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Optical Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Optikos

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Optikos, LLC.

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA

$130K - $165K/yr

Description The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

New

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

New

Grassi

Optical Sales Associate

Quincy, MA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist patients with frame and lens selection and education. * Conducts measurements using appropriate optical tools and consults with Optician as needed. * Check in all ...

Grassi

Optical Sales Associate

Quincy, MA

$19 - $22/hr

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist patients with frame and lens selection and education. * Conducts measurements using appropriate optical tools and consults with Optician as needed. * Check in all ...

Novanta

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Novanta, Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Novanta Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130 - $175/hr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

New

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$135K - $250K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 40446 Job Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off) We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team, providing ...

Triwill Group

Principal Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$151.20 - $236.25/hr

Principal Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking a senior individual contributor to build state‑of‑the‑art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom ...

New

Encode

Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Lexington, MA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

We are seeking an Optical AI&T Engineer to design, assemble, integrate, and test advanced optical and electro-optical systems. Responsibilities include optical alignment, system integration, test ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA

Optical Assistant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$18

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Boston, MA is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $19.86 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Assistant jobs in Boston, MA? For Optical Assistant jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Assistant jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Assistant jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Optical Assistant job openings:
Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,760 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Staff Optical Engineer

Optikos

Wakefield, MA • On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives innovation across imaging, illumination, and opto-mechanical systems while mentoring engineering teams and guiding complex product development from concept through manufacturing release.
The Staff Optical Engineer is recognized as a key technical expert and collaborates cross-functionally to influence product strategy, solve high-impact engineering challenges, and ensure world-class optical performance.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Lead the development of next-generation optical architectures, imaging systems, illumination systems, and custom opto-mechanical assemblies.
  • Define optical system requirements and translate them into detailed design specifications.
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert on geometrical optics, physical optics, laser systems, and optical metrology.
  • Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies, materials, and design methodologies relevant to product roadmap needs.
  • Perform advanced optical modeling, simulation, and optimization using industry tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, and LightTools.
  • Conduct complex tolerance analyses, sensitivity studies, stray-light analysis, and system performance modeling.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for optical performance issues across prototypes and production systems.
  • Establish optical design, best practices, quality standards, and review processes.
  • Oversee and participate in hands-on laboratory work, including optical assembly, alignment, and performance characterization.
  • Guide development of metrology methods and test stations using interferometers, autocollimators, spectrophotometers, lasers, and custom equipment.
  • Validate system performance through data analysis of MTF, wavefront error, distortion, noise, and other key metrics.
  • Partner with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing engineering teams to ensure robust opto-mechanical integration.
  • Provide strategic technical input during concept reviews, design trade studies, risk assessments, and product design reviews.
  • Work closely with vendors and suppliers to evaluate components, materials, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level optical engineers in design methodology, laboratory techniques, modeling, and best practices.
  • Lead technical reviews, provide constructive feedback, and foster growth of optical engineering competencies across the organization.
  • Act as a technical representative during customer engagements, requirement discussions, and design presentations.
  • Support transition from prototype to high-throughput manufacturing, including tolerance optimization, process documentation, and production troubleshooting.

Skills and Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or related discipline; Master's or PhD strongly preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in optical design, analysis, and testing.
  • Deep proficiency with optical simulation tools (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools, or equivalent).
  • Extensive experience in imaging optics, illumination design, and opto-mechanical integration.
  • Proven ability to lead complex optical development programs with minimal oversight.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to create high-quality technical reports and documentation.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, metrology equipment, and prototype testing.
  • Experience guiding products through full development lifecycle into manufacturing preferred.
  • Background in system-level engineering and multidisciplinary design preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership of technical teams or project initiatives preferred.
  • Experience collaborating with customers, external vendors, and cross-functional stakeholders preferred.

About Optikos:
For more than 40 years, Optikos® has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab™ Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer markets, and our experience with a wide variety of applications has enabled our staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team continues to improve existing metrology product lines and develop new products that Optikos manufactures and installs around the globe.
If you are an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual looking for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to develop professionally, send us your resume.
This is a 100% in-office position located in our headquarters in Wakefield, Massachusetts. We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.
Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.
Salary Description
$130-165k/Annually

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