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Optical Assembly Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

PCB Assembler II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$17.52 - $21.27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and/or simple optics assembly type activities • Ability to read, write and perform basic math • Ability to use hand tools and associated devices to manufacture PCBs and other electronic ...

PCB Assembler II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$17.83 - $19.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and/or simple optics assembly type activities • Ability to read, write and perform basic math • Ability to use hand tools and associated devices to manufacture PCBs and other electronic ...

PCB Assembler II

Rochester, MN · On-site

$17.83 - $19.78/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and/or simple optics assembly type activities • Ability to read, write and perform basic math • Ability to use hand tools and associated devices to manufacture PCBs and other electronic ...

Technician

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Build samples of fiber optic products and support moderate levels of production assembly. * Complete samples and production assemblies per the required timeline. * Collect, read, and record product ...

Technician - Machine Builder

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Assembly Technician will assemble, align, commission, configure, debug, test, and repair precision electromechanical, mechanical, and optical parts, assemblies, and systems for laser processing ...

Technician - Machine Builder

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$21.50 - $27.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Assembly Technician will assemble, align, commission, configure, debug, test, and repair precision electromechanical, mechanical, and optical parts, assemblies, and systems for laser processing ...

Technician - Machine Builder

Minneapolis, MN

$25.20 - $33.39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Assembly Technician will assemble, align, commission, configure, debug, test, and repair precision electromechanical, mechanical, and optical parts, assemblies, and systems for laser processing ...

Technician V

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$74K - $119K/yr

Mechanical Assembly and Fabrication: Construct, assemble, and fabricate mechanical, electromechanical, and/or optical components, devices, and systems, ensuring precise tolerances and specifications.

Preferred Qualifications Background in precision assembly equipment, fiber optics, medical devices, or small form-factor manufacturing * Experience designing benchtop or tabletop semi-automated ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop, build, and test semi-automated equipment for fiber optics manufacturing. * Perform hands ... Create equipment designs that prioritize manufacturability, ease of assembly, and user-friendly ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop, build, and test semi-automated equipment for fiber optics manufacturing. * Perform hands ... Create equipment designs that prioritize manufacturability, ease of assembly, and user-friendly ...

Be Seen First

Production Technician

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and optical tolerances. The individual will ensure timely completions of production orders to ... Electrical assembly and soldering. * Adjust, repair, or replace electronic component parts to ...

New

Electronic Assembler - 2nd Shift

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$16 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with both through-hole and surface-mount assembly processes. * Familiarity with automated optical inspection (AOI) and in-circuit testing (ICT) systems. * Prior exposure to lean ...

New

Mechanical Designer

Shakopee, MN

$64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position focuses on fiber optic connector, cable assembly, and apparatus product development. This role requires on-site work five days a week in Shakopee, MN. Duties & Responsibilities:

Mechanical Designer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$53K - $64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position focuses on fiber optic connector, cable assembly, and apparatus product development. This role requires on-site work five days a week in Shakopee, MN. Duties & Responsibilities:

Showing results 21-40

Optical Assembly information

See Minnesota salary details

$10

$20

$36

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly in Minnesota is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $22.84 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Optical Assembly jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Optical Assembly job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,674 per year, or $21 per hour.

Principal Product Development Engineer

CommScope, Inc.

Shakopee, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


CommScope rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Principal Product Development Engineer
Locations include Shakopee, MN, Catawba, NC, or Apex, NC. However, candidates in other U.S. locations will be considered.
Job Overview:
CommScope Data Center Business Unit is seeking a Senior Product Development Engineer to spearhead the ideation and design of next-generation optical interconnect technology solutions for tomorrow's most demanding high-speed, high-density platforms.
As a key member of the Data Center organization, you will contribute to cutting-edge innovation in optical connectivity technologies that are expected to push the boundaries of density and performance. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams and engage with key stakeholders across Product Line Management, Business Development, Advanced Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, System Architecture, and other internal groups. Additionally, you will support the identification, evaluation, and cultivation of external partnerships with academic institutions, startups, and technology vendors.
Key qualifications include a proven track record of superior technical contributions in product development, deep expertise in optical connectivity, strong communication and collaboration skills, and a passion for innovation that drives breakthrough solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead conceptual design and development of innovative optical connectivity solutions focused in both the near-term and future generations.
  • Drive design verification, refinement and development including structural modeling, tolerance analysis, and prototype testing.
  • Establish development project goals and detailed specifications by working closely with Business Development, Product Line Management, Advanced Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and other stakeholders.
  • Analyze experimental data using statistical tools and software; generate charts, graphs, technical reports and presentations for internal documentation.
  • Research and evaluate emerging technologies to support future product advancements.
  • Generate IP patent portfolios for new technologies.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
  • Typically requires 12 years of related experience. Candidates with a master's or PhD may be considered with fewer years of experience, depending on the relevance of their academic background to the role.
  • Must have work experience with fiber optic connectivity or closely adjacent industry.
  • Strong background in connector design, cable assembly design, or other relevant mechanical design and development including but not limited to material selection, tolerance analysis, DFMEA, verification testing, product qualification, etc.
  • Development expertise with innovative latching and retention methods, strain relief of optical fibers, precision assembly and fiber alignment systems.
  • Expertise in 3D CAD applications (Creo preferred) used in the concept design phase.
  • Solid understanding of geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance analysis.
  • Proficient user of finite element analysis software (Ansys, Workbench) for structural design.
  • Ability to write design requirements for product or technology specifications.
  • In depth knowledge in manufacturing processes (machining, molding, stamping, plating, assembly, etc.) with experience driving Design for Manufacturing (DfM), Design for Automation (DfA) and best practices.
  • Experienced in providing technical leadership for the full product development cycle, from establishing customer requirements to releasing qualified design to production.
  • Solid understanding of competitive products and intellectual property positions.
  • Fluent in English (both verbal and written) to facilitate global communication both internally and with external customers.
  • Ability to work in a global environment - able to accommodate varying time zones and capable of collaborating with individuals across geographies.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills with an ability to manage and execute multiple tasks/deadlines/projects simultaneously with limited direction.
  • Outstanding problem solver - able to handle high complexity situations and use data analytics and critical thinking to reach logical conclusions with limited direction.
  • Collaboration with a cross-functional team and external partners.
  • Proficient using MS office software (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, MS Teams, etc).

Strongly Desired Skills & Qualifications:
  • Understanding of blind-mate and backplane connection systems.
  • Knowledge of co-packaged optics including opto-mechanical assembly, active alignment, passive alignment, pick and place, bonding processes, and dispensing technologies.
  • Optical modeling experience based on Marcuse theory, geometric or beam propagation methods.
  • Familiarity with high-precision metrology and sub-micron inspection methods.
  • Proficient use of quality tools such as FMEA, 6-sigma, DoE, 8D, statistical methods.
  • Expertise in various rapid prototyping methodologies.
  • Strong presentation skills to effectively engage with customers in ideation for new generation development.
  • Experience contributing to and influencing Standards Committees such as IEC, TIA or IEEE and knowledge of test methods for optical connectivity.
  • Comfortable leading technical discussions and performing technical training across project teams.
  • Ability to mentor and coach fellow engineers, designers and technicians.

Travel Required: Less than 20%
Our salary ranges consider a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to benchmarking by independent third-party consultants, skill sets, years of experience, training, education, geography, and other business needs. Depending on experience, the range can be higher for candidates with exceptional experience and a demonstrated history of successful performance. The expected salary range for this position is $175,000-$210,000 based on hired level and experience. The candidate will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) plan, and participation in the Company's Incentive Plan. Candidates starting with the Company will be eligible for eleven paid holidays in a full calendar year, two weeks of paid vacation (prorated based on start date), as well as other leave options.
Learn more about how we're on a quest to connect the future and build what's next.

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About CommScope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CommScope is on a quest to deliver connectivity that empowers how we live, work, and learn. Our employees push the boundaries of communications technology that enables game-changing discoveries like 5G, the Internet of Things, and gigabit speeds for everyone, everywhere. With our unmatched expertise in copper, fiber, and wireless infrastructure, our global clients rely on us to outperform today and be ready for the needs of tomorrow.

Industry

Media and telecom

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hickory, NC, US

Year founded

1976