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Optical Associate Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Corning

Optical Systems Technician III

Newton, NC · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered. * 7+ years of experience in optical testing, quality, laboratory, fiber handling, or manufacturing ...

Corning

Optical Systems Technician III

Newton, NC

$69K - $96K/yr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered. * 7+ years of experience in optical testing, quality, laboratory, fiber handling, or manufacturing ...

Corning

Optical Systems Technician III

Newton, NC · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered. * 7+ years of experience in optical testing, quality, laboratory, fiber handling, or manufacturing ...

Corning

Optical Systems Technician III

Newton, NC · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered. * 7+ years of experience in optical testing, quality, laboratory, fiber handling, or manufacturing ...

Corning

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Fiber Products Associate Responsibilities: * Operates production equipment used in the ...

Corning

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC

$15 - $18.50/hr

And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ... Fiber Products Associate Responsibilities: * Operates production equipment used in the ...

Corning

Fiber Products Associate

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Fiber Products Associate Responsibilities: * Operates production equipment used in the ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Pollocksville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ... Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

New Bern, NC · On-site

$15 - $18.25/hr

As a Stanton Optical Sales Manager you would be our sales leader, assisting the Brand Manager in ... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

As a Stanton Optical Sales Manager you would be our sales leader, assisting the Brand Manager in ... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Burlington, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ... Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Hickory, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ... Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Hickory, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

As a Stanton Optical Sales Manager you would be our sales leader, assisting the Brand Manager in ... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Pollocksville, NC · On-site

$16 - $19.50/hr

As a Stanton Optical Sales Manager you would be our sales leader, assisting the Brand Manager in ... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Jacksonville, NC · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

As a Stanton Optical Sales Manager you would be our sales leader, assisting the Brand Manager in ... coach associates, foster a strong partnership with the Clinical team and Lab Staff, leading to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Associate JobsOptical Associate Jobs in North Carolina

Optical Associate information

What is an optical associate?

Optical Associates are professionals who assist customers in optical stores or eye care clinics. They help clients select eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform basic vision screenings, and provide information about frame styles, lens options, and insurance coverage. Optical Associates also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing payments, and maintaining patient records. They play an important role in ensuring customers have a positive experience when purchasing eyewear and receiving eye care services.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical associate, and how do they collaborate with optometrists and other team members?

Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers with frame selection, explaining lens options, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and processing sales transactions. They work closely with optometrists by preparing patients for eye exams, managing patient records, and ensuring a seamless handoff between the exam and eyewear selection. Collaboration with lab technicians and other associates is also essential to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of eyewear orders. This team-oriented environment helps maintain a high level of customer service and operational efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic optical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens measurement tools, and sometimes certification such as ABO-NCLE can be beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate optical dispensing, positive customer experiences, and efficient workflow in a retail or clinical eye care environment.

What is the difference between Optical Associate vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance prospectsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, eyewear clinics, optical departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, measuring for glasses, helping with frame selectionFabricating, repairing, and adjusting lenses and frames

Optical Associates typically work directly with customers in retail settings, focusing on sales and customer service, while Optical Technicians work behind the scenes in labs, handling lens fabrication and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of eyewear and customer interaction, but differ mainly in technical versus sales responsibilities.

Is an optical associate a good career?

An optical associate is a healthcare support role that involves assisting optometrists and ophthalmologists with patient care, lens fitting, and eyewear adjustments. It can be a stable career with opportunities for certification and skill development, often requiring good customer service and technical skills. The job typically offers regular hours and a supportive work environment in retail or clinical settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Optical Associate jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Optical Associate job openings:

Optical Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Optical Systems Technician III

Corning

Newton, NC • On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Corning rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 77744

The company built on breakthroughs. 
Join us.                                     

Corning is one of the world's leading innovators in glass, ceramic, and materials science. From the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, our technologies push the boundaries of what's possible. 

How do we do this? With our people. They break through limitations and expectations- not once in a career, but every day. They help move our company,and the world, forward. 

At Corning, there are endless possibilities for making an impact. You can help connect the unconnected, drive the future of automobiles, transform at-home entertainment, and ensure the delivery of lifesaving medicines. And so much more. 

Come break through with us. 


Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber and cable, hardware and equipment to being a comprehensive provider of industry-leading optical solutions across the broader communications industry.This segment is classified into two main product groupings - carrier network and enterprise network. The carrier network product group consists primarily of products and solutions for optical-based communications infrastructure for services such as video, data and voice communications. The enterprise network product group consists primarily of optical-based communication networks sold to businesses, governments and individuals for their own use.

Role Purpose

Support optical cable testing, troubleshooting, data analysis, equipment maintenance, standardization, and training across North American manufacturing plants.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support optical testing systems and quality processes.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and measurement issues.
  • Analyze test data and maintain reports and documentation.
  • Support equipment setup, qualification, maintenance, and improvements.
  • Assist with new product testing and process implementation.
  • Train technicians and operators.
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, quality, and equipment suppliers.
  • Support safety, quality, and compliance requirements.

Education and Experience

  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
  • 7+ years of experience in optical testing, quality, laboratory, fiber handling, or manufacturing systems.
  • Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, documentation, and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of measurement systems and manufacturing quality processes.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience with SPC, Gauge R&R, MSA, and statistical methods.
  • Experience with optical testing equipment and preventive maintenance.
  • Proficiency with Excel, Power BI, SQL, or similar tools.
  • Experience with new product introductions and technical training.
  • Familiarity with AI tools is a plus.

Work Hours and Travel Requirements

  • Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.
  • Travel between North American manufacturing plants may be required.
  • Immigration sponsorship is not available.

This position does not support immigration sponsorship.  


The range for this position is $69,880.00 - $96,085.00 assuming full time status. Starting pay for the successful applicant is dependent on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. 

A job that shapes a life. 

Corning offers you the total package. 

Your well-being is our priority. Our compensation and benefits package supports your health and wellness, financial aspirations, and career from day one.

  • Company-wide bonuses and long-term incentives align with key business results and ensure you are rewarded when the company performs well. When Corning wins, we all win.
  • As part of our commitment to your financial well-being, we provide a 100% company-paid pension benefit with fixed contributions that grow throughout your career. Combined with matching contributions to your 401(k) savings plan, Corning's total contributions to your retirement accounts can reach between 7% and 12% of your pay, depending on your age and years of service.
  • Our health and well-being benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, family building support, fitness, company-paid life insurance, disability, disease management programs, paid time off, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your family.  
  • Getting paid for our work is important, but feeling appreciated and recognized for those contributions motivates us much more. That's why Corning offers a recognition program to celebrate successes and reward colleagues who make exceptional contributions. 

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.

Corning is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and considers requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. Individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, perform essential job functions, or access other benefits and privileges of employment. To submit a request for reasonable accommodation related to disability or religion, please contact us at accommodations@corning.com.

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