Optical Scientist Jobs in North Carolina
Optical Scientist jobs in North Carolina are concentrated in defense photonics, semiconductor research, and university-affiliated optics programs, with demand at every level from early-career lab roles to senior systems engineers. Most hiring is in the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill), Charlotte, and the Triad, where employers like II-VI Incorporated, Wolfspeed, and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) maintain significant operations. The most in-demand specialties are laser systems design, fiber optics, and optical component testing for defense and power electronics applications. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Want to bring the “care” back to the vision care industry? We're looking for charismatic types who are ready to be the heart of our brand. Whether it's a friendly voice over the phone, or a welcoming smile when a patient walks into your store, we need individuals who are passionate about helping customers look great and see great.
Pay Class: Part Time
Pay: $12.82 - $17.29 per hour
The Role:
A Visionworks Sr. Optical Specialist-Lead/Sales Lead is the very face of our business and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient and customer. This person is trained and knowledgeable about optics, our products/services and managed vision care. The Sr. OS personally takes the patient/customer through the Visionworks experience ensuring their eyewear needs are met in a simple, human and bold way. A Senior Optical Specialist has 12 mo. prior industry (optical) experience.
The SR. OS currently has and maintains license requirements per state guidelines in this role and dispenses eyewear in states where required and/if licensed.
- Delivers daily sales goals by ensuring the best execution of the Customer/Patient Experience journey
- Engage with patients/customers and recommend products and services that meet their eye care needs
- Measure patients/customers for their eyewear and maintain product/optical knowledge through cont. training and development to ensure eyewear is Right the First Time. May troubleshoot eyewear needs as necessary
- Execute day-to-day operational activities to support the store's financial and customer experience goals including opening and closing the store as needed in LEAD positions only
- 12 months optical experience necessary (within Visionworks or other organization) or ABO Certification in lieu of experience
- HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience
- Maintain Optician License requirements per state guidelines, as needed (Licensed
At Visionworks, we offer a generous, competitive benefits package (for our part timers, too!) and exclusive employee discounts —including but not limited to
- Vision Coverage
- Paid Parental Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- 401 (k) Savings Plan
- Paid Time off
- Milestone anniversary awards
- Medical, Dental for Full Timers
- And more!
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.
Compensation range for the roles is listed above. Applicable salary rangers 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, equity, and commissions.
Want to bring the “care” back to the vision care industry? We're looking for charismatic types who are ready to be the heart of our brand. Whether it's a friendly voice over the phone, or a welcoming smile when a patient walks into your store, we need individuals who are passionate about helping customers look great and see great.
Pay Class: Part Time
Pay: $12.82 - $17.29 per hour
The Role:
A Visionworks Sr. Optical Specialist-Lead/Sales Lead is the very face of our business and is dedicated to ensuring the best possible journey for every patient and customer. This person is trained and knowledgeable about optics, our products/services and managed vision care. The Sr. OS personally takes the patient/customer through the Visionworks experience ensuring their eyewear needs are met in a simple, human and bold way. A Senior Optical Specialist has 12 mo. prior industry (optical) experience.
The SR. OS currently has and maintains license requirements per state guidelines in this role and dispenses eyewear in states where required and/if licensed.
- Delivers daily sales goals by ensuring the best execution of the Customer/Patient Experience journey
- Engage with patients/customers and recommend products and services that meet their eye care needs
- Measure patients/customers for their eyewear and maintain product/optical knowledge through cont. training and development to ensure eyewear is Right the First Time. May troubleshoot eyewear needs as necessary
- Execute day-to-day operational activities to support the store's financial and customer experience goals including opening and closing the store as needed in LEAD positions only
- 12 months optical experience necessary (within Visionworks or other organization) or ABO Certification in lieu of experience
- HS diploma, GED or equivalent related job experience
- Maintain Optician License requirements per state guidelines, as needed (Licensed
At Visionworks, we offer a generous, competitive benefits package (for our part timers, too!) and exclusive employee discounts —including but not limited to
- Vision Coverage
- Paid Parental Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- 401 (k) Savings Plan
- Paid Time off
- Milestone anniversary awards
- Medical, Dental for Full Timers
- And more!
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.
Compensation range for the roles is listed above. Applicable salary rangers 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, equity, and commissions.
See All 22 Optical Scientist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in North Carolina
Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Science & Research
- Chemicals & Materials
- Electronics & Hardware
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in optical engineering, physics, or photonics required
- Hands-on experience with optical system design, modeling, or characterization tools
- Proficiency in Zemax, CODE V, or similar optical simulation software
- Familiarity with semiconductor fabrication or photonic integrated circuit processes
- Active or eligible U.S. security clearance for defense-sector positions in North Carolina
- Experience with fiber optic components, laser systems, or electro-optical sensor testing
Optical Scientist Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optical scientist in North Carolina?
Becoming an optical scientist in North Carolina typically starts with a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, applied mathematics, or photonics, though many research and defense roles prefer a master's or PhD. North Carolina does not issue a state-specific license for optical scientists, so credentials are employer-driven. The Research Triangle's dense network of universities and defense contractors makes it a practical entry point, and new graduates often pursue roles at national labs or photonics companies affiliated with North Carolina State University or Duke University.
Which companies hire optical scientists in North Carolina?
Employers hiring optical scientists in North Carolina right now include Triangle Visions Optometry, Visionworks, and Stanton Optical, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. North Carolina's defense corridor and semiconductor industry mean many openings are tied to long-standing government contractors and power electronics firms anchored in the Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro areas.
Which North Carolina cities have the most optical scientist jobs?
The cities with the most optical scientist openings in North Carolina are Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Salisbury. The Research Triangle dominates because of its concentration of defense contractors, photonics startups, and university research programs at NC State and Duke, while Charlotte and the Triad draw openings from semiconductor manufacturers and electro-optical systems companies with large regional facilities.
Are there remote optical scientist jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're rare. Optical scientist work is largely hands-on, involving lab equipment, fabrication environments, and physical prototype testing, which limits remote options significantly. About 25% of optical scientist openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to be in modeling, simulation, or systems engineering where the core deliverable is software or documentation rather than physical optics work.
How can I get hired as a optical scientist in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or junior engineer role at one of North Carolina's university-affiliated photonics labs, particularly at NC State University's Optoelectronics and Lightwave Engineering group or Duke's photonics research centers. Wolfspeed and II-VI Incorporated both hire associate process engineers and optical test technicians as entry-level roles that bridge into full optical scientist positions. A strong portfolio of simulation projects using Zemax or similar tools, or a published thesis in a photonics subfield, gives candidates without commercial experience a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to North Carolina employers. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target location, and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 22 Optical Scientist Jobs in North Carolina
Find roles in North Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist Jobs