What does an optical scientist do?
Optical scientist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real optical scientist resumes:
- Manage sample inventory via in-house laboratory information management system (LIMS) and implement additional systems for sample and chemical organization.
- Key activities include process chemistry development, synthesis of intermediates, compound purification and structure identification, and comprehensive scientific documentation.
- Perform engineering research and development for numerous government fund projects, with problems focuse on adaptive optics and direct energy systems.
Optical scientist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Optical Scientists are proficient in System Design, Zemax, and Optical Design. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Curiosity, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Optical Scientists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- System Design, 21%
Led the team to complete the mechanical, optical, electronic, and system design with simulation and modeling.
- Zemax, 17%
Designed and implemented system modifications to improve optical performance using ZEMAX.
- Optical Design, 15%
Managed the optical design of multiple-surface progressive addition lenses.
- Prototyping, 11%
Invented, designed and led the prototyping of a high contrast Fresnel lens/projection screen and its ultra-thin cabinet-less projection display.
- Asap, 11%
Hired for non-existent stray light work and stayed busy teaching ASAP usage and modeling baffles.
- Optical Components, 10%
Utilized lasers, optical components, fiber-optics and fiber-optics components, and detectors including RF instrumentation.
Common skills that an optical scientist uses to do their job include "system design," "zemax," and "optical design." You can find details on the most important optical scientist responsibilities below.
Problem-solving skills. optical scientists are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to optical scientist responsibilities, because "physicists and astronomers use scientific observation and analysis, as well as creative thinking, to solve problems." An optical scientist resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "work with method development group on robotic dissolution, and post column method. "
Communication skills. A big part of what optical scientists do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to optical scientist responsibilities because "physicists and astronomers present their research at conferences, to the public, and to others." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical optical scientist tasks: "led test team in building and testing next generation space to ground laser communication telescopes. "
Interpersonal skills. Another crucial skill for an optical scientist to carry out their responsibilities is "interpersonal skills." A big part of what optical scientists relies on this skill, since "physicists and astronomers must collaborate with others and therefore need to work well with team members and colleagues." How this skill relates to optical scientist duties can be seen in an example from an optical scientist resume snippet: "team oriented professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. "
Math skills. Another skill commonly found on optical scientist job descriptions is "math skills." It can come up quite often in optical scientist duties, since "physicists and astronomers do calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of math." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day optical scientist responsibilities: "develop advanced mathematical & statistical analysis and modeling service for clients in oil and gas industry. "
The three companies that hire the most optical scientists are:
- Corning Incorporated3 optical scientists jobs
- Apple2 optical scientists jobs
- ManTech2 optical scientists jobs
Compare different optical scientists
Optical scientist vs. Research physicist
A research physicist's job is to conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories based on observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories. Their duties and responsibilities include describing observations, developing simulations, and advising authorities on procedures to be followed.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an optical scientist are more likely to require skills like "system design," "zemax," "optical design," and "prototyping." On the other hand, a job as a research physicist requires skills like "laser," "python," "data collection," and "rf." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Research physicists tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $97,662. In contrast, optical scientists make the biggest average salary, $120,234, in the technology industry.research physicists tend to reach lower levels of education than optical scientists. In fact, research physicists are 13.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Optical scientist vs. Nuclear physicist
A health physicist investigates research principles by which radiation interacts with living systems and matter. Health physicists study environmental radioactivity levels. Part of their research is radiation's effects on biological systems in space and on earth. They ensure the proper functioning of the x-ray and the storage of radiation therapy. Part of their responsibility is to make sure that scientists are following regulations and safely using their radioactive materials. Also, they are advocates of human and environmental protection.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that optical scientist responsibilities requires skills like "system design," "zemax," "optical design," and "prototyping." But a nuclear physicist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "nuclear medicine," "doe," "experimental design," and "gamma cameras."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Nuclear physicists tend to reach higher levels of education than optical scientists. In fact, they're 6.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Optical scientist vs. Health physicist
Physicists explain the effect of structures, phenomena, and forces on the natural world. Physicists determine and explore the primary principles governing the behavior and structure of matter. They study energy generation and transfer as well as the interaction between matter and energy. Their job involves the development of theories on the properties of matter, time, space, and energy. The position requires extensive research for technical papers and reports contributing to the industry. Physicians teach and lecture students on the laws associated with physics.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, optical scientists are more likely to have skills like "system design," "zemax," "optical design," and "prototyping." But a health physicist is more likely to have skills like "radioactive materials," "oversight," "alara," and "radiation safety."
Health physicists earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $101,563. Comparatively, optical scientists have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $120,234.health physicists typically earn lower educational levels compared to optical scientists. Specifically, they're 10.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 25.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Optical scientist vs. Physicist
Types of optical scientist
Updated January 8, 2025
