Optical Scientist Jobs in Florida
Optical Scientist jobs in Florida are concentrated in defense and aerospace, photonics research, and medical imaging, with demand at levels from early-career lab roles to senior systems engineers. Orlando, Melbourne, and the Space Coast corridor are the state's primary hiring centers, anchored by employers like Lockheed Martin, L3Harris Technologies, and CREOL at the University of Central Florida. Laser systems design, infrared sensor development, and optical fiber applications are among the most consistently sought specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Under direct supervision, perform a variety of tasks related to daily optical lab operations, production, and patient orders.
Essential Functions
Offer exceptional customer service by proactively communicating in a timely manner; calls patients or vendors to communicate delays/issues with lens orders
Order lenses and frames from appropriate lab or vendor based on vision plan
Perform shipping functions including efficiently working with time-sensitive shipments and maintaining records
Unpack and sort inbound frames and lenses to appropriate in-house trays or ships to various external labs as necessary
Routinely check products on order for delays or back orders and communicates and resolves order issues
Inventory control functions including assisting with stocking lenses, sorting and distributing trays, pulling lenses, and performing cosmetic inspection and restocking as needed
Assist with ordering lab supplies, working with vendors for all consumables; troubleshoots issues/problems, and creating lenses for glasses
Assist in efficiently moving work through the department
Maintain company safety standards
Maintain a clean workstation
Assist and cooperate with other departments
Ensure understanding and adherence to quality management and safety requirements, systems, and procedures
Other duties as assigned
Requirements:Job Specifications
Typically has the following skills or abilities:
Experience working in a fast-paced environment
One to two years of relative experience
Ability to meet department standards for productivity and quality
Ability to communicate at a level necessary to accomplish the above tasks
Good manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination
Ability to perform physical activities requiring bending, kneeling, and pulling/pushing
Ability to recognize and distinguish colors
Ability to understand and follow procedures
Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
Ability to walk or stand up to 100% of the time
For roles that are remote (i.e., Work From Home (WFM)) or hybrid (i.e., partial onsite at a VSP location and WFM), must demonstrate a high level of engagement in virtual environments, including maintaining camera presence during meetings to support effective communication and team alignment
Working Conditions
The working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust etc.
The working environment is well lighted and ventilated. Individuals are typically required to stand for long periods of time. Noise and dust from power-grinding machinery and other equipment is to be expected. Individuals may wear safety attire such as goggles and gloves and may work physically close to others, such as when sharing work areas. There are no major hazards.
VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
The compensation range for the role is listed below. Applicable salary ranges may differ across markets. Actual pay will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors permitted by law. As a part of the compensation package, this role may include eligible bonuses and commissions. For more information regarding Optical Outlets benefits, please visit opticaloutlets.com/careers
See All 47 Optical Scientist Jobs in Florida
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Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in Florida
Where Florida roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in Florida
A snapshot from current Florida openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Eyeglassworld14E
- Target Optical8

- Stanton Optical4

- L3Harris2

- Lockheed Martin2

Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
- Science & Research
- Media & Entertainment
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Florida Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across Florida.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in optics, physics, or optical engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience with optical design software such as Zemax or CODE V
- Demonstrated experience designing or testing laser, infrared, or imaging systems
- Active or eligible U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles in Florida
- Proficiency with laboratory metrology, interferometry, or wavefront sensing equipment
- Experience collaborating with systems engineers on electro-optical or photonic hardware programs
Optical Scientist Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optical scientist in Florida?
Optical scientists in Florida typically enter the field with at least a bachelor's degree in optics, physics, photonics, or a closely related engineering discipline, though many research and defense roles require a master's or doctorate. Florida does not issue a state license specific to optical scientists. Defense and aerospace employers on the Space Coast and in Orlando commonly expect candidates to be eligible for a federal security clearance, which becomes a practical hiring requirement for a large share of Florida openings.
Which companies hire optical scientists in Florida?
Companies currently hiring optical scientists in Florida include Eyeglassworld, Target Optical, and Stanton Optical, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Florida's dense cluster of defense contractors and the photonics research ecosystem centered around Orlando's CREOL institute makes the state one of the more active hiring markets for this specialty in the country.
Which Florida cities have the most optical scientist jobs?
Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville have the most optical scientist openings in Florida. Orlando and the Melbourne-Brevard County corridor account for the bulk of postings, driven by L3Harris Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and the University of Central Florida's photonics programs, while additional openings appear in Tampa and the Gainesville research corridor tied to university-affiliated labs and defense subcontractors.
Are there remote optical scientist jobs in Florida?
Yes, but they're rare. Optical scientist work is inherently hands-on, involving lab equipment, prototype hardware, and classified facilities that require physical presence. About 9% of optical scientist openings tied to Florida are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in modeling, simulation, or systems-level design work that does not require direct bench access.
How can I get hired as a optical scientist in Florida with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or associate optical engineer role attached to a university photonics lab, particularly at the University of Central Florida's CREOL or the University of Florida. Defense primes like L3Harris and Lockheed Martin on the Space Coast run co-op and early-career rotational programs that accept candidates without industry experience. Building a portfolio of optical design work in Zemax and obtaining a physics or optics degree with a senior thesis project strengthens applications considerably for Florida entry roles.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Florida?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Florida on Migrate Mate, which lists current Florida openings for this role. Search the available positions, find roles that fit your background and target location, and apply directly.
See All 47 Optical Scientist Jobs in Florida
Find roles in Florida that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist Jobs