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Optical Assistant Jobs in Lawrence, MA (NOW HIRING)

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

$150 - $200/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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng II - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

The Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other ...

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 ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Optical Systems Engineer Date: Apr 29, 2026 Location: North Reading, MA, US Opportunity Overview Senior Optical Systems Engineer will have responsibility for development of optical test ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

The Optical Design Engineer will develop and mature advanced EO/IR system concepts. Work will support development of next-generation Precision Pointers, Laser Systems, Imaging Systems, and other ...

Onto Innovation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

New

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

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 ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $171K/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 ...

L3Harris Technologies

Optical Engineering

Malden, MA · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Lawrence, MA

Optical Assistant information

See Lawrence, MA salary details

$9

$17

$21

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Lawrence, MA is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $19.18 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 cities near Lawrence, MA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

Cities near Lawrence, MA with the most Optical Assistant job openings:

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Lawrence, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,466 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Novanta

Bedford, MA

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing-improving productivity, enhancing people's lives and redefining what's possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications-from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.

Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.

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 solutions based on customer specifications and product management requirements. You will make critical technical decisions to ensure high-quality, high-performance products and provide technical leadership on complex, high-impact projects. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will tackle technical challenges and deliver outstanding results. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and adept at multitasking, with a strong background in modelling, simulation, prototyping, problem-solving, and design of complex optical systems. You will also serve as a technical consultant and advisor to executives.

This position ispart ofNovanta'sRobotics & Automationbusiness unit.R&A's cohesive vision, superior technologies, consultative teamapproachand best-in-class reliability make us the trusted partner in solvingthemost challenging motion control problems.

R&A's precisioncomponentand subsystem solutions solve application-specific challenges for technology-driven original equipment manufacturers from a range of markets.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lead the optical design and development of rotary and linear encoder products, including diffractive optical elements, photosensors, light sources, and encoder scale designs.

  • Translate system-level requirements into detailed optical specifications, including MTF, resolution, distortion, field of view, and illumination performance.

  • Perform optical modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as Zemax to develop and optimize encoder optical architectures.

  • Conduct opto-mechanical tolerance analysis, material selection, and define bonding and assembly processes to ensure robust product performance.

  • Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost objectives

  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate and validate optical solutions.

  • Work with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to source, qualify, and scale optical components for high-volume production

  • Support product verification, validation, calibration, and field troubleshooting activities to ensure product performance and customer satisfaction.

  • Evaluate custom versus commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) optical components and technologies to optimize product cost and performance.

  • Investigate and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development, manufacturing, and field operation using structured engineering and root-cause analysis methods.

  • Contribute to project execution by supporting requirements definition, deliverables planning, schedules, budgets, and technical risk management.

Required Experience,

Education, Skills and

Competencies

  • Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience.

  • Preferred: Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.

  • Solid understanding of diffractive optic

  • Strong proficiency with optical design tools ( Zemax , Code V, or similar)

  • Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology and characterization

  • Hands-on experience with complex optical assembly development. Lab and prototype development experience

  • Experience working with optics vendors and manufacturing processes

  • Capable of independent and team-based work, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB.

  • Able to collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and management, while mentoring less experienced team members.

  • The salary for this role will range from $130,000 to $175,000 annually based on full-time employment. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc.

  • Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives. Incentives could be discretionary or non-discretionary depending on the plan.

  • Novanta supports all aspects of your life's needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.

Please call +1 781-266-5700 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.

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