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Optical Express Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Messina Talent Advisors

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Materials Test Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Optical Microscopy. * Strong verbal and written communication skills that demonstrate the ability to express complex technical concepts clearly and concisely and author engineering reports.

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Optical Express information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical express jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical express in Chicago, IL is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Express vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical ExpressOptical Technician
Required CredentialsOptical dispensing certification, optical assistant trainingOptical dispensing certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentOptical clinics, retail storesLaboratories, retail optical stores
Employer & Industry UsageOptical retail chains, healthcare providersOptical retail chains, labs, hospitals
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Optical Express primarily employs optical assistants and optometrists, focusing on patient care and eyewear sales. Optical Technicians, on the other hand, specialize in lens fabrication and technical tasks. Both roles require similar certifications and are found in retail optical settings, but their responsibilities differ, with Optical Express staff often engaging directly with customers and Optical Technicians focusing on technical production.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Express jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Optical Express jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Express jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Express jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Optical Express jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Express job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,937 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Postdoctoral Appointee - Ultrafast Microscale Photonics for X-ray Optics

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$72K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

A postdoctoral position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of ultrafast microscale photonics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for X-ray optics at synchrotron radiation facilities and other accelerator-based photon sources.

This project focuses on developing highly nonlinear MEMS-based oscillators driven by storage-ring radio-frequency (RF) signals to enable advanced manipulation of X-ray pulses. Background information on the project can be found in the publications listed below.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Designing and simulating MEMS devices

  • Testing and characterizing device performance

  • Developing feedback and control strategies for precise MEMS operation

  • Designing and carrying out time-resolved X-ray experiments using MEMS-based X-ray optics

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who can drive the project independently while working closely with senior members of the research group. The initial appointment is typically for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year, contingent upon project progress and funding availability.

Relevant Publications:

1. P. Chen et al., Ultrafast photonic micro-systems to manipulate hard X-rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1.

2. P. Chen et al., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard X-ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays.)

3. J. Zhou et al., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567, http//arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).

Position Requirements

  • Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field completed within the past five years or soon-to-be completed

  • Experience in X-ray scattering is highly desirable but not required

  • A strong understanding of the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X-ray optics applications

  • Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices, as well as designing feedback loops and control algorithms for their precise operation

  • Experience using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behavior of MEMS structures

  • Hands-on experience with signal processing and RF test instrumentation

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize research results into scholarly and technical outputs, including journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations

  • Strong self-motivation and a demonstrated interest in relevant research topics

  • A commitment to Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

Job Family

Postdoctoral

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $72,879.00-$121,465.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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