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Optical Assembly Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site +1

$150K - $190K/yr

Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification * Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware * Ability to obtain a U.

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification * Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications * Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware * Ability to obtain a U.

Experience with Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) processing and electro-optical assembly design is preferred. * Experience in cryocooler technology * Experience in IR sensing technology * Strong technical ...

Experience with Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) processing and electro-optical assembly design is preferred. * Experience in cryocooler technology * Experience in IR sensing technology * Strong technical ...

Test Technician - 1st shift

Aurora, OH · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Perform occasional repairs of control, power and fiber optic assembly, crimping and routing * Programming electronic devices, interfacing with computer and programs on computer. * Completing test ...

Test Technician - 1st shift

Aurora, OH · On-site

$28 - $31/hr

Perform occasional repairs of control, power and fiber optic assembly, crimping and routing * Programming electronic devices, interfacing with computer and programs on computer. * Completing test ...

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Mold Maker/ Tool Maker

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$31.50 - $47.50/hr

... assembly operators, technicians and engineers. By working together as a team, we design and manufacture groundbreaking new optical products.

Manufacturing Engineer

Mentor, OH · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Develop, document, and optimize manufacturing processes for precision optical lens fabrication and assembly* Develop, document, and optimize metrology processes for optical lens assemblies in ...

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Optical Assembly information

See Ohio salary details

$10

$20

$35

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly in Ohio is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

Is optical assembly a good career?

Optical assembly involves assembling and testing optical components and devices, often requiring precision and attention to detail. It can be a stable career with opportunities in manufacturing, electronics, and technology sectors, and may require knowledge of optical tools and safety procedures.

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. Certification in optics or related fields and attention to detail are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assembly jobs in Ohio?

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

Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,394 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH • On-site, Remote

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense applications. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative optical solutions spanning imaging systems, laser-based systems, precision optics, and emerging photonic technologies.
This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle from concept development and system architecture through prototype development, testing, and product transition while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to solve challenging optical system problems.
Primary responsibilities are to be performed in Dayton, OH. May consider hybrid position for qualified candidates.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems.
  • Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies.
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization using industry-standard tools.
  • Design and specify optical components and systems, including lens assemblies, beam expanders, fiber collimators, and illumination systems.
  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout product development.
  • Support technology roadmap development, customer engagements, technical proposals, and intellectual property generation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience designing and developing advanced optical or electro-optical systems.
  • Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, optical tolerancing, polarization, and imaging system performance.
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent.
  • Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization.
  • Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
  • Track record of excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary and hybrid teams.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
  • Free-Space Optical Communications (FSOC)
  • Laser systems and photonics
  • Space-based or airborne optical systems
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems
  • Precision optical instrumentation
  • Optical sensing and spectroscopy
  • Fiber-optic systems
  • Adaptive optics or beam control
  • Optical coatings and advanced optical materials
  • SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR optical systems
  • Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics
  • Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification
  • Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications
  • Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and equity participation
  • Opportunity to develop next-generation optical technologies with real-world impact
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
  • Technical leadership opportunities and significant system ownership
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development and career growth in a rapidly expanding deep-tech company
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge commercial, aerospace, and defense optical systems