Optics Research Scientist

3M; Maplewood (MN); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

3M seeks an Optics Research Scientist to advance optical materials technologies for new product opportunities, collaborating with global teams on modeling, experiments, and data analysis. You will help protect IP and present findings at conferences while coordinating with Corporate Research and international labs.

The role is on-site at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN, with travel up to 10% and relocation support if needed. A PhD in a related field and CAD proficiency are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, ECE, Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with optical modeling and simulation software.
• Experience with CAD software and component design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance optical materials technologies for new product opportunities.
• Protect 3M IP through patent filings and presentations at conferences.
• Collaborate with Corporate Research and Business Labs on capabilities and applications using scientific and computational skills.
• Engage with 3M’s international laboratories for technology and product transfers.

Skills

Optical modeling

CAD software

Component design

Fiber optics

Photonics

Data analysis

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

PhD in optics/physics/engineering

Tools

Optical modeling software

Job description

**Optics Research Scientist****Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World**Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.**This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.****The Impact You’ll Make in this Role** As an Optics Research Scientist, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:* Leveraging expertise to develop and advance optical materials technologies that can be used for new product commercialization opportunities* Protecting 3M intellectual property through the filing of new patent applications and presenting at appropriate conferences* Collaborating with research teams from Corporate Research and Business Labs on developing capabilities and applications that use scientific, mathematical, and computational skills* Engaging with 3M’s international laboratories for technology and product transfers**Your Skills and Expertise** To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:* Ph.D. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start) from an accredited institution* Experience with software tools to develop optical modeling and simulation capabilities* Experience with CAD software and component designAdditional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:* Experience working with optical materials such as fiber optics, photonics, or optoelectronics, setting up experiments, collecting data in various optical laboratories, and performing data analysis* Demonstrated written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams* Demonstrated work-related leadership ability and accomplishments* Familiarity with optical interconnect industry, key issues, major players, and trends.**Work location:**This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN.**Travel: May include up to** **10% domestic/international****Relocation Assistance: May be authorized****Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).****Supporting Your Well-being**3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.**Chat with Max**For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers. Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en\_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.Good Faith Posting Date Range 05/20/2026 To 06/19/2026 Or until filledAll US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en\_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.