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Optical Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 Communications 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 ...

Picarro, Inc

Electro-Optical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

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 ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · 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 ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · 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 ...

Picarro, Inc

Electro-Optical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

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 ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · 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 ...

PsiQuantum

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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All JobsOptical Assembly JobsOptical Assembly Jobs in California

Optical Assembly information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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:
Optical Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Principal Optical Assembly Engineer

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA

$133K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

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 out AI infrastructure applications. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with technical leadership responsibilities, focused on developing robust assembly processes, expanding lab capability, and improving the yield, quality, and reliability of optical assemblies for NPO and CPO products. 

Responsibilities 

  • Drive development and optimization of optical assembly processes, including active and passive fiber alignment, fiber attach, and epoxy cure. 
  • Define and document process flows, work instructions, and quality control plans for optical assembly. 
  • Support the build-out and scaling of the optical assembly laboratory, including equipment layout, tool qualification, and safety protocols. 
  • Partner with equipment suppliers on the development and qualification of high volume capable active alignment systems, dispensing tools, and curing tools.  
  • Qualify optical adhesives and encapsulants with material vendors for optical performance, thermal and mechanical requirements, process scalability, and reliability. 
  • Develop yield improvement plans and implement statistical process control (SPC) methods for optical assembly. 

Basic Qualifications 

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 8+ years of experience in optical assembly, photonics packaging, or a related process development role. 
  • Hands-on experience developing precision assembly processes for photonic or optoelectronic products. 
  • Experience leading optical assembly platforms from concept to high volume production. 
  • Experience with alignment-intensive assembly methods and process controls used in fiber-coupled or optical device manufacturing. 
  • Strong understanding of process development, qualification, troubleshooting, and transfer to manufacturing. 
  • Ability to create clear process documentation and translate development work into repeatable production practices. 
  • Experience collaborating with external equipment and materials partners to mature assembly solutions. 
  • Strong foundation in yield analysis, reliability characterization, and process capability methodologies such as Cpk and SPC. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Hands-on experience with active alignment systems for photonic or optical device assembly. 
  • Hands-on experience with optical adhesives, encapsulants, and related material qualification. 
  • Familiarity with optical performance verification, failure analysis, and process optimization. 
  • Experience building high volume assembly tools, equipment qualification, and safe operating practices for optical assembly environments. 

Salary range is $133,200 to $185,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.

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