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Optical Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About the Role Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Optical Assembly Engineer to drive development of optical assembly processes that support next-generation photonics products for scale up and scale ...

About the Role Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Optical Assembly Engineer to drive development of optical assembly processes that support next-generation photonics products for scale up and scale ...

Optical Assembly Technician Pay Rate: $32-$40/hour (depending on shift) Job Type: Full-Time; 2-year Contract City: Santa Clara, CA Shift(s): Mon-Fri * Day: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM * Swing: 2:00 PM - 10:30 ...

Job Summary - Perform electro-mechanical, mechanical, and optical product assembly operations on components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies. - Determine and/or follow prescribed methods and sequence ...

Optical Communications Engineer II

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Design the free-space optical assembly including optical design and ray tracing: tolerancing, ghost analysis, and stray light analysis to close on-orbit link budgets * Design the fiber optical layout ...

Assembly Technician

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$42.66/hr

We are seeking a meticulous and disciplined Optical Assembly Technician to support our client's high-precision manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the assembly, alignment ...

New

Optical assembly experience is valuable in this role, but the primary focus is hands-on electronics support, board debug, and reliable execution in the lab. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is ...

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $32/hr

This role requires a wide variety of electronic and optical assembly operations on standard and non-standard assemblies or sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate determines and/or follows methods and ...

We are seeking a meticulous and disciplined Optical Assembly Technician to support our client's high-precision manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the assembly, alignment ...

New

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $32/hr

This role requires a wide variety of electronic and optical assembly operations on standard and non-standard assemblies or sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate determines and/or follows methods and ...

Optical assembly experience is valuable in this role, but the primary focus is hands-on electronics support, board debug, and reliable execution in the lab. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is ...

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Execute experiments and collect data to improve optical coupling efficiency, process stability, and assembly yield. * Support NPI (New Product Introduction) activities by contributing to process ...

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$150K - $194K/yr

Execute experiments and collect data to improve optical coupling efficiency, process stability, and assembly yield. * Support NPI (New Product Introduction) activities by contributing to process ...

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Optical Assembly information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 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 is the role of an optical assembly technician?

An optical assembly technician is responsible for assembling, aligning, and testing optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms to ensure proper function and performance. They often use precision tools and follow detailed technical specifications, working in cleanroom environments and adhering to quality standards. This role may require knowledge of optical systems, soldering, and calibration procedures.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Optical Assembly jobs in California?

For Optical Assembly jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assembly jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assembly jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Assembly jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Assembly job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Optical Assembly Technician

Avispa Technology

Santa Clara, CA โ€ข On-site

$45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description
Optical Assembly Technician 37551700
  • Hourly pay: $45/hr
  • Worksite: Leading electronic testing company (Santa Clara, CA 95051 - Onsite)
  • W2 Employment, Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement Savings Program, PSL
  • 40 hours/week, 24 Month Assignment

A leading electronics testing company is seeking an Optical Assembly Technicianto support the precision assembly, alignment, inspection, testing, and documentation of complex optical systems while maintaining rigorous quality standards in a controlled cleanroom environment.
Optical Assembly Technician Responsibilities:
  • Assemble and integrate precision optical components and mechanical sub-assemblies according to detailed standard operating procedures while ensuring accurate alignment of lenses, filters, and other optical systems.
  • Perform daily work within an ISO Class 6 (Class 1000) cleanroom by following gowning protocols, contamination control procedures, and all cleanroom standards while wearing full cleanroom attire.
  • Inspect components using high-power microscopes to identify surface defects such as scratches, digs, and dust while verifying precise optical alignment and product quality.
  • Test and calibrate optical systems using specialized optical metrology equipment, automated test equipment, and computer-based software while recording quality and performance data.
  • Maintain accurate digital and physical production documentation, support quality assurance requirements, and perform repetitive precision assembly tasks while standing for extended periods in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Optical Assembly Technician Qualifications:
  • Technical certification in optics or photonics is preferred.
  • Experience performing precision assembly of optical, electronic, medical device, or similar high-precision products.
  • Experience working in an ISO-certified cleanroom environment is preferred.
  • Proficiency using computers for data entry, accessing digital work instructions, and operating automated test equipment.

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