Optical Scientist Jobs in South Carolina
Optical Scientist jobs in South Carolina are concentrated in defense optics, photonics research, and advanced manufacturing, with demand spread from entry-level lab roles through senior systems engineering positions. Most hiring is in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, where established employers like Michelin, L3Harris, and Hubbell anchor long-term demand. The most in-demand specialties include laser systems, fiber optic sensing, and optical coatings for aerospace and defense applications. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 7+ Optical Scientist jobs
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: $11.86 - $16.01 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: $11.86 - $16.01 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 7 Optical Scientist Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Optical Scientist JobsOptical Scientist Jobs by City in South Carolina
Where South Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Optical Scientist Job Market in South Carolina
A snapshot from current South Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What South Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across South Carolina.
- Master's or PhD in optical science, physics, or photonics required for most positions
- Hands-on experience with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V
- Proficiency in laser characterization, alignment, and testing procedures
- Experience with fiber optic systems, waveguides, or photonic device fabrication
- Ability to obtain or hold a U.S. security clearance for defense-sector roles
- Familiarity with optical coating processes, thin-film deposition, and metrology
Optical Scientist Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a optical scientist in South Carolina?
Optical scientists in South Carolina are not required to hold a state-issued license, so the path centers on education and employer credentialing. Most positions require at least a master's degree in optical science, physics, or photonics, with PhD preferred for research-heavy roles. South Carolina's defense and aerospace employers often require candidates to obtain or maintain a federal security clearance, which becomes a practical credential for career progression in the state's largest hiring sectors.
Which companies hire optical scientists in South Carolina?
Companies currently hiring optical scientists in South Carolina include Stanton Optical, Eyemart Express, and Visionworks, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. South Carolina's defense corridor and growing photonics manufacturing base draw both large prime contractors and specialized optics firms with sustained hiring activity.
Which South Carolina cities have the most optical scientist jobs?
Aiken, Seneca, and Columbia are the South Carolina cities with the most optical scientist openings. Greenville leads due to its advanced manufacturing and aerospace supplier ecosystem, Columbia draws demand from university research institutions and state government contractors, and Charleston's growing defense and naval technology presence supports steady optical engineering hiring in and around the metro.
How can I get hired as a optical scientist in South Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a graduate research assistantship or university lab role, particularly at Clemson University or the University of South Carolina, both of which run optics and photonics research programs that funnel new graduates into industry. Defense contractors in Greenville and Charleston regularly hire associate optical engineers and lab technicians from these programs. Building a portfolio of optical design projects using Zemax or completing an internship with a South Carolina photonics or defense supplier gives candidates a measurable edge over applicants without hands-on experience.
Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in South Carolina?
You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in South Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and preferences, and apply directly through the listings.
See All 7 Optical Scientist Jobs in South Carolina
Find roles in South Carolina that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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