Optical Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Optical scientists developing laser systems, photonic devices, and advanced imaging technology qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 visa sponsorship. This specialized role requires deep expertise in optics, photonics, or related physics fields, making it attractive to employers seeking R&D talent for defense, telecommunications, and medical device companies. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application-specific optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.
We are currently seeking an Optical Materials Scientist to join Lightera Labs, our corporate R&D facility located in Somerset, NJ.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This role supports programs focused on the processing and analysis of materials used in optical fiber manufacturing, as well as the development of new and improved optical materials for both Specialty and Telecom applications. There is potential for growth into an independent research program.
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments to improve optical fiber performance
- Build and maintain equipment for fiber and glass processing
- Integrate mechanical and electronic systems to enable equipment automation
- Characterize glass and fiber materials and analyze experimental data
- Contribute to establishing and executing an R&D program supporting manufacturing sites, including a long-term technology roadmap
- Communicate findings clearly through strong documentation and presentation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and scientists at other R&D and manufacturing locations
- Maintain discretion with confidential and proprietary information
- Adhere strictly to company safety policies, procedures, and standards of conduct
- Perform other related duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Key qualifications include:
- PhD or MS in Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Background in glass or ceramic processing preferred
- Hands-on experience with material fabrication tools, shop tools, or additive manufacturing is a plus
- Experience designing, building, and automating laboratory equipment for materials development
- Strong data analysis skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- CAD experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) desirable
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
COMPENSATION
The base salary range targeted for this role is $110,000 - $123,000 USD per year. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's unique skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.
Working at Lightera means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.
Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply online at http://www.lightera.com/careers. Submissions must include salary information.
Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.
Lightera, a Georgia based global company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
INTRODUCTION
Lightera has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application-specific optical fibers, connectors, cables, amplifiers and lasers, sensors and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and delivering the best optical fibers, cables, and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To continue shaping the future of communications we apply the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.
We are currently seeking an Optical Materials Scientist to join Lightera Labs, our corporate R&D facility located in Somerset, NJ.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This role supports programs focused on the processing and analysis of materials used in optical fiber manufacturing, as well as the development of new and improved optical materials for both Specialty and Telecom applications. There is potential for growth into an independent research program.
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Design, execute, and analyze experiments to improve optical fiber performance
- Build and maintain equipment for fiber and glass processing
- Integrate mechanical and electronic systems to enable equipment automation
- Characterize glass and fiber materials and analyze experimental data
- Contribute to establishing and executing an R&D program supporting manufacturing sites, including a long-term technology roadmap
- Communicate findings clearly through strong documentation and presentation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineers and scientists at other R&D and manufacturing locations
- Maintain discretion with confidential and proprietary information
- Adhere strictly to company safety policies, procedures, and standards of conduct
- Perform other related duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Key qualifications include:
- PhD or MS in Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Background in glass or ceramic processing preferred
- Hands-on experience with material fabrication tools, shop tools, or additive manufacturing is a plus
- Experience designing, building, and automating laboratory equipment for materials development
- Strong data analysis skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- CAD experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) desirable
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
COMPENSATION
The base salary range targeted for this role is $110,000 - $123,000 USD per year. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate's unique skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.
Working at Lightera means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan.
Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply online at http://www.lightera.com/careers. Submissions must include salary information.
Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted.
Lightera, a Georgia based global company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
See all 249+ Optical Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Optical Scientist
Highlight photonics and laser expertise
Emphasize specialized skills in laser physics, fiber optics, or quantum optics. These niche areas are harder to fill domestically, strengthening your sponsorship case with USCIS and making you more valuable to employers.
Target defense and aerospace companies
Companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing frequently sponsor optical scientists for classified projects. Security clearance eligibility can be a significant advantage in this sector's sponsorship decisions.
Document advanced degree requirements
Most optical scientist positions require a PhD in optics, physics, or electrical engineering. Ensure job descriptions explicitly state this degree requirement to strengthen H-1B specialty occupation arguments.
Consider O-1 for research achievements
Published research, patents, or recognition in optical sciences can qualify you for O-1 extraordinary ability status. This path has no cap limits and faster processing than H-1B.
Research university partnerships
Many optical research roles are at universities or government labs with existing H-1B cap-exempt status. These positions can sponsor immediately without lottery concerns or annual quotas.
Prepare for technical interviews
Be ready to explain complex optical concepts clearly during interviews. Employers need confidence that you can communicate technical findings to both engineering teams and business stakeholders effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PhD to get H-1B sponsorship as an optical scientist?
Most optical scientist positions require a PhD in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or related field. While a master's degree plus extensive experience might qualify for some roles, the PhD requirement strengthens the H-1B specialty occupation argument and is standard for research positions in photonics and laser development.
How to find Optical Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Optical Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in sponsored positions. Focus your search on tech companies, defense contractors, telecommunications firms, and research institutions that commonly hire optical scientists. Target H-1B visa opportunities, as these roles typically qualify for skilled worker visas due to the specialized technical expertise required in photonics and laser technology.
Which visa is better for optical scientists - H-1B or O-1?
O-1 can be superior if you have published research, patents, or recognition in optical sciences. It has no annual cap, faster processing, and allows more flexibility. H-1B remains the standard path for most positions, but O-1 is worth pursuing if you meet the extraordinary ability criteria through research achievements.
Do optical scientists have good H-1B approval rates?
Yes, optical scientist positions typically have high H-1B approval rates because they clearly require specialized knowledge in physics and engineering. The advanced degree requirements and technical complexity of the work make it easy to demonstrate specialty occupation status to USCIS.
Can I get sponsored for optical engineering roles with an optics PhD?
Yes, an optics or physics PhD often qualifies for optical engineering positions, especially in R&D environments. However, some engineering roles may prefer electrical or mechanical engineering degrees. Review job requirements carefully and be prepared to explain how your optics background applies to engineering tasks.
Are there cap-exempt opportunities for optical scientists?
Yes, many optical research positions are at universities, national labs, or nonprofit research institutions that are H-1B cap-exempt. Companies like MIT Lincoln Laboratory, NIST, or university-affiliated research centers can sponsor immediately without lottery concerns, making them strategic targets for international candidates.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Optical Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.