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Optical Assembly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Support the development and improvement of assembly and alignment processes * Perform inspection, measurement, and quality control of optical assemblies * Collaborate with engineering teams to ...

Encode

Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Lexington, MA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

Hands-on expertise in optical assembly, alignment, testing, and inspection. Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, TVAC) and hardware/software integration. Strong knowledge of ...

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 ...

IPG Photonics

Optical Technician

Marlborough, MA

If you're passionate about optics, precision assembly, fiber laser systems, and medical device manufacturing, you'll fit right in. What You'll Be Doing * Perform precision optical and ...

Ephemeris Net

Optical 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 ...

Ephemeris Net

Senior Optical Engineer

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 ...

Ephemeris Net

Staff Optical Engineer

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 ...

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How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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 or technical directors can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in leadership positions or with extensive experience and specialized skills. These roles often require advanced education, certifications, and expertise in optical systems, manufacturing processes, and project management.

What is the highest paid fiber optic technician?

The highest paid fiber optic technicians typically earn salaries exceeding $70,000 annually, especially those with advanced certifications, extensive experience, or specialized skills in fiber optic installation and maintenance. Senior technicians or those working in high-demand industries or regions may earn higher compensation. Salary can vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise.

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.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and technical skills with optical equipment and attention to detail are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

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 is an optical assembly technician?

An optical assembly technician is responsible for assembling, aligning, and testing optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms used in devices like cameras, microscopes, and laser systems. They often work in cleanroom environments and use precision tools, following technical specifications and quality standards to ensure proper functionality.
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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% 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.
Production Optical Assembly Technician-Waltham,Massachusetts

Production Optical Assembly Technician-Waltham,Massachusetts

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Marlborough, MA

$54.81/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Assemble and handle complex optical and optomechanical components (lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, lasers, and fiber optics) into housings according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Align optical systems using specialized equipment, including lasers, collimators, interferometers, autocollimators, and microscopes.
  • Accurately complete production logs, device history records (DHR), quality checklists, and enter test data into the company database.
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and diagnose assembly failures or optical misalignments and collaborate with manufacturing engineers to implement corrective actions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years of experience in optical assembly, micro-assembly, or precision electronics manufacturing.
  • Experience handling precision optical components
  • Familiarity with automated fluid dispensing systems
  • High attention to detail
  • Ability to carry 50 pounds for short periods of time.
  • Ability to multitask stop/go into new assignments on short notice.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain a United States Security Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with AS9100 or equivalent quality management systems
  • Experience with 5S practices
  • Strong organizational skills, detail oriented, effective time management, ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Experience using Microscopes
  • Experience with ESD processes
  • Experience with imaging, optics and alignment

US Salary Range
$41.35-$54.81 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

What Anduril employees say

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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