ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Compal

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ADAS cameras, including thermal infrared, for advanced driver assistance systems. Major ...

AURA

Senior Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$134K - $169K/yr

Optical System Layout, Design, Specifications, and Analysis * Layout, design, model, and analyze complete optical systems for telescope and instrument assemblies and subsystems. * Conduct wavefront ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Systems Jobs

Optical Systems information

See salary details

$12

$19

$26

How much do optical systems jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical systems in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Optical Systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Systems often encounter challenges such as precise alignment of optical components, maintaining system stability, and minimizing signal loss or distortion. These issues can be addressed by employing advanced alignment tools, rigorous quality control procedures, and thorough testing protocols. Collaboration with engineers and cross-disciplinary teams is also essential to troubleshoot and refine system designs. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements and standards in optics further helps in overcoming these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Optical Systems, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Systems, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a relevant degree such as optical engineering or applied physics. Familiarity with technical tools like Zemax, MATLAB, and CAD software, as well as experience with optical testing equipment, is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and implementing high-performance optical solutions that meet precise technical requirements.

What is the difference between Optical Systems vs Optical Technicians?

AspectOptical SystemsOptical Technicians
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optical engineering or related fieldOften requires technical certification or associate degree in optics or electronics
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, manufacturing settingsOptical labs, repair shops, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsCommonly employed in optical manufacturing, repair, and maintenance

Optical Systems professionals focus on designing and developing optical devices and systems, often requiring advanced degrees. Optical Technicians support these efforts through hands-on assembly, testing, and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the optics industry but differ mainly in their responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are optical systems?

Optical systems are assemblies or setups that use light and lenses, mirrors, or other optical components to manipulate, control, or detect light for a variety of applications. These systems are found in devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optics. They are essential in fields such as telecommunications, imaging, scientific research, and manufacturing, enabling precise measurement, visualization, and data transmission. Specialists in optical systems design, build, and maintain these complex assemblies to achieve specific optical performance.
More about Optical Systems jobs
What states have the most Optical Systems jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Systems jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems jobs are:
Optical Systems jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Systems job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,172 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Optical Engineer - Lens Design & Systems Analysis

Optical Engineer - Lens Design & Systems Analysis

Corning

Fairport, NY • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Corning rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 75748

The company built on breakthroughs. 
Join us.                   

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible. 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations- not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward. 

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. 

Come break through with us. 

Corning's businesses are ever-evolving to best serve our customers, industries, and consumers. Today, we accelerate and transform life sciences, mobile consumer electronics, optical communications, display, automotive, and solar markets. We are changing the world with: 

  • Trusted products that accelerate drug discovery, development, and delivery to save lives
  • Damage-resistant cover glass to enhance the devices that keep us connected
  • Optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions to carry information and ideas at the speed of light
  • Precision glass for advanced displays to deliver richer experiences 
  • Auto glass and ceramics to drive cleaner, safer, and smarter transportation 
  • Solar polysilicon, wafers, and innovative photovoltaic modules, enabling low-cost solar energy solutions

Purpose of Position

Corning Advanced Optics is seeking an experienced optical design engineer to join our team.  This engineer will contribute to the design, analysis, tolerancing, and build of complex optical systems, working in multidisciplinary teams of engineers from concept development through hardware delivery.

Day to Day Responsibilities

  • Participate in early-stage discussions with customers to distill & translate customer requirements into concrete system specifications.
  • Develop lens design forms for complex optical systems that meet these system specifications.
  • Develop manufacturing tolerances and build strategies for these lens systems using custom sensitivity and tolerancing software.
  • Collaborate with system metrology and controls engineers to develop appropriate measurement and optimization test benches.
  • Provide optical design support to both prototype development and long-term manufacturing.
  • Analyze the influential metrics to understand operational performance of an optical system.
  • Document optical design details that include lens prescription, build strategy, tolerances, and critical analysis.
  • Plan and implement optical design processes to transfer the system to production.

In summary, this engineer will work within a multi-disciplinary project team to design, analyze, engineer, and build lens systems from concept to hardware completion.                  

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum BS degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field. 
  • 5+ years of industry experience in optical design engineering, working on the full life cycle of complex optical systems, from design concept to hardware delivery.
  • Proficiency using commercial optical design software for the design, optimization, and analysis of imaging optical systems; experience with CODE V is preferred
  • Experience with distilling a complex set of customer optical system requirements into cohesive optical design specifications.
  • Keen understanding of optical manufacturing strategies, sensitivity analysis, tolerancing, and fabrication methods.
  • Familiarity with lens system performance metrics, including first-order properties, wavefront error, resolution, distortion, polarization-sensitive performance (transmission, retardance, and diattenuation), etc..
  • Ability to present and communicate optical design concepts, tradeoffs, and technical details to a multi-disciplinary team and with the customer.

Desired Qualifications

  • MS, PhD degree preferred
  • Experience supporting and designing optical projects through concept design, engineering development, and hardware delivery.
  • Knowledge of optical design principles for imaging and/or illumination systems.
  • Familiarity with optical designs for illumination systems.
  • Experience using a wide range of optical software analysis tools for both imaging and illumination systems, including CODE V, Zemax, LightTools, FRED, etc..
  • Broad optical design experience in monochromatic and broadband lens systems operating in the UV and/or visible portions of the spectrum.
  • Familiarity with refractive, reflective and catadioptric design forms.
  • Macro development in optical design code, data analysis and script development in MATLAB or Python.
  • Solid background in mathematics (calculus and linear algebra) and in geometrical and physical optics, to be equipped to work with proprietary or novel performance metrics for our most challenging optical systems.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.

The range for this position is $112,902.00 - $155,240.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

What Corning employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply