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Optical Assistant Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

... * Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components ... Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities * Travel to off ...

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

... * Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components ... Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities * Travel to off ...

Ciena

Component Engineer - Optical Commodity

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$128K - $165K/yr

Ciena's Supply Chain Procurement organization is seeking an Optical Component Engineer focused on the Pluggable Optical Transceiver commodity. This role drives component quality, reliability ...

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Optical Assistant information

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How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Baltimore, MD is $16.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $18.17 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD?

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

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Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% 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 $34,537 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

KBR
IT Services • 10K+ employees

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

144th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about KBRexternal

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Title:

Optical Technician

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform optical integration, alignment, testing, calibration, and verification of flight and non-flight hardware
  • Provide optical metrology support using instrumentation such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and coordinate measuring systems
  • Execute test plans, procedures, and support integration activities in laboratory, cleanroom, and field environments, including thermal-vacuum conditions
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate optical and metrology equipment and support software tools
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and test plans
  • Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, calibration tracking, and compliance with quality standards
  • Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components
  • Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities
  • Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites as required

Required Skills & Experience

  • Experience with optical systems, metrology, and precision instrumentation
  • Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques
  • Ability to work with metrology data and analysis software
  • Knowledge of laboratory practices, equipment calibration, and quality standards (e.g., ISO)
  • Strong documentation, reporting, and basic statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in technical environments

Preferred Skills

  • Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology
  • Familiarity with optical ground support equipment and metrology software tools

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from $62,400.00-$93,600.00. Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, Maryland area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more:KBR Benefits | KBR

#LI-EM2

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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