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Optical Assembly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Optical Assembly Technician

Sunnyvale, CA

Do optical performance test for WSS optical assembly * Apply and cure UV glues to fix optical components * Inspect own work according to quality specifications * Produce work that meets workmanship ...

Coherent

Optical Assembly Technician

Sunnyvale, CA

Do optical performance test for WSS optical assembly * Apply and cure UV glues to fix optical components * Inspect own work according to quality specifications * Produce work that meets workmanship ...

IDEX

Assembly Technicians II

West Henrietta, NY

$16.75 - $21/hr

The Optical Assembly Technician 2 performs advanced optical assembly and alignment operations requiring micron and submicronlevel accuracy. This role is responsible for actively aligning optical ...

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Optical Assembly information

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$11

$21

$37

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Optical Assembly, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Assembly, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of optics or electronics, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with precision tools, microscopes, and assembly equipment, as well as experience with cleanroom protocols, is frequently required. Outstanding candidates demonstrate patience, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork. These skills are vital for producing high-quality optical components and maintaining efficiency and accuracy in a highly specialized manufacturing environment.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of optical assembly, high-paying roles such as senior optical engineers or technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in leadership positions or with extensive experience and specialized skills. These roles often require advanced education, certifications, and expertise in optical systems, manufacturing processes, and project management.

What is the highest paid fiber optic technician?

The highest paid fiber optic technicians typically earn salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, especially those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or specialized skills in fiber optic installation and maintenance. Senior technicians or those working in high-demand industries or regions may earn higher compensation. Salary can vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

What is optical assembly?

Optical assembly refers to the process of putting together components such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, and other optical elements to create devices that manipulate light, like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, or fiber optic systems. Technicians working in optical assembly use precision tools to align and secure these components according to strict specifications. The role often involves working in cleanroom environments to avoid contamination and requires attention to detail and knowledge of optical principles.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and technical skills with optical equipment and attention to detail are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the most common challenges faced during optical assembly, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in optical assembly is maintaining precise alignment and cleanliness of optical components, as even minor misalignments or contaminants can significantly impact performance. Assemblers often work in cleanroom environments and use specialized tools to ensure accuracy. Attention to detail, patience, and steady hands are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with engineers and quality control teams is also common to ensure that assemblies meet strict specifications and standards.

What is the difference between Optical Assembly vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssemblyOptical Technician
CertificationsOften requires technical training or certifications in optics or electronicsTypically holds certifications or associate degrees in optics or electronics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or assembly lines in optical or electronics industriesLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, or repair centers
Job FocusAssembling optical components and devicesTesting, maintaining, and repairing optical equipment
Industry UsageOptics manufacturing, electronics, telecommunicationsOptical equipment maintenance, research labs, manufacturing

Optical Assembly and Optical Technician roles share overlapping skills in optics and electronics, but Optical Assembly primarily involves assembling optical components, while Optical Technicians focus on testing and maintaining optical equipment. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing and maintenance environments.

What is an optical assembly technician?

An optical assembly technician is responsible for assembling, aligning, and testing optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms used in devices like cameras, microscopes, and laser systems. They often work in cleanroom environments and use precision tools, following technical specifications and quality standards to ensure proper functionality.
More about Optical Assembly jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Assembly jobs? Cities with the most Optical Assembly job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Optical Assembly jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assembly jobs are:
Optical Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optical Assembly Technician

Optical Assembly Technician

Kelly Services

West Henrietta, NY

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Optical Assembly Technician | B Shift | $21.00-$24.00/hr + 10% Shift Differential
Location: Rochester, NY (not on a bus line access)
Shift: Monday-Friday | 2:30 PM-10:30 PM
Pay: $21.00-$24.00/hour  + 10% Shift Differential
Build Your Career in Precision Optical Manufacturing!
Kelly Services is seeking an Optical Assembly Technician for a leading precision manufacturing company in Rochester, NY. If you have optics experience through previous work or technical education and enjoy working with precision components in a cleanroom environment, we'd like to hear from you.
Responsibilities
  • Assemble optical components into precision housings.
  • Clean and prepare optical components for assembly.
  • Inspect lenses and machined parts for quality.
  • Perform measurements using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other inspection tools.
  • Apply adhesives and complete assemblies according to work instructions.
  • Read mechanical drawings and document inspection results.
  • Maintain cleanroom and contamination control standards.

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Optics experience through work experience or technical education is required.
  • Manufacturing, assembly, inspection, or technician experience preferred.
  • Experience using precision measuring tools.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings.
  • Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
  • Comfortable working in a cleanroom environment.

Why Kelly?
  • Weekly Pay
  • Competitive Pay
  • 10% Shift Differential
  • Opportunity to work with advanced optical technology
  • Long-term career opportunity

Apply Today!
If you're looking to build your career in precision optical manufacturing, apply today. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a Kelly Services recruiter.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

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About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
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