How to hire an electro optical engineer

Electro optical engineer hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring electro optical engineers in the United States:

In the United States, the median cost per hire an electro optical engineer is $1,633.
It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new electro optical engineer to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire an electro optical engineer, step by step

To hire an electro optical engineer, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire an electro optical engineer, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step electro optical engineer hiring guide:

Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
Step 3: Make a budget
Step 4: Write an electro optical engineer job description
Step 5: Post your job
Step 6: Interview candidates
Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new electro optical engineer
Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an electro optical engineer do?

An electro-optical engineer performs engineering tasks related to electronic and optical devices, creates optical designs, and assists users of laser optics. The essential skills that an electro-optical engineer should possess to perform his/her or her responsibilities include good mathematical and speaking skills and the ability to concentrate to create complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. The education requirements for the job include a college degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.

Learn more about the specifics of what an electro optical engineer does

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Identify your hiring needs

Before you post your electro optical engineer job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an electro optical engineer for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

Determine employee vs contractor status

Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

An electro optical engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, electro optical engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

The following list breaks down different types of electro optical engineers and their corresponding salaries.

Type of Electro Optical Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
Electro Optical Engineer	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs).	$32-63
PCB Designer	PCB designers are professionals who use computer software programs to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), an electronic circuit that supports electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors. These designers must design and implement various circuit boards and perform revisions to apply changes that are based on the specifications of customers and engineers... Show more	$23-55
Engineering Trainee	An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research... Show more	$20-39

Create an ideal candidate profile
Common skills:
- System Performance
- C++
- Data Analysis
- Remote Sensing
- RF
- LiDAR
- Electro-Optical Systems
- Technical Support
- Optical Design
- Zemax
- LabVIEW
- Field Testing
- Design Reviews
- Optical Components
Check all skills
Responsibilities:
- Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
- Perform multiple augments installing and adding new devices/servers along with adding configurations for video streaming using Unix and checking router configurations.
- Evaluate manufacturers' specifications for the approval of components, perform first article approval of proprietary components and troubleshoot design failures.
More electro optical engineer duties

Make a budget

Including a salary range in your electro optical engineer job description helps attract top candidates to the position. An electro optical engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

For example, the average salary for an electro optical engineer in Nebraska may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level electro optical engineer usually earns less than a senior-level electro optical engineer. Additionally, an electro optical engineer with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

Average electro optical engineer salary

$94,958yearly

$45.65 hourly rate

Entry-level electro optical engineer salary

$68,000 yearly salary

Updated December 16, 2025

Average electro optical engineer salary by state

Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
1	Washington	$124,673	$60
2	California	$123,067	$59
3	Maryland	$103,268	$50
4	Massachusetts	$101,469	$49
5	Florida	$95,860	$46
6	Arizona	$94,876	$46
7	Virginia	$91,241	$44
8	Oregon	$90,979	$44
9	New Mexico	$89,965	$43
10	Texas	$88,999	$43
11	Colorado	$88,287	$42
12	Tennessee	$83,268	$40
13	North Carolina	$82,769	$40
14	Illinois	$77,242	$37

Average electro optical engineer salary by company

Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
1	3M Company	$100,837	$48.48	4
2	Science	$100,272	$48.21
3	Reliance Test & Technology, Llc	$100,024	$48.09
4	ISP Optics	$99,776	$47.97
5	Jobot	$99,524	$47.85
6	KBR	$99,342	$47.76	9
7	Management Recruiters International(MRI)	$98,440	$47.33	3
8	Moseley Technical Services	$97,633	$46.94
9	Oak Ridge National Laboratory	$97,367	$46.81
10	Boeing	$97,268	$46.76	40
11	Elbit Systems of America	$96,468	$46.38
12	Novanta	$96,344	$46.32
13	HEICO	$94,739	$45.55	1
14	Draper	$94,414	$45.39	9
15	Corning Incorporated	$93,688	$45.04	13
16	Opnext	$93,409	$44.91
17	E Ink	$92,244	$44.35
18	Lockheed Martin	$91,332	$43.91	110
19	Ball	$90,715	$43.61
20	SAIC	$90,367	$43.45	10

Writing an electro optical engineer job description
A good electro optical engineer job description should include a few things:
- Summary of the role
- List of responsibilities
- Required skills and experience
Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of an electro optical engineer job description:
Electro optical engineer job description example
This position requires 12 months or less of relevant professional work experience (excluding internships).
Knowledge of Electro-Optical subsystems.
Familiarity with 3D modeling CAD tools, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing methods, and knowledgeable in reading mechanical fabrication and assembly drawings.

The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Value:

ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard. 3.0 cumulative GPA desired.
Ability to develop and present technical briefings.
Current/Active DoD security clearance or SSBI.
Experience in troubleshooting investigations and processes
Class projects, professional internships, or academic research demonstrating the ability to apply technical coursework or skills.
Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y14.5.
Assembly, integration, test, and supplier-interface experience.
Direct experience with EO design, lab, test and/or production support
Knowledge and experience in optical design and analysis, infrared systems, optical tolerancing, fabrication and testing.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with coworkers from diverse communities and cultures.
Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution styles.

What We Offer :

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the superior benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

Additional Details :

Please upload a copy of your most recent transcripts with your resume when applying to this requisition. Include your cumulative GPA and projected graduation date on your resume.

This position requires the eligibility to obtain a security clearance. Non-US citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Defense Industrial Security Clearance Office (DISCO), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here:

This position is located in beautiful Tucson, AZ. Tucson has a friendly, caring and laid-back atmosphere, combined with the innovation and energy of a metropolitan region and recognized as one of America's 10 Best Small Cities. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful Sonoran Desert landscape and majestic saguaro cacti, Tucson is blessed with some of nature's best work. Tucson is known for its bright blue skies, and with more than 310 sunny days per year, Tucson's fantastic weather lets residents enjoy the outdoors year-round.

Raytheon Technologies is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.

Post your job

There are various strategies that you can use to find the right electro optical engineer for your business:

Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

Post your job online:

Post your electro optical engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit electro optical engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
Use field-specific websites.
Post a job on free websites.

Interview candidates

Your first interview with electro optical engineer candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

Send a job offer and onboard your new electro optical engineer

Once you've decided on a perfect electro optical engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

Go through the hiring process checklist

Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
Define job responsibilities and requirements
Establish budget and timeline
Determine hiring decision makers for the role
Write job description
Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
Promote the job internally
Process applications through applicant tracking system
Review resumes and cover letters
Shortlist candidates for screening
Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
Conduct background checks on top candidates
Check references of top candidates
Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
Extend offer to top candidate(s)
Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

How much does it cost to hire an electro optical engineer?

Before you start to hire electro optical engineers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire electro optical engineers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $94,958 per year for an electro optical engineer, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for electro optical engineers in the US typically range between $32 and $63 an hour.

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Updated December 16, 2025

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How to hire an electro optical engineer