Optical Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Optical Scientist jobs in Illinois concentrate in defense and aerospace systems, photonics research, and medical imaging, with demand at levels from entry-level lab roles to senior systems engineers. Chicago, the western suburbs around Naperville and Lisle, and the Champaign-Urbana corridor are the primary hiring centers, anchored by employers such as Northrop Grumman, Illinois Tool Works, and the University of Illinois. The most active specialties in Illinois are laser systems, fiber optics, and optical sensing for both defense and commercial applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles17
Top employerAmerica's Best
Top cityChicago, IL
Cities hiring11
Work type71% On-site
Top industryInsurance

Showing 5 of 17+ Optical Scientist jobs

America's Best
General Manager - Optical
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America's Best
New 21h ago
General Manager - Optical
America's Best
Oswego, Illinois
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Project Management
$45k - $54k.4/yr
Bachelor's degree

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America's Best
Sales Associate – Optical - Part Time
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America's Best
Added 2d ago
Sales Associate – Optical - Part Time
America's Best
Joliet, Illinois
Business Operations
Revenue Operations & Enablement
Sales
$15 - $17.58/hr
High school diploma or GED

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Oswego Vision
Optician / Optical Manager
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Oswego Vision
Added 3d ago
Optician / Optical Manager
Oswego Vision
Oswego, Illinois
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Project Management
On-Site

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Eye Care Center, Ltd
Optical Sales Lead (Bilingual – Spanish)
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Eye Care Center, Ltd
Added 3d ago
Optical Sales Lead (Bilingual – Spanish)
Eye Care Center, Ltd
Addison, Illinois
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Medical Specialists
On-Site

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Advanced Vision Care
Sales Associate / Optical Consultant (Will Train!)
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Advanced Vision Care
Added 6d ago
Sales Associate / Optical Consultant (Will Train!)
Advanced Vision Care
Columbia, Illinois
Account Management
Customer Success
Sales
$19 - $21/hr
Hybrid

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See All 17 Optical Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Optical Scientist Jobs by City in Illinois

Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Chicago
6 jobs
Oswego
2 jobs
Joliet
1 job
Addison
1 job
Columbia
1 job
Rockford
1 job
Northbrook
1 job
Wood River
1 job
Springfield
1 job

Optical Scientist Job Market in Illinois

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

Who's Hiring

America's Best
America's Best2 open roles
Target Optical
Target Optical2 open roles
ABB Optical
ABB Optical2 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Insurance

What Illinois Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across Illinois.

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in optics, physics, or optical engineering required
  • Hands-on experience with laser design, fiber optics, or optical system integration
  • Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, CODE V, or LightTools
  • Ability to obtain or hold a U.S. security clearance for defense-related roles
  • Experience characterizing and testing optical components in a laboratory setting
  • Familiarity with imaging systems, sensor integration, or photonics fabrication processes

Optical Scientist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a optical scientist in Illinois?

Optical scientist roles in Illinois do not require a state-issued license, so the path begins with a bachelor's degree in optical science, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field, and most Illinois employers prefer a master's or doctorate for research positions. Candidates who build hands-on laboratory experience through programs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or Illinois Institute of Technology are well positioned. Security clearance eligibility is an additional advantage for defense-sector openings in the Chicago metro and western suburbs.

Which companies hire optical scientists in Illinois?

Companies currently hiring optical scientists in Illinois include America's Best, Target Optical, and ABB Optical, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Illinois's concentration of defense contractors in the Chicago suburbs and research institutions in Champaign-Urbana means openings appear steadily throughout the year rather than only during seasonal hiring cycles.

Which Illinois cities have the most optical scientist jobs?

Chicago, Oswego, and Joliet account for the most optical scientist openings in Illinois. Chicago draws the broadest mix of employers across medical imaging, photonics manufacturing, and defense, while the western suburban corridor around Naperville and Lisle is home to major aerospace and systems contractors, and Champaign-Urbana anchors university-affiliated and spin-off research roles.

Are there remote optical scientist jobs in Illinois?

Yes, but they're rare. Most optical scientist work requires physical access to laboratories, test equipment, or controlled fabrication environments, which limits remote options by the nature of the role. About 29% of optical scientist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to involve computational modeling, optical design simulation, or systems analysis rather than hands-on experimentation.

How can I get hired as a optical scientist in Illinois with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or junior optical engineer role secured through a university-affiliated lab or a defense contractor's new-graduate program. The University of Illinois and Illinois Institute of Technology regularly place graduates directly with Illinois employers, and contractors such as Northrop Grumman run structured new-grad rotations in the Chicago suburbs. Candidates from adjacent roles in electrical engineering, physics research, or precision manufacturing who can demonstrate Zemax proficiency or laboratory instrumentation skills are also competitive for associate-level openings.

Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Illinois?

You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.

See All 17 Optical Scientist Jobs in Illinois

Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Optical Scientist Jobs