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Optical Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads. You ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads. You ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements. * Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and ...

Luminit

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback. * Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements. * Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and ...

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Vista, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

Evaluate and select lenses, detectors, coatings, optical materials, and vendor solutions to meet mission requirements. * Assist in planning and execution of optical quality measurement tests and ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$150K - $194K/yr

Support the development, optimization, and validation of optical packaging and active alignment processes for photonic components and fiber attach assemblies. * Assist in process characterization ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Support the development, optimization, and validation of optical packaging and active alignment processes for photonic components and fiber attach assemblies. * Assist in process characterization ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in California

Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in California is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical assistant?

An optical assistant is a vision care customer’s first point of contact, as you work in the retail or sales departments or optometrist’s offices. In this career, you are responsible for greeting patients and helping them select the right eyewear as well as repairing and making adjustments to the eyewear. Assistants perform duties such as fitting eyeglasses or contacts under supervision, measuring an eye or bridge of the nose, scheduling appointments, gathering important patient information, and maintaining medical files. Customer service is an important part of the job.

What does an optical assistant do?

As an Optical Assistant, your daily responsibilities include greeting patients, assisting with frame selection, taking basic eye measurements, and handling administrative duties such as booking appointments and managing patient records. You’ll work closely with optometrists, opticians, and other support staff to ensure smooth patient flow and excellent customer service. Collaboration is key, as Optical Assistants often communicate patient needs to clinical staff and help coordinate care. This role offers valuable exposure to both clinical and retail aspects of optometry, making it a great starting point for career growth within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Assistant, you need a solid understanding of basic optometry, customer service, and retail sales, often supported by on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with dispensing optical instruments, using lens measuring devices, and practice management software is typically required. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work well with both customers and team members distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate prescription fulfillment, excellent customer experiences, and smooth optical practice operations.

What is the difference between Optical Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssistantOptical Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, optical assistant certificationCertification or diploma in optical technology or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, clinicsLaboratories, manufacturing, or repair facilities
Employer & Industry UsageOptical retail chains, optometristsOptical labs, manufacturing companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentCustomer service, assisting with frame selectionLens fitting, equipment operation, technical repairs

Optical Assistants primarily focus on customer service, frame selection, and assisting optometrists, often working directly with patients. Optical Technicians handle more technical tasks like lens fitting, equipment operation, and repairs. Both roles are essential in the optical industry but differ in technical complexity and responsibilities.

Do you need a qualification to be an optical assistant?

Optical assistants typically do not require formal qualifications, but having relevant training or certifications in optical care or customer service can be beneficial. Employers may also provide on-the-job training to develop necessary skills for working with optical equipment and assisting customers.

How much does an optical assistant get paid?

An optical assistant typically earns between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. The role often involves customer service, lens fitting, and using optical equipment.
More about Optical Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in California?

For Optical Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,303 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 492 rated business services

Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?
At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.
Are you ready for your next career challenge?
Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.
The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced optical payload systems for next-generation space missions. The Space Business Area is transforming space payload solutions for the future through both customer-funded programs and internal research and development (IR&D) efforts focused on enabling new capabilities in space-based sensing.
In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades and system-level evaluations, and support the development of compact, high-performance payloads.
You will also play a hands-on role in laboratory activities, including optical alignment, integration, testing, and characterization of components and prototype systems. Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies-such as diffractive and meta-optics-analyze experimental data to inform design decisions, and document results to support internal R&D and program efforts.
This position emphasizes a balance of analytical and experimental work. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across simulation and laboratory environments and is motivated to grow technical expertise in both domains.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field with 4+ years of experience or a Master's degree with 2+ years of prior relevant experience
  • US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • Experience with optical system modeling, simulation, or analysis
  • Familiarity with optical performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, encircled energy, and radiometric considerations
  • Experience working in a laboratory environment, including optical alignment, testing, or characterization
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative team environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Active Secret clearance with ability to obtain a higher-level clearance (TS/SCI)
  • Experience with infrared optical systems or sensors
  • Hands-on experience with experimental optics, optical testbed development, and optical metrology
  • Experience with optical design tools such as Zemax or CODE V
  • Experience with modeling tools such as COMSOL, Lumerical, or equivalent
  • Experience with electronic design automation tools and file formats (e.g., GDSII)
  • Exposure to advanced optical technologies such as diffractive optics, meta-optics, or integrated photonics

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
April 27, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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