What Is an Optical Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

An optical engineer is a scientist that oversees the development and application of devices that use light and optics. This could be anything from a basic telescope to a high tech medical laser. As an optical engineer, your responsibilities include researching the science behind the product, improving designs of an existing device, developing new devices, and testing them in their intended application. Most optical engineering work exists in the private sector, but you can also find positions at observatories, maintaining equipment and conducting research. You likely need a master’s degree in engineering or physics, though some employers will accept a bachelor’s degree. Optical engineering programs do exist, but they are uncommon.