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Optical Engineering Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH ยท On-site

$131K - $170K/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 ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Portsmouth, NH ยท On-site

$131K - $170K/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 ...

Optical Microscopy Technician Location: Onsite at Corning, NY Duration: 12 Months Preference for ... and engineers involved in research, development, and manufacturing of glasses through ...

Engineering Technician D Job Code: 37225 Job Location: Palm Bay, FL Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees ... Optical Fiber Splicing and Recoating, Fabrication, assembly, and inspection of photonic circuits ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA ยท On-site

$122K - $168K/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.

Engineering Technicians may work in shop, laboratory, or shipboard environments, assisting in ... Perform fiber optic terminations and testing using industry-standard tools such as optical test ...

New

Engineering Technician

Greenbelt, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Support optical alignment, integration, and metrology operations for spacecraft and scientific instruments. * Assist engineers and senior technicians in setup, operation, and execution of optical ...

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Optical Engineering Technician information

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How much do optical engineering technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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 are Optical Engineering Technicians?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineering Technician, and why are they important?

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 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.

More about Optical Engineering Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Engineering Technician jobs? Cities with the most Optical Engineering Technician job openings:
What states have the most Optical Engineering Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Engineering Technician jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering Technician jobs? For Optical Engineering Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,998 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

Wilmington, MA โ€ข On-site

$111K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Optical Engineering
Job Code: 40707
Job Location: Wilmington, MA
Job Schedule: (9/80 Every Other Friday Off!) - 2nd Shift with 10% Differential
Job Description:
We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team, providing critical optical assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) support to our aerospace programs. This role (second shift) involves performing component and system AI&T using interferometry and precision adjustment to meet allocated alignment tolerances and error budget allocations. You will be part of a team consisting of manufacturing, operations, and quality personnel and will work with various technicians in support of the build process.
Our programs include single and multiple aperture imaging systems, with both fixed and scanning platforms, operating across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of these systems function in a space environment. Mission requirements and packaging have driven our solutions to utilize custom multiple-mirror reflective designs, some including free-form optics and refractive lens cell assemblies.

Essential Functions:
Create assembly and test workflows and author optical test plans, layouts, and testing procedures, working as part of a multidisciplinary AI&T team.
Configure and align optical test support equipment (collimators, off-axis parabolas, flats, interferometers) as part of the optical test setup.
Lead and conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment.
Interpret interferometry measurement data (Zernike terms) to aid in adjustment of components and systems.
Collaborate with optical design and modeling efforts as needed, with a focus on hands-on application and testing.
Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
Perform detailed inspection of optical components to maintain system integrity.
Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and provide status of work tasks.

Qualifications:
Experience and knowledge of precision alignment techniques at the optical component and optical system level using interferometry (PhaseCam, Zygo, LUPI), theodolites or alignment telescopes, and broadband illumination sources.
Strong knowledge and experience in concepts of alignment sensitivity, wavefront error, Zernike polynomials, MTF, Ensquared energy, and knife-edge testing.
Participation and leadership in optical AI&T projects.
Knowledge of telescope systems and lens cell assemblies.
Demonstrated organizational skills to effectively manage competing tasks with demanding schedules.
Team player that is willing to mentor and guide new engineers in the art of optical alignments and techniques, ensuring knowledge transfer and adherence to best practices for lab-based system builds and experimental setups.
Ability to obtain and maintain an active Secret Security clearance.
Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:
Experience with Zemax or CodeV software tools for optical design and analysis
Experience with MATLAB or Python for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
Background in optical fabrication or testing metrology.
Knowledgeable in advanced interferometry concepts, optical testing layouts, and optical measurement data analysis products.
Possesses an active Security clearance.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C, Denver, or NYC areas is $111,500 - $207,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time