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Optical Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fibertek

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130.40K - $168.90K/yr

Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of ...

Fibertek, Inc

Optical Communication Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Job Title Optical Communication Engineer Location Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based ...

Sedulous Consulting Services LLC

Optical Engineer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

Sedulous is seeking an Optical Engineer to provide on-site technical support for the Electro-Optic Support Facility (EOSF) at MCSC Quantico in support of the Product Manager Infantry Weapons (PdM IW ...

Peraton

Optical Communications Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Peraton is seeking an Optical Communications Systems Engineering (SE) Expert to support the design, development, integration, and optimization of optical communication systems for SATCOM projects. In ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

NSS

Sr. Optical Communications Engineer II

Herndon, VA · On-site

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Senior Optical Communication Engineer Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter ...

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Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Washington is $18.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $20.67 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 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 are the typical daily tasks for an Optical Assistant, and how do they interact with other team members in an optometry practice?

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 Optical Assistants?

Optical Assistants are professionals who work in optician practices or eye care clinics, supporting optometrists and dispensing opticians. They assist customers with selecting and fitting eyewear, perform basic eye tests, and handle administrative tasks such as booking appointments and managing patient records. Optical Assistants also provide advice on lens options, frame styles, and eyewear care. Their role is essential in ensuring patients receive excellent service and the right vision solutions.

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.

More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Washington? For Optical Assistant jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Optical Communication Engineer

Optical Communication Engineer

Fibertek

Herndon, VA

$132.70K - $171.70K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Would you enjoy working with a collaborative team of engineers to design and build satellite based optical communications laser terminals including optical inter-satellite links (OISL) and direct to earth links. Fibertek is looking for an optical communication engineer to join our Herndon, VA team to help pave the way for tomorrow's advancement in space exploration. You will embrace a team atmosphere while being empowered to make decisions in your area of expertise.

Job duties: As an optical communications engineer, you will be responsible for designing and building optical space terminals. Work includes optical space lasercom design, hand-on building space flight optical flight terminals, and conducting performance and environmental verification testing for space. Design and work with some of the smartest minds in engineering actively involved in current high-profile NASA and DOD missions.

You will use your direct hands-on experience to support the build, alignment, and performance characterization of laser communication terminals, build space fiber lasers, and develop optical pointing and tracking systems. Activities include coordinating and performing formal acceptance and qualification testing across multiple concurrent projects with a mix of short-duration flight programs and long-duration technology maturation programs.Experience and expertise required: BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems. Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods

Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability. Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers. Ability or interest in building fiber lasers.

Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Desired qualifications: Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber. Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativityExperience and expertise required: BS in Physics, Optical engineering or other related engineering specialties with a minimum of 3 years direct hands-on designing, building, and characterizing optical systems.

Efficient at developing and executing on complex optical alignment methods. Understanding of opto-mechanical, thermo-optic tolerance and stability. Knowledge of laser theory and industry best practices associated with fiber laser systems including continuous wave, pulsed, and high peak power fiber lasers.

Ability or interest in building fiber lasers. Ability to design and execute experiments validating communications system performance and correlate the results with the expected performance. Strong communication and documentation skills for efficient multidisciplinary coordination Desired qualifications: Experience or ability to work within an aerospace environment is a plus including environmental test capability of hardware before/after vibration and inside a thermal vacuum chamber.

Experience with modeling and simulation of optical systems using industry standard tools such as MATLAB, MATHCAD, ZEMAX or equivalent software tools Ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges demonstrating ingenuity and creativity

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