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Optical Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Amat

AR Waveguide Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$138K - $190K/yr

Candidates must have a strong background in nanophotonic design, hands-on lab experience, and expertise with optical materials and fabrication methods. Previous experience working on product ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Lab Bring-Up and Test Automation: Setup and maintain test environments using BERTs, power meters, oscilloscopes, and traffic generators. Automate workflows using Python. * Optical Module ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

Lab Bring-Up and Test Automation: Setup and maintain test environments using BERTs, power meters, oscilloscopes, and traffic generators. Automate workflows using Python. * Optical Module ...

SN-Scientific Networking

Optical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$153K - $198K/yr

Berkeley Lab's (LBNL) Energy Sciences Network (ESnet) Division has an immediate opening for an Optical Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a senior optical network engineer ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $22.75/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Northridge, CA

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $24.75/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Ephemeris Net

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

You will own optical hardware end to end, across both the transceiver and the free-space link. On ... Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office/lab based on project needs * * During critical ...

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $24.75/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $22.75/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Essilor

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Concord, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $23/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

EssilorLuxottica

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Northridge, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $22.50/hr

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

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All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Jobs in California

Optical Lab information

See California salary details

$11

$21

$55

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in California is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of lens fabrication, optical measurements, and quality control, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in optics. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and digital measurement systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and efficiency in daily tasks. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear that meets both industry standards and customer needs.

What is the difference between Optical Lab vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical LabOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in lens fabricationHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing setting, working with lens equipmentRetail or clinical setting, assisting with eyewear fitting
Job FocusFabricating and finishing lensesAssisting with eyewear adjustments and measurements

Optical Lab and Optical Technician roles are related but distinct. The Optical Lab primarily focuses on lens fabrication and finishing in a manufacturing environment, requiring specialized skills and equipment. In contrast, Optical Technicians often work directly with customers or in retail settings, assisting with eyewear fitting and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an Optical Lab and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in an Optical Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise quality control, managing high volumes of orders, and adapting to rapidly evolving lens technologies. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact a patient's vision and satisfaction. To address these challenges, it’s important to follow strict standard operating procedures, utilize continuous training on new equipment, and foster strong communication with optometrists and sales teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

What is an optical lab?

An optical lab is a specialized facility where prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices are manufactured and assembled. These labs use advanced machinery and skilled technicians to cut, grind, and coat lenses according to a patient's prescription. Optical labs also fit lenses into frames, check for quality, and ensure that each pair of glasses meets the required standards for vision correction and safety.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab jobs in California? For Optical Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,756 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer - Integration

Senior Optical Engineer - Integration

Muon Space

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$184K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About the role
Muon Space seeks an Senior Optical Engineer to join our team in Mountain View, CA, supporting the production of infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineer with a versatile skill set who is comfortable working across many layers of technical depth from individual components through system level. In this role you will span the full lifecycle of instrument development-with an initial focus on assembly, integration, and test, with opportunity to grow into other areas including optical design and analysis. You will be responsible for interacting with cross functional team members, vendors, and partners to drive optical instrument development. Previous experience developing optical and infrared instruments and associated test infrastructure for space remote sensing in fast-paced and small-team environments is preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Own planning and development of procedures for assembly and alignment of complex optomechanical assemblies, defining alignment strategies, and system integration build flow.
  • Execute high-precision optical alignment and integration with rigorous attention to detail, performing hands-on tasks such as critical bonding operations, scan mirror calibration, and co-alignment of multiple imaging systems.
  • Support system-level Verification and Validation (V&V) and radiometric calibration activities, through planning, development, and execution of test procedures in collaboration with systems engineers.
  • Support subsystem and instrument-level (functional / performance), and environmental (vibration, thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal stress testing) testing, through execution of test procedures.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of best practices, processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in instrument development.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with subsystem engineers and analysts, instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, AI&T and production teams, program managers, external partner teams, and other stakeholders.
Qualifications
  • B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with system integration of complex optomechanical systems in cleanroom environments.
  • Experience working with precision optical and mechanical metrology equipment, including interferometers, EO/IR collimators, and laser trackers.
  • Experience performing data analysis (using Python) and test report generation.
  • Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills.
  • Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Experience with optical design and analysis (Zemax, Code V, FRED), including design of custom optical lab test setups.
  • Experience with CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred) for component and assembly design.
  • Experience supporting integrated spacecraft testing and launch campaigns.
Salary
The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $223,000 plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
About Muon Space
Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.
Taking Care of Our Team
At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.

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