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Optical Instrument Assembler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Persona AI

Micro-Miniature Precision Assembler

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Watchmaking, horology, or precision instrument, camera, or optics repair. * Medical device ... the Assembler II level. Physical Requirements * Sustained fine motor manipulation of small ...

New

Wilcox Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Newington, NH · On-site

$133K - $172K/yr

... and assemblers. * Communicates the status of projects including progress, estimated time to ... Knowledge of instrument operation, calibration, & test (photometers, interferometers ...

Apex Systems

Manufacturing - Assembler 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

... instrument builds. * Perform electronic assembly, including crimping, soldering, and cable ... Perform optical alignment and calibration. * Prepare instruments or accessories for technical ...

SETI Institute

Optical Scientist

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

... instrument), and the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) flagship. As part of this work, there will ... Assemble and manipulate optical layouts on a testbed (grasp lightly, and use fine manipulation ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Assembler II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

... instrument builds. * Perform electronic assembly tasks such as crimping, soldering, and cable installation. * Execute mechanical assembly using basic hand tools. * Perform optical alignment and ...

JPL

Technologist III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

The Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for developing and ... The Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group (365D) provides lifecycle leadership in the ...

JPL

Technologist III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Responsibilities The Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for ... The Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group (365D) provides lifecycle leadership in the ...

JPL

Technologist III

La Canada Flintridge, CA · On-site

The Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for developing and ... The Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group (365D) provides lifecycle leadership in the ...

Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Technologist III

Campus, IL · On-site

The Instrument Systems, Microdevices, and Sensors Section (365) is responsible for developing and ... The Optical & Quantum System Engineering Group (365D) provides lifecycle leadership in the ...

Bruker

Title Manufacturing Technician

Madison, WI

Responsibilities Assemble and manufacture instrumentation, subassemblies, and precision components ... complex optical instruments. Re-qualify the instrument after service/repair to ensure proper ...

Bruker

Manufacturing Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

Responsibilities Assemble and manufacture instrumentation, subassemblies, and precision components ... complex optical instruments. Re-qualify the instrument after service/repair to ensure proper ...

UNAVAILABLE

Manufacturing Technician

Madison, WI

Responsibilities Assemble and manufacture instrumentation, subassemblies, and precision components ... complex optical instruments. Re-qualify the instrument after service/repair to ensure proper ...

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Optical Instrument Assembler information

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How much do optical instrument assembler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical instrument assembler in the United States is $28.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.92 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical instrument assembler?

Optical Instrument Assemblers are skilled technicians who assemble, adjust, and test devices that use lenses, mirrors, and other optical components, such as microscopes, telescopes, cameras, and lasers. They work with small, delicate parts and use specialized tools to ensure each component fits together precisely. These professionals often follow blueprints or technical diagrams and may also be responsible for inspecting finished products for quality and accuracy. Their work is crucial in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and research, where high-performance optical instruments are essential.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an optical instrument assembler?

To thrive as an Optical Instrument Assembler, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of optics and electronics, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with precision assembly tools, microscopes, and quality control systems is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving skills, patience, and the ability to work collaboratively help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensuring the precise assembly and reliable performance of complex optical instruments.

What challenges do optical instrument assemblers face, and how can they be addressed?

Optical Instrument Assemblers often encounter challenges such as handling delicate components, maintaining precision during assembly, and troubleshooting alignment issues. To address these, attention to detail and steady hand coordination are essential, along with following strict cleanroom protocols to prevent contamination. Collaborating closely with engineering and quality assurance teams can help quickly resolve technical problems, and ongoing training ensures assemblers stay updated on best practices and new technologies.

What is the difference between Optical Instrument Assembler vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical Instrument AssemblerOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, assembly linesLaboratories, repair shops
Industry UsageOptical equipment manufacturingOptical device maintenance and repair
Job FocusAssembling optical componentsTesting, troubleshooting, repairing optical systems

Optical Instrument Assemblers primarily focus on assembling optical devices in manufacturing settings, while Optical Technicians are more involved in testing, maintaining, and repairing optical systems. Both roles require technical skills and certifications but differ in daily tasks and work environments.

More about Optical Instrument Assembler jobs

What states have the most Optical Instrument Assembler jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Instrument Assembler jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Optical Instrument Assembler jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Instrument Assembler jobs are:

Optical Instrument Assembler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Instrument Assembler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $58,840 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Micro-Miniature Precision Assembler

Persona AI

Houston, TX • On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Micro-Miniature Precision Assembler
Department: Manufacturing - Hand & End Effector Cell
Employment Type: Full Time
FLSA: Non-Exempt (hourly; overtime paid at 1.5x)
Location: Houston, TX - Onsite
Who We Are
Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona AI founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, and even roamed Disney Parks. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.
Why Join Persona AI
  • We offer competitive compensation, a performance-based bonus, 99% employer covered medical benefits, early-stage equity, competitive PTO, and a company-wide paid winter break between December 24th and January 2nd.
  • You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.
  • Work alongside passionate teammates who value creativity, and continuous learning.

About the Role
You will build the hands that hold the torch. Persona AI's humanoids weld, grind, and inspect in shipyards and heavy fabrication shops, and every one of those jobs comes down to a hand gripping a tool in a hot, dirty place and not letting go.
The hand is the hardest thing on the robot, the most parts, the tightest tolerances, and the smallest fasteners on the machine. It is also the part that decides whether the robot can do the work at all. Ours get built one at a time, by hand, in Houston.
This is fine-motor bench assembly under magnification: finger and thumb mechanisms built from miniature bearings, pivot pins, and linkages; drive tendons routed and pre-tensioned; fasteners torqued in newton-centimeters rather than foot-pounds. A dropped part is a lost part, and a quarter-turn too far is a stripped thread in a component with a long lead time.
Sensors, encoders, and motors arrive as sealed modules that you install mechanically and never open. You will work under ESD discipline, which we train and certify you on.
If you have spent years doing precise work with your hands - watches, instruments, medical devices, firearms, dental prosthetics, jewelry - this is that same craft, pointed at something new. We are not here to replace the trades. We are building machines that take on the worst jobs in heavy industry, directed by the crews who know that work best.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Assemble finger, thumb, and wrist mechanisms from engineering drawings - miniature bearings, pivot pins, linkages, retaining rings, and springs.
  • Route and pre-tension drive tendons and cables to specification.
  • Assemble miniature gearheads and small actuator units, keeping serialized matched sets together.
  • Torque miniature fasteners (roughly M1.6 to M3) with calibrated low-range torque drivers, working in newton-centimeters.
  • Apply adhesives, thread locker, and lubricant in controlled quantities; install seals, boots, and covers.
  • Verify each hand against acceptance criteria - range of motion, joint backlash, tendon pre-tension, and smoothness - using pin gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Mate pre-terminated sensor connectors and dress flex cable during palm and wrist closeout, under ESD control.
  • Record build data accurately - serial numbers, matched sets, torque values, and tendon tensions - in our shop floor build records.
  • Flag parts, drawings, or steps that don't work as written. We would rather fix the instruction than build a hundred hands wrong.

What We're Looking For
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Demonstrated fine-motor precision work with your hands, from any industry - watch or instrument repair, medical or dental device assembly, jewelry, gunsmithing, luthiery, or military precision maintenance.
  • Steady hands, patience, and the ability to hold focus on detailed work. Comfort working under magnification, or confidence you will adapt to it.
  • Ability to read mechanical drawings and assembly work instructions.
  • Comfort with precision measuring tools, or the interest to learn them. We will train you on anything you haven't used.
  • Willingness to follow a documented process exactly, and to speak up when the process is wrong.
  • Availability for overtime and occasional weekend work during production pushes, paid at 1.5x.

Bonus Skills
  • Watchmaking, horology, or precision instrument, camera, or optics repair.
  • Medical device, surgical instrument, or dental laboratory assembly.
  • Microscope or magnified assembly experience in any industry.
  • Cable, tendon, or wire rope work - including bicycle, aviation control cable, rigging, or textile backgrounds.
  • Miniature bearing, gearhead, or small mechanism assembly.
  • Military precision maintenance - avionics, optics, ordnance, instrument, or medical equipment specialties.
  • Three or more years of fine-tolerance assembly, repair, or fabrication, which may qualify you at the Assembler II level.

Physical Requirements
  • Sustained fine motor manipulation of small components and precision hand tools at a bench station for the duration of a shift, with the ability to alternate sitting and standing.
  • Resolving fine visual detail at close range. Magnification is provided and required for most operations.
  • Handling components and assemblies weighing up to 25 lbs, occasionally throughout a shift.
  • Wearing required PPE and ESD equipment. These functions can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation; alternative signaling for audible alarms can be provided.

Persona AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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