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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America’s Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. Each location is focused on treating every eye with the attention and expertise they deserve. America’s Best believes in great care, for every kind of eye. Because every eye deserves better.
For more details about America's Best, visit AmericasBest.com.
Job Description
See your leadership skills in focus!
As a General Manager, you’ll lead a talented team, drive results, and create an amazing experience for both patients and associates every single day.
The General Manager is responsible for the overall success, sales, and profitability of the store. This includes managing all aspects of operations — from financial performance and team leadership to merchandising, training, and patient care.
You’ll set the tone for a positive, high-energy environment where exceptional service and teamwork thrive.
What You’ll Do
- Oversee all daily store operations, including staffing, inventory management, bookkeeping, planning, and enforcing company policies.
- Lead, train, and develop associates through consistent coaching, feedback, and growth opportunities.
- Monitor store performance and guide associates to deliver outstanding customer and patient experiences from start to finish.
- Partner with the Doctor to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care.
- Conduct store audits and uphold quality, merchandising, and service standards.
- Maintain open communication with the District Manager and provide accurate reporting.
- Ensure the store and facility meet all corporate and safety standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Execute marketing, merchandising, and promotional initiatives according to brand standards.
- Manage budgets, supplies, and inventory to meet financial goals.
- Recruit, hire, and retain top talent, creating schedules based on business needs and store traffic.
- Lead by example — coaching your team toward sales and service excellence.
- Provide clear, timely feedback and performance evaluations, while addressing issues proactively.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and maintain accurate associate files and records.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of retail experience. Supervising experience preferred.
- Knowledge of the optical industry is preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, and build strong associate relationships.
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Passion for providing exceptional customer service and driving sales.
- Solid understanding of store operations and business performance.
Additional Information
We reward hard work with competitive pay, bonus opportunities, and a benefits package to support you and your family now and in the future.
Our Benefits Include:
- Health & Dental Insurance
- 401k retirement savings with company match and stock purchase plan
- Flex Spending Account
- Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
- Parental leave
- Employee eyewear discount
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- College scholarship program
Focus on Professional Growth and Career Fulfillment:
- Training programs available
- Access to educational courses
- Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement
Join us today and see your future clearly!
We are an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
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 JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



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