers, digital multi-meters ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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 · On-site

$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

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

Hands on experience with optical and electrical test and measurement equipment including programmable optical power meters, attenuators, and switches, optical spectrum analyzers, digital multi-meters ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$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

Optical Test Development Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Hands on experience with optical and electrical test and measurement equipment including programmable optical power meters, attenuators, and switches, optical spectrum analyzers, digital multi-meters ...

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Optical Spectroscopy information

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How much do optical spectroscopy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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
Infographic showing various Optical Spectroscopy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Cryogenic Microwave Circuits for Single Optical Quantum Dot Readout

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Boulder, CO • On-site

$88K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title:Postdoctoral Fellow - Cryogenic Microwave Circuits for Single Optical Quantum Dot Readout
The work will entail: The Quantum Nanophotonics group has recently demonstrated hybrid systems combining semiconductor optical quantum dots (QDs) and acoustic resonators as a promising platform for quantum information processing and transmission. All aspects of this work are performed 'in house' using NIST's state-of-the-art nanofabrication, molecular beam epitaxy, and low-temperature optical spectroscopy tools. The successful candidate will help lead this project, building on recent accomplishments, towards the goal of generating remote entanglement between superconducting qubits.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Precision spectroscopy of Indium Arsenide quantum dots (QDs) embedded in acoustical resonators.
  • Design and fabricate superconducting resonators for impedance matching of GHz acoustic cavities.
  • Analyze and interpret the microwave and optical characteristics of the hybrid microwave/optical system.
  • Work as a member of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
  • Provide technical input to research problems which have been recognized as critical obstacles to progress in areas of exceptional interest.
  • Prepare and review journal publications, contributing important advancements to quantum optics, quantum networking, optical communications, and optical measurement techniques.
  • Attend research conferences and present technical results.

Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in Physics or closely related field.
  • Experience with cryogenic microwave circuit design and testing
  • Experience with design and spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructures.
  • Experience running state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools.
  • Experience with optical measurement techniques such as coherent detection, resonance florescence, confocal microscopy, laser diagnostics, noise characterization, and statistical optics.
  • Experience in cryogenic measurements at liquid Helium temperatures
  • Experience in finite-element simulation of semiconductor devices.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004682

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