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Optical Assistant Jobs in Saugus, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Novanta

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

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Assistant JobsOptical Assistant Jobs in Saugus, MA

Optical Assistant information

See Saugus, MA salary details

$9

$16

$20

How much do optical assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assistant in Saugus, MA is $16.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.56 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 Saugus, MA are hiring for Optical Assistant jobs?

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

Optical Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assistant job openings in Saugus, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,321 per year, or $17 per hour.

Optical Engineer I

Diffraqtion

Somerville, MA • On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

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 MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Quantum Camera which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. 

The Role 
We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend most of your time in the lab—mounting and aligning optics, assembling prototypes, running experiments, taking measurements, and troubleshooting hardware that does not yet behave the way the model says it should. You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ownership and real mentorship: you will start by executing well-defined experiments and grow into owning subsystems of a first-of-a-kind device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit. 
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench—from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds—and the curiosity and persistence to keep debugging a setup that is not cooperating. We care more about your lab instincts, care with hardware, and appetite for learning than about the length of your résumé. Formal training on our design and simulation tools will be provided.
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
Key Responsibilities 
  • Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers. 
  • Assemble and integrate optical subsystems—handling, cleaning, and mounting precision optics and opto-mechanics. 
  • Run experiments and collect data using lab instrumentation such as beam profilers, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, and interferometers. 
  • Troubleshoot setups iteratively: isolate variables, find the root cause, and re-align and optimize until performance is met. 
  • Help develop and document repeatable alignment procedures, and iterate on simple optomechanical mounts and fixtures (3D-printed or machined). 
  • Support component selection and sourcing—request quotes, track lead times, and receive and inspect incoming optics. 
  • Reduce and analyze measurement data in MATLAB or Python, and compare results against optical models. 
  • Keep a rigorous lab notebook, write up test results clearly, and present findings to the team. 
  • Help build and run test setups for prototype qualification as hardware matures toward flight. 
Qualifications 
Required:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 1–2 years of hands-on optical lab experience—academic research, lab coursework, co-ops, and internships all count. 
  • Demonstrated bench experience aligning free-space optics (lasers, lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters) and/or working with fiber optics. 
  • Experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, detectors and power sources 
  • Working knowledge of optics fundamentals: imaging, diffraction, interference, polarization, and Gaussian beam propagation 
  • Comfort using MATLAB or Python for data analysis and basic modeling. 
  • Careful, organized, and safety-conscious lab habits, including laser safety awareness. 
  • Eagerness to be in the lab on-site in Somerville, MA—this is a hardware role, and the hardware lives here. 
  • Curiosity and persistence in troubleshooting—you want to know why the fringes disappeared. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits. 
  • Eagerness to learn from senior engineers, ask questions early, and act on feedback. 
  • Ability to work independently on well-scoped tasks while collaborating across a small, cross-functional team. 
  • Clear technical communication—both written and verbal. 
Preferred: 
  • Coursework, research, or project experience with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). 
  • Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for optomechanical mounts and fixtures. 
  • Hands-on experience with telescopes, imaging optics (including folded optics), or camera systems. 
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, or interferometry. 
  • Experience coupling into and testing photonic integrated circuits. 
  • Familiarity with optical metrology methods, instrumentation, and measurement uncertainty. 
  • Practical shop skills: machining, 3D printing, soldering, or basic electronics. 
Benefits 
  • Competitive salary and equity options. 
  • Medical, dental and vision on 1st day. 
  • Company 401K match.
  • Direct, day-to-day mentorship from senior optical engineers and the founding team. 
  • A collaborative and innovative work environment with a clear path for technical growth. 
  • The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space. 
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.