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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Overview

Open roles47
Top employerEyeglassworld
Top cityOrlando, FL
Cities hiring30
Work type91% On-site
Top industryInsurance

Showing 5 of 47+ Optical Scientist jobs

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Optical Technician
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O
Added 2d ago
Optical Technician
optical outlets
Tampa, Florida
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Skilled Trades
$14.5 - $15.5/hr
Remote (US)

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E
General Manager - Optical
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E
Added 2d ago
General Manager - Optical
Eyeglassworld
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Business Operations
Customer Service
Customer Success
Bachelor's degree

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C4 Advanced Tactical Systems
Electro- Optical Assembly Technician
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C4 Advanced Tactical Systems
Added 3d ago
Electro- Optical Assembly Technician
C4 Advanced Tactical Systems
Orlando, Florida
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Skilled Trades
J-STD-001 Certification
11-50

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L3Harris
Senior Specialist, Software Engineering (SV Optical Communications Terminal Software Adaptor)
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L3Harris
Added 1w ago
Senior Specialist, Software Engineering (SV Optical Communications Terminal Software Adaptor)
L3Harris
Palm Bay, Florida
Embedded Systems Engineering
Software Engineering
Technical Program Management
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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A
Part time Optical Sales/ front desk / customer service
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A
Added 1w ago
Part time Optical Sales/ front desk / customer service
ASTUTE VISION CARE
Miami, Florida
Customer Service
Customer Service & Support
Customer Support
$15 - $17/hr
On-Site

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See All 47 Optical Scientist Jobs in Florida

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Optical Scientist Jobs by City in Florida

Where Florida roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Orlando
6 jobs
Miami
3 jobs
Jacksonville
3 jobs
Largo
2 jobs
Tampa
2 jobs
Palm Bay
2 jobs
Sarasota
2 jobs
Fort Myers
2 jobs
Lake Worth
2 jobs

Optical Scientist Job Market in Florida

A snapshot from current Florida openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • E
    Eyeglassworld14
  • Target Optical
    Target Optical8
  • Stanton Optical
    Stanton Optical4
  • L3Harris
    L3Harris2
  • Lockheed Martin
    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