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Optical Assembly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assembly Technicians II

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

The Optical Assembly Technician 2 performs advanced optical assembly and alignment operations requiring micron and submicronlevel accuracy. This role is responsible for actively aligning optical ...

About the role The Optical Assembly Technician 2 performs advanced optical assembly and alignment operations requiring micron‑ and sub‑micron‑level accuracy. This role is responsible for ...

Assembly Technicians II

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$16.75 - $21/hr

The Optical Assembly Technician 2 performs advanced optical assembly and alignment operations requiring micron- and sub-micron-level accuracy. This role is responsible for actively aligning optical ...

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 ...

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Optical Assembly information

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$11

$21

$37

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 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.
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Cities with the most Optical Assembly job openings:

What states have the most Optical Assembly jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Optical Assembly jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Optical Assembly Technician (1st shift)

Middlefield, CT • On-site

Ametek
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$50K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 162 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety. We are seeking an Optical Assembly Technician to join our Laser Tubes manufacturing team.
As an Optical Assembly Technician, you will be responsible for performing accurate assembly and test of laser tubes and components as follows.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Perform accurate optomechanical and electromechanical assembly and test of laser tubes and components using precision tooling and fixturing, ensuring components fit and function as intended.
  • Document work performed with extreme attention to detail, including the ability to identify irregularities and ability to meet precise quality and performance requirements.
  • Follow detailed manufacturing procedures, work instructions, and quality standards and execute assembly/test work with consistency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with engineering, supervision and peers to provide clear feedback on build progress, issues encountered and test results, and to support process development, validation, and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to handle delicate glass assemblies.
  • Maintain cleanroom protocols and ensure contamination control during all assembly processes.
  • Ability to read optical drawings and bills of materials.
  • Maintain traceability of components and assemblies.
  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for production issues.
  • Maintain required training certifications and adhere to safety and quality standards, including protocols pertaining to ovens, gases and burn in work stations.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 3-5 years of hands-on production manufacturing/operations
  • Solid mathematical aptitude
  • Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, including Bill of Material (BOM), schematics, drawings and build procedures.
  • Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail to handle delicate optical components.
  • Collaborative team player with a focus on problem-solving
  • Ability to work independently and to be flexible/adaptable with shifting priorities.
  • Organized, conscientious and focused.
  • Basic computer skills for data entry, documentation, and communication
  • Capable to lift up to 20 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Driven to achieve with a commitment to quality with a safety-first mindset.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience in manufacturing precision optical or laser-based instruments.
  • Experience working in a Clean Room environment (ISO Class 7 or better preferred).
  • Knowledge of optical principles, precision alignments, optical testing, and troubleshooting.

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.
Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success? We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!
We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.
*Due to the nature of Zygo programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.
Compensation
Employee Type: Hourly
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 50,000
Salary Maximum: 65,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.
Nearest Major Market: Hartford

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