ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Jobs in Fremont, CA (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Optical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Job We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test ... Strong experimental troubleshooting and hands-on lab skills. * Ability to translate test ...

Aetherflux

Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$145K - $223K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers. * Maintain lab documentation including cable and fiber routing logs, component records ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$22 - $25.50/hr

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab Technician for full time employment at the East Bay locations. Candidate must have a minimum of 2 years ...

Apple

Health Sensing HW - Module Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$188K - $196K/yr

... optical lab equipment (microscopes, detector, light sources etc). Experience supporting volume manufacturing, including test design, failure analysis, and statistical analysis. Excellent written and ...

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 ...

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 ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to ... Define alignment procedures and execute hands-on integration and alignment in the lab. * Generate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Jobs in Fremont, CA

Optical Lab information

See Fremont, CA salary details

$12

$23

$61

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Fremont, CA is $23.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab technician?

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 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 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.

How to work at an optical lab?

To work at an optical lab, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require training in lens fabrication, edging, and inspection. Familiarity with optical tools and safety procedures is important, and some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are essential skills for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab jobs in Fremont, CA?

For Optical Lab jobs in Fremont, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Fremont, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Fremont, CA are:

What cities near Fremont, CA are hiring for Optical Lab jobs?

Cities near Fremont, CA with the most Optical Lab job openings:

Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Fremont, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,643 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Koch Industries

Fremont, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test and validation activities. The role will own test concept development, test-fixture and setup design, test execution, data analysis, and technical communication with cross-functional teams and customers. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with fiber- and free-space-optical test methods, strong opto-mechanical intuition, and excellent communication skills.
Our Team
Molex possesses a rich heritage in the optical industry. We provide the highest performing and field-proven wavelength management solutions, from components and modules to integrated line-cards. Continuous innovation in passive component function integration, miniaturization, and manufacturing automation, cutting edge WSS and amplification technology and comprehensive optical, mechanical, electrical and software design capabilities enable us to serve the needs of high-density, high-bandwidth, and flexible optical networks of telecom, datacom, hyperscale datacenter and supercomputing.
What You Will Do
  • Develop and own test concepts and measurement plans for CPO modules, optical engines, and related fiber/free-space subsystems.
  • Design, build, and validate optical test setups and fixtures (fiber coupling, alignment stages, free-space benches, fiber interfaces).
  • Execute hands-on measurements and characterize devices: insertion loss, return loss, PDL, crosstalk, extinction ratio, OSNR, eye diagrams, and other relevant optical metrics.
  • Automate test sequences and data collection (scripting for instrument control, logging, basic analysis).
  • Analyze test data, perform statistical and signal-processing analysis, and summarize technical findings.
  • Troubleshoot test and integration issues; work cross-functionally to implement corrective actions and design-for-test improvements.
  • Prepare clear technical documentation (test plans, procedures, reports) and present results to program leadership and customers.

Core Competencies
  • Strong experimental troubleshooting and hands-on lab skills.
  • Ability to translate test requirements into practical, robust test setups and repeatable procedures.
  • Analytical mindset with basic signal processing/statistics for optical data interpretation.
  • Attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices.
  • Collaborative communicator who can simplify complex results for non-specialists and engage effectively with customers.

Working Environment & Expectations
  • Onsite position (5 days/week) in Fremont, CA - regular lab-based work and close in-person collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Hands-on work in optical labs and clean bench areas; must follow established safety and calibration procedures.
  • Occasional customer-facing activities, technical reviews, or technology demonstration.

Who You Are (Basic Qualification)
  • BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences.
  • 3+ years hands-on experience in optical testing and characterization (fiber and/or free-space).
  • Practical experience with fiber and free-space optic device test methods and common optical metrics (IL, RL, PDL, OSNR, etc.).
  • Proficiency with optical lab equipment: OSA, optical power meters, BERTs, alignment stages, fiber handling tools.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to present technical results to cross-functional teams and customers.
  • Able to work onsite in Fremont, CA; occasional travel as required.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, EE, or related physical sciences
  • Experience specifically in CPO, optical packaging, or photonics test engineering.
  • Hands-on free-space alignment, beam profiling, interferometry, or opto-mechanical fixture design experience.
  • Scripting/coding for test automation and analysis (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) - able to develop/reuse instrument-control scripts and data pipelines.
  • Project management experience: tracking milestones, coordinating cross-functional tasks, and driving to deliverables.
  • Exposure to reliability testing environments (thermal cycling, vibration) or electro-optical co-design constraints.

For this role, we anticipate paying $130,000 - $160,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
#LI-JM3

What Koch Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply