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Optical Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical ...

Koch Industries

Optical System Test Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

... * Assist in customer certification tests, ensuring compliance with industry standards and ... Pluggable optics and transponders * Hands-on experience with optical test equipment for ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$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 ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Optical requirement decomposition * Optical requirement verification planning * Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Optical requirement decomposition * Optical requirement verification planning * Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

DigiLens Inc.

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

About the Role DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

Optical requirement decomposition * Optical requirement verification planning * Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical Performance analysis ...

Apple Inc.

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181.90 - $245.10/hr

These optical instruments are for calibrating and testing optical display modules, across multiple product lines (e.g. vision, phone, watch, mac, pad ...), in NPI (new product introduction) stage.

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in California

Optical Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$16

$19

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

Aeva, Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About us:
Aeva's mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview:
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 optical sub-components and systems used within Aeva's LiDAR coherent sensing system.
What you'll be doing:
  • Design and analyze optical systems, including developing optical architectures , evaluating tolerances, manufacturability, light budgets and other trade-offs.
  • Perform sequential and non-sequential simulations of optical systems.
  • Direct specification development for detailed drawings of optical components
  • Generate and document new IP

What you have:
  • Bachelors or Masters in optical engineering, physics, or related field.
  • 3+ years experience maturing optical systems designs from proof of concept to production
  • Ability to model and script in ZEMAX, Code V, Fred, or similar
  • Experience in tolerance analysis, stray-light and scattering analysis
  • Experience with precision optical, micro-optic and/or fiber optic components
  • Hands-on laboratory skills in setting up, testing, validating, and troubleshooting optical, fiber optic and opto-mechanical subsystems
  • Knowledge of limitations and fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures

What's in it for you:
  • Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team
  • Very competitive compensation and meaningful stock grants
  • Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more
  • Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards

$132,000 - $179,200 a year
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate's starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future.
Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
Aeva is an Equal Opportunity Employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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