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Optical Assembly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IDEX Corporation

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 ...

IDEX

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 ...

IDEX Corporation

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 ...

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 ...

Teledyne

$44K - $59K/yr

Work with assembly and inspection tools such as torque wrenches, micrometers, calipers, height gages, and dial indicators * Support of optical alignment and testing of optical systems * Document ...

Anduril Industries

Senior Optical Engineer, AI&T

Lexington, MA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Lead the assembly, integration and test for novel optical systems * Work with optical suppliers to procure optical elements, including regular status updates, technical oversight, acceptance test ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Assembler II

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 ...

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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 Jun 16, 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 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, R&D managers, or specialized technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require extensive expertise in optics, precision manufacturing, and project management, and may include bonuses or profit sharing that contribute to total compensation.

What is an optical assembly?

An optical assembly in a job context involves assembling and aligning optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and sensors to create functional optical systems. Workers in this role often use precision tools and may need knowledge of optics, electronics, and quality control to ensure proper performance of the assembled devices.

How much is the salary of a fiber optic technician?

The salary of a fiber optic technician typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially in areas with high demand for fiber optic installation and maintenance.

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 does an optical assembly technician do?

An optical assembly technician assembles, aligns, and tests optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms to ensure proper function in devices like microscopes, cameras, and laser systems. They use precision tools and follow detailed technical specifications, often working in cleanroom environments and adhering to safety standards.
More about Optical Assembly jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Assembly jobs? Cities with the most Optical Assembly job openings:
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Optical Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Optical Assembly Technician- TEMP

Coherent

Sunnyvale, CA

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

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.


 

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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