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Optical Spectroscopy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Our team provides opportunities for individuals to give across a spectrum of areas. Outstanding ... As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and ...

Hands-on experience working with electrical and optical test equipment: optical spectrum analyzer, digital communication analyzers, high-speed electric scopes, wavelength and power meters.

Our team provides opportunities for individuals to give across a spectrum of areas. Outstanding ... Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for ...

DWDM Engineer

Atlanta, GA

$124K - $160K/yr

Utilize OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer), OSA (Optical Spectrum Analyzer), and BERT (Bit Error Rate Test) equipment to localize fiber faults and signal degradation. * NOC Support: Act as the ...

Optical Engineer

Warren, NJ · On-site

$65K - $126K/yr

Conduct functional testing of electrical and optical/fiber assemblies using various test equipment, such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, arbitrary waveform generators, spectrum analyzers, power 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.
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:
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.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple's display technology team features a collaborative environment with creative and elite products & pioneering technologies. Our team provides opportunities for individuals to give across a spectrum of areas. Outstanding engineering excellence and thoroughness are expected and encouraged. Innovation, IP and patent creation are highly supported and valued. Opening the boundaries to design and ship innovative products with outstanding technologies and user experiences are the goals of our team. Join us in crafting solutions the world doesn't know of yet. To be successful, you thrive in a dynamic, agile, multi-disciplinary, and hands-on environment that values engineering excellence, creativity, and innovation.
As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical instruments are for calibrating and testing optical display modules, across multiple product lines (e.g. vision, phone, watch, mac, pad ...), in NPI (new product introduction) stage.
BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
Thorough understanding and experiences in optical instruments (imaging and non-imaging) design, modeling and performance quantification.Strong analytical model building and problem-solving capabilityProficiency in one or more optical modeling tools for imaging optics (e.g. Zemax, LightTools, etc.), and/or physical optics (e.g. FDTD, RCWA, etc.)Ability to communicate clearly and efficiently across a range of technical subject areas with a broad slate of partners, including management, peers, and suppliers.Deep experience in any of the following fields is a plus: AR/VR display, camera lens, camera, OCT, LIDAR, microscopy, spectroscopy, optical wavefront metrology, semiconductor laser, optical grating, prescription glasses, tunable light source, or integrating sphere.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976