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Optical Engineering Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Travel: None Job ID: 1640 The Role The Optical Alignment Technician plays a critical role in the ... Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues * Maintain ...

L3HHCM20

Engineering Technician B

Rochester, NY

$45K - $84K/yr

Engineering Technician B / Precision Optics Job Code: 38463 Job Location: Rochester, NY Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off) The Airborne Focus Factory of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems ...

Luminit Inc.

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field * Hands-on optical-bench or laser-lab experience (coursework, research, or an optics/laser technical program ...

Intuitive Machines LLC

Jr Optical Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Provide technical direction and guidance to optical technicians and junior engineers as needed. * Support multiple projects simultaneously while meeting project schedules, cost objectives, and ...

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nLIGHT

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

Associates Degree or higher in lasers, optics, electronics, or another engineering discipline, or ... Engineering Technician II: $25.49 - $33.10 per hour Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash ...

nLIGHT

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

Associates Degree or higher in lasers, optics, electronics, or another engineering discipline, or ... Engineering Technician II: $25.49 - $33.10 per hour Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash ...

L3HHCM20

Engineering Technician C

Salt Lake City, UT

The Engineering Technician C supports a range of technical activities across electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and optical systems. In this role, you will assist in the design, construction ...

IonQ

Optical Bench Alignment Technician

Broomfield, CO · On-site

Travel: None Job ID: 1640 The Role The Optical Alignment Technician plays a critical role in the ... Collaborate with engineering teams to troubleshoot alignment and performance issues * Maintain ...

nLIGHT

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA

Associates Degree or higher in lasers, optics, electronics, or another engineering discipline, or ... Engineering Technician II: $25.49 - $33.10 per hour Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash ...

Apply Early

Rivet Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$200K - $275K/yr

From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work ... Senior Optical Engineer Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 ...

L3HHCM20

Engineering Technician

Camden, AR · On-site

The Engineering Technician performs a variety of duties in the electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or optical areas. Assists in the design, construction, test and check-out of test ...

nLIGHT

Engineering Technician

Camas, WA · On-site

$25.49 - $33.10/hr

Associates Degree or higher in lasers, optics, electronics, or another engineering discipline, or ... Engineering Technician II: $25.49 - $33.10 per hour Other Compensation and Benefits * Target Cash ...

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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 2, 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 job categories do people searching Optical Engineering Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineering Technician jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineering Technician jobs? For Optical Engineering Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineering Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineering Technician job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,998 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Optical Bench Integration Technician

Optical Bench Integration Technician

IonQ

Broomfield, CO

$68K - $82K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Skyloom 

Skyloom, an IonQ company, is a telecommunications company founded with the mission to develop, deploy, and operate one of the fundamental pieces of tomorrow's space communication infrastructure to provide data transport services on a planetary scale. If you have a strong sense of purpose, focus, urgency, and willingness to compete-or if working on space lasers excites you-join our team to develop the future generation of space communication technology.

Location: This role will be based onsite at our Broomfield, Colorado office.
Travel: None
Job ID: 1641

The Role

The Optical Integration Technician has a critical role in production of Skyloom optical communication terminals. This role involves the initial integration of mechanical and optical components to begin production, initial optical alignments, and quality control. Excellent manual dexterity is required, as well as the ability to follow work instructions, develop new procedures, perform quality control measurements and inspections, and work closely with mechanical and optical engineering teams to troubleshoot problems and develop processes.

Core Qualifications

Qualified candidates possess at least 3 years of experience in an assembly environment. Experience with optical components is strongly preferred. Other skills and experience are:

  • Excellent manual dexterity for working with small, precision components
  • Ability to follow complex work instructions
  • Strong verbal communication, attention to detail, and problem solving skills
  • Knowledge and experience with optic cleaning procedures
  • Knowledge of ESD and laser safety procedures
  • Experience with torque limiting tools, micrometers, and calipers
  • Computer literacy including:
    • Effective communication via email & messaging
    • Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel)
    • Data entry for tracking and quality control
    • Scripting 
  • Ability to follow cleanroom protocols
  • Maintains a clean & organized workspace
  • Familiarity with quality control and compliance procedures
  • Ability to read and understand complex engineering drawings
  • Mission driven and team oriented

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with mechanical and optical bonds & adhesives
  • Enthusiasm to work with engineering to improve/develop procedures and offer suggestions
  • Technical writing ability for improving work instructions & providing feedback
  • Demonstrated experience in:
    • A high volume production environment
    • Identifying a quality/procedure issue and working with engineering to find a resolution
  • Experience with alignment and metrology tools such as:
    • Shearing interferometers
    • Optical power meters
    • Infrared cameras and sensors
    • Interferometers for surface quality and wavefront error measurements

Compensation 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $68,456 - $82,661. The total compensation package includes base salary, bonus, equity, and a range of benefits.

**Benefits will be provided by Skyloom, Inc., an IonQ Company, and will differ from the benefits listed on the IonQ website.**

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