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Optical Assembly Jobs in California (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 ...

Tekberry

Optics Assembly Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100/hr

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 ...

AllRight Jobs Inc

Assembly Operator I ARJ/388

Goleta, CA · On-site

$27/hr

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 ...

Ephemeris Net

Optical Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · 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 ...

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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 Jul 20, 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 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.
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:
Optical Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 25% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Optical Assembly Technician

Optical Assembly Technician

Coherent

Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Clean optical components under microscope
  • Set up optical alignment stations
  • Manually handle, align and install diverse optical components using adjustment fixtures while monitoring diverse optical parameters, and continue to adjust alignment optimize and balance all optical parameters until these parameters reach optimal and meet specs.
  • 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 standards and strict quality criteria
  • Perform incoming inspections
  • Cross-trained for upstream and downstream operations
  • Load and unload alignment stations
  • Correctly enter numerical data
  • Documentation and communication of suggestions for continuous improvement
  • Maintains a good record concerning absenteeism and tardiness

Education & Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Basic reading and math skills (add, subtract, multiply and divide)
  • 3+ years of experience in fiber optics related field
  • Experience in optical alignment and assembly using fixtures, hand tools and test equipment preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team based environment
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results independently and work with others
  • Ability to recommend and implement improvements
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills

Skills
  • Good manual dexterity
  • Ability to visually inspect optics for cleanliness/defects using a microscope
  • Ability to clean optical components
  • Ability to manually handle, align and install diverse optical components
  • Ability to monitor diverse optical parameters and to align optical components to optimize and balance all optical parameters until these parameters reach optimum and meet specs.
  • Ability to provide feedback in the development of new processes, tools and techniques working with the Engineering team
  • Ability to work independently with minimal guidance from the supervisor
  • Ability to solve problems & make correct decisions in short timeframes, oftentimes with minimal supervision
  • Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross cultural, global team environment
  • Handle special assignments with speed and effectiveness

Working Conditions
  • R&D engineering lab and manufacturing cleanroom

Physical Requirements
  • Able to wear plastic/latex gloves or finger cots.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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