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Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The candidate should also be proficient in optical tolerancing, athermalization analysis, and lens manufacturing methods and drawing standards. Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal ...

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The candidate should also be proficient in optical tolerancing, athermalization analysis, and lens manufacturing methods and drawing standards. Experience in stray light control, Structural Thermal ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $221K/yr

At BAE Systems we design, develop and manufacture highly sophisticated EO/IR solutions that service ... Primary duties and responsibilities include: 1. Design of Optical Systems for EO/IR Technology. 2. ...

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Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech information

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$32

How much do optical lens manufacturing tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lens manufacturing tech in the United States is $25.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech, you need a solid understanding of optics, precision measurement, and quality control, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with lens fabrication machinery, surface profilers, and inspection tools such as interferometers is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and problem-solving abilities are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality lenses that meet exact specifications and industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech vs Optical Lens Assembler?

AspectOptical Lens Manufacturing TechOptical Lens Assembler
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in opticsHigh school diploma, basic training in assembly
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, clean rooms, precision labsAssembly lines, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageDesign, produce, and test optical lensesAssemble lens components into final products

Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech focuses on producing and testing optical lenses, requiring technical skills and certifications. In contrast, Optical Lens Assemblers primarily handle the assembly of lens components. Both roles are essential in the optical manufacturing industry but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What does an Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech do?

An Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech is responsible for producing, assembling, and inspecting optical lenses used in products such as eyeglasses, cameras, microscopes, and scientific instruments. They operate specialized machinery to cut, grind, polish, and coat lenses, ensuring they meet precise specifications and quality standards. Technicians may also perform maintenance on equipment, troubleshoot production issues, and record measurements. Their work is essential for creating high-quality optical components used in various industries.

What are some typical challenges Optical Lens Manufacturing Techs face during the production process?

Optical Lens Manufacturing Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances during grinding and polishing, ensuring lenses are free from defects like scratches or contamination, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. The role requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to follow strict quality control procedures. Additionally, techs must adapt to evolving technologies and materials while collaborating closely with engineers and quality assurance teams to meet exacting specifications.
More about Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech jobs? Cities with the most Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech job openings:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech jobs are:
Infographic showing various Optical Lens Manufacturing Tech job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,688 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$95K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Are you naturally curious? So are we at MKS. Our collective curiosity drives us to be an innovation leader in many industries. Our products drive technology advancements across a wide range of applications such as 5G, augmented/virtual reality, autonomous vehicles, clean drinking water and space exploration. We are a team of collaborators who value fresh thinking and believe in mutual respect, constructive candor, diversity and inclusion. As a valued and trusted partner to our customers, we are continually pushing the boundaries of possibility. We believe in creating technology that transforms our world and are looking for like-minded individuals to join our team. If this is appealing to you, we want to meet you.
We are looking for an exceptional Senior Optical Manufacturing Engineer to provide overall engineering support to optical fabrication, specifically lens manufacturing using various methods. You will provide independent review of processes, lead improvement efforts and drive process improvements to closure. In addition, an important aspect of your role will be to interact with technicians to provide sound technical guidance. What you will do:
  • Maximize performance efficiency in various areas of optical manufacturing
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate manufacturing processes in a production and clean room environment: develop, evaluate, improve and monitor manufacturing methods
  • Utilize your knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods and quality control standards
  • Implement statistical process control tools
  • Conduct cross functional reviews to ensure collaboration and cohesive manufacturing and measurement processes for new designs

What will you bring to the team, along with your passion for engineering is:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Optical Engineering or relevant technical degree
  • Organizational, analytical and communication skills
  • 5+ years of experience in optical fabrication
  • Experience with optical metrology using Zygo Interferometers and other metrology equipment
  • Experience with SPC, FMEA, CAD/CAM software(G-Code), and programming languages.
  • Familiarity with LEAN principles

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $95,000 to $140,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected] .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role