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Optical Assistant Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which ...

Neuralink

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which ...

Neurophos Inc

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... * Assist in building and improving test setups. * Conduct voltage-driven electro-optic ... measurements using arbitrary waveform generators and fast photodetectors. * Carry out die-to-die ...

VSP Vision

Optician/Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · On-site

$20 - $30.23/hr

Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit customer needs * Assist customers in the selection of frames and coordinate frames with optical measurements and prescription * Conduct ...

VSP Vision

Optician/Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · On-site

$20 - $30.23/hr

Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit customer needs * Assist customers in the selection of frames and coordinate frames with optical measurements and prescription * Conduct ...

VSP Vision

Optician/Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · On-site

$20 - $30.23/hr

Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit customer needs * Assist customers in the selection of frames and coordinate frames with optical measurements and prescription * Conduct ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Focused Energy Inc

Optical Engineer, Digital Twin

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

We are seeking an Optical Engineer for our Digital Twin efforts to develop, validate, and apply advanced optical and multiphysics simulation tools that form the backbone of our laser Digital Twin. As ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Exowatt

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own concentrator design ... These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions ...

Warby Parker

Optical Supervisor - South Congress

Austin, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Warby Parker

Optical Supervisor - South Congress

Austin, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Austin, TX

Optical Assistant information

See Austin, TX salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Austin, TX is $16.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.
More about Optical Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Austin, TX? For Optical Assistant jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Austin, TX are:
What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Austin, TX with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,453 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Neuralink

Austin, TX • On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Team Description:

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables-manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub-micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:

  • Designing and simulating optical imaging systems
  • Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems
  • Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems
  • Testing and verification of optics consumables
  • Building and testing of beam-scanning instruments
  • Developing image acquisition and processing software
  • Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications:

  • Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field
  • Bachelor of Science or higher-level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 3+ years of optical engineering experience
  • 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in designing and testing of in-vivo imaging systems
  • Experience in handling high power laser instruments
  • Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography
  • Hands-on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing

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