Entry Level Optical Engineer Jobs
New grad optical engineer jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a hands-on optics portfolio can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are on-site roles concentrated in Electronics & Hardware, Telecommunications, and Technology & Software, with employers like Nokia, ASML, and Amazon hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Entry Level Optical Engineer jobs
Introduction to the job
As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will help develop the technology behind some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing systems. Your work will support the optical sensing solutions that enable precise wafer positioning and measurement, helping chipmakers produce faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient microchips.
At ASML in Wilton, Connecticut, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, build, test, and improve sophisticated optical sensor systems. As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will contribute directly to technology that powers innovation across consumer electronics, healthcare, automotive, and communications industries.
Role and Responsibilities
As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will work on the development and performance of advanced optical sensing technologies used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. You will combine optics, physics, data analysis, and hands-on experimentation to solve challenging technical problems and improve system performance.
- Design and develop optical sensor systems that integrate light sources, detectors, optical components, electronics, and software.
- Build, align, test, and troubleshoot optical and photonic systems in laboratory environments.
- Analyze experimental and system performance data to identify issues and improve sensor functionality.
- Develop and execute test plans to investigate technical problems and determine root causes.
- Implement and refine data analysis tools using MATLAB and Python.
- Collaborate with engineers across optics, software, electronics, and system integration disciplines.
- Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field, plus 2 or more years of relevant experience.
- Master’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
- Doctoral degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
Preferred experience includes:
- Experience with data analysis, signal processing, or scientific software development.
- Hands-on experience with optical system alignment, imaging systems, detectors, or photonic technologies.
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar engineering tools.
- Experience conducting laboratory testing and interpreting experimental results.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Skills
Working at the cutting edge of tech, you’ll always have new challenges and new problems to solve – and working together is the only way to do that. You won’t work in a silo. Instead, you’ll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment where you’ll collaborate with supportive colleagues. There is always space for creative and unique points of view. You’ll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems.
To thrive in this job, you’ll need the following skills:
- Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex technical challenges.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a continuous learning mindset.
- Interpret experimental data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
- Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Take ownership of assignments and follow through on commitments.
- Identify opportunities for process, performance, and design improvements.
- Build positive working relationships based on trust and respect.
- Maintain attention to detail while working with complex systems.
Other Information
This position is located on-site in Wilton, CT and requires regular in-person collaboration, laboratory work, training activities, and participation in team meetings. A flexible workplace arrangement may be available for eligible activities, with up to two remote workdays per week.
The role may require domestic and international travel based on business needs.
You may work in laboratory and cleanroom environments while wearing required protective equipment, including coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, hood coverings, and booties.
The current base annual salary range for this role is currently: $93,750 - $137,000
Additional Responsibilities: There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:
$0-0Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.
The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US .
All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.
This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
Inclusion and diversity
ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.
Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions .
Request an Accommodation
ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.
Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.
Introduction to the job
As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will help develop the technology behind some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing systems. Your work will support the optical sensing solutions that enable precise wafer positioning and measurement, helping chipmakers produce faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient microchips.
At ASML in Wilton, Connecticut, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design, build, test, and improve sophisticated optical sensor systems. As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will contribute directly to technology that powers innovation across consumer electronics, healthcare, automotive, and communications industries.
Role and Responsibilities
As an Optical Sensor Engineer, you will work on the development and performance of advanced optical sensing technologies used in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. You will combine optics, physics, data analysis, and hands-on experimentation to solve challenging technical problems and improve system performance.
- Design and develop optical sensor systems that integrate light sources, detectors, optical components, electronics, and software.
- Build, align, test, and troubleshoot optical and photonic systems in laboratory environments.
- Analyze experimental and system performance data to identify issues and improve sensor functionality.
- Develop and execute test plans to investigate technical problems and determine root causes.
- Implement and refine data analysis tools using MATLAB and Python.
- Collaborate with engineers across optics, software, electronics, and system integration disciplines.
- Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field, plus 2 or more years of relevant experience.
- Master’s degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
- Doctoral degree in physics, optics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
Preferred experience includes:
- Experience with data analysis, signal processing, or scientific software development.
- Hands-on experience with optical system alignment, imaging systems, detectors, or photonic technologies.
- Experience using MATLAB, Python, LabVIEW, or similar engineering tools.
- Experience conducting laboratory testing and interpreting experimental results.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Skills
Working at the cutting edge of tech, you’ll always have new challenges and new problems to solve – and working together is the only way to do that. You won’t work in a silo. Instead, you’ll be part of a creative, dynamic work environment where you’ll collaborate with supportive colleagues. There is always space for creative and unique points of view. You’ll have the flexibility and trust to choose how best to tackle tasks and solve problems.
To thrive in this job, you’ll need the following skills:
- Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to complex technical challenges.
- Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly in both written and verbal formats.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a continuous learning mindset.
- Interpret experimental data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
- Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Take ownership of assignments and follow through on commitments.
- Identify opportunities for process, performance, and design improvements.
- Build positive working relationships based on trust and respect.
- Maintain attention to detail while working with complex systems.
Other Information
This position is located on-site in Wilton, CT and requires regular in-person collaboration, laboratory work, training activities, and participation in team meetings. A flexible workplace arrangement may be available for eligible activities, with up to two remote workdays per week.
The role may require domestic and international travel based on business needs.
You may work in laboratory and cleanroom environments while wearing required protective equipment, including coveralls, gloves, safety glasses, hood coverings, and booties.
The current base annual salary range for this role is currently: $93,750 - $137,000
Additional Responsibilities: There is potential for exposure to strong magnetic fields, high voltage and currents.The current base annual salary range for this role is currently:
$0-0Pay scales are determined by role, level, location and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors that that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and pay relative to other team members.
The Company offers employees and their families, medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees are able to participate in the Company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive eight (8) hours of vacation leave every month and (13) paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more information, please contact the Recruiter or click on this link Compensation & Benefits in the US .
All new ASML jobs have a minimum application deadline of 10 days.
This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.
Inclusion and diversity
ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.
Need to know more about applying for a job at ASML? Read our frequently asked questions .
Request an Accommodation
ASML provides reasonable accommodations to applicants for ASML employment and ASML employees with disabilities. An accommodation is a change in work rules, facilities, or conditions which enable an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform the essential functions of a job, and/or enjoy equal access to the benefits and privileges of employment. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise participate in the employee pre-selection process, please send an email to USHR_Accommodation@asml.com to initiate the company’s reasonable accommodation process.
Please note: This email address is solely intended to provide a method for applicants to initiate ASML’s process to request accommodation(s). Any recruitment questions should be directed to the designated Talent Acquisition member for the position.
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- Electronics & Hardware
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Entry Level Optical Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level optical engineer job?
Start by building hands-on experience through senior capstone projects, university optics labs, or internships where you've worked with lenses, lasers, or imaging systems. Employers at this level look for familiarity with optical design software, a portfolio showing real design or test work, and a degree in optical engineering, physics, or a closely related field. Applying to companies with structured new grad programs also improves your odds.
Which companies hire entry level optical engineers?
Companies hiring entry level optical engineers right now include Nokia, ASML, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from defense contractors, medical device manufacturers, semiconductor equipment firms, and consumer optics companies that run structured junior engineering programs.
Are there remote entry level optical engineer jobs?
Yes, though most optical engineering roles at this level require hands-on lab or hardware access. About 0% of entry level optical engineer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, so options exist but on-site positions remain more common for candidates starting out in this hardware-intensive field.
Are these new grad optical engineer jobs?
Yes, the listings on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior optical engineer roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-op rotations toward the requirement, or explicitly accepts a strong portfolio in place of full-time work history. Filtering for "entry level" or "junior" surfaces the most accessible openings.
Which industries hire the most entry level optical engineers?
Entry Level optical engineer roles concentrate in Electronics & Hardware, Telecommunications, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely on optical systems for core products, from imaging and sensing hardware to precision instruments, and they build junior talent pipelines to support ongoing research and development.