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Optical Engineering Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Wilmington, MA · On-site

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 41502 Job Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts Job Schedule: 9 ... technicians in support of the build process. Our programs include single and multiple aperture ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

... technicians, project leaders, and sponsors in support of mission-critical optical systems. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

... technicians, project leaders, and sponsors in support of mission-critical optical systems. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) within the Engineering Directorate.

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

... laser technicians and assemblers. * Communicates the status of projects including progress ... Provides optical engineering support throughout the design, transition, and sustain portions of the ...

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Optical Engineering Technician information

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How much do optical engineering technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineering technician in the United States is $51.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $83.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical engineering technician?

Optical Engineering Technicians are professionals who assist engineers in the design, assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical systems and devices, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They work with specialized equipment to build and calibrate optical instruments, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure product quality. Their work is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical imaging, manufacturing, and research laboratories.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an optical engineering technician?

To thrive as an Optical Engineering Technician, you need a solid understanding of optics principles, precision measurement, and electronics, typically supported by an associate degree in optics, engineering technology, or a related field. Familiarity with optical alignment tools, metrology instruments, CAD software, and relevant safety certifications is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding technicians apart. These skills ensure precise assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical systems critical to quality and innovation in fields like telecommunications, manufacturing, and scientific research.

What are some common challenges optical engineering technicians face when working on prototype development?

Optical Engineering Technicians often encounter challenges such as precise alignment of optical components, maintaining cleanroom standards, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues during prototype development. Working closely with engineers and scientists, technicians must adapt quickly to design changes and document modifications accurately. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as small errors can significantly impact the performance of optical systems.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering Technician vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Engineering TechnicianOptical Engineer
CredentialsAssociate's degree or technical certificationBachelor's or higher in optical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, testing sitesDesign offices, R&D labs, project planning
Job FocusAssisting with assembly, testing, and calibration of optical systemsDesigning, developing, and analyzing optical systems and components

Optical Engineering Technicians typically hold technical certifications and focus on supporting optical system assembly and testing. Optical Engineers usually have higher education degrees and are responsible for designing and developing optical systems. Both roles are essential in the optical industry, but they differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

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Optical Engineering Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,998 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Engineering Technician - Optical - 085QE

Quartus Engineering

San Diego, CA • On-site

$21.24 - $34.71/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Quartus
Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.
What will you do?
As an Engineering Technician - Optical in our San Diego office, you will support the build, alignment, and test of advanced laser and optical systems in a hands-on lab and cleanroom environment. Working closely with engineering teams, you will ensure precision, quality, and on-time delivery of optical assemblies and subsystems.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Support production of optical, mechanical, and electrical system parts and assemblies by:
    • Assembling, integrating, and aligning laser and optical subassemblies
    • Inspecting, cleaning, and bonding optical components using approved handling procedures
    • Setting up and executing optical and electro-optical tests, recording and reporting data against specifications
    • Troubleshooting optical, electrical, and mechanical assemblies
    • Operating lab equipment such as the Zygo interferometer, the Trioptics OptiCentric, power meters, energy meters, oscilloscopes, microscopes, thermal chambers, bakeout ovens, ultrasonic cleaners and miscellaneous hand tools
    • Assisting in obtaining quotes for parts and assemblies
    • Ordering and receiving parts while tracking against Bill Of Materials
      (BOM)
    • Packaging parts and preparing and managing shipments
    • Managing and organizing inventory
  • Assist engineers in the design, development, testing, inspection, installation, and operation of optical, mechanical, and electrical components and assemblies
  • Build from detailed assembly drawings, schematics, and work instructions
  • Perform evaluation and work with Engineering teams to complete departmental projects within budget and schedule constraints
  • Follow laser safety standards and cleanroom protocols
  • Contribute to the overall success and quality of Quartus services

Location
Position is based onsite in San Diego.
What are we looking for?
  • High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • 2-5 years of hands-on experience with laser, optical, or opto-mechanical systems
  • Experience working in a cleanroom or controlled lab environment
  • Optical alignment, optics cleaning, and bonding experience
  • Proficiency with lab and inspection tools (Zygo interferomter, Trioptics OptiCentric, microscopes, calipers, power meters, multimeters)
  • Ability to read assembly drawings and technical documentation
  • Basic soldering and wiring skills
  • Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to stand continuously as well as bend, squat, and lift frequently
  • Ability to lift up to 75 lbs occasionally
  • Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

Compensation and Benefits
Engineering Technician I pay range: $17.56/hour - $28.69/hour*
Engineering Technician II pay range: $21.24/hour - $34.71/hour*
*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.
Referral eligibility: Tier 1
Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.

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