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Optical Lens Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, 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 ...

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 ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, 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 ...

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, 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 ...

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 ...

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Optical Lens Manufacturing information

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How much do optical lens manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lens manufacturing 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 in the Optical Lens Manufacturing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Optical Lens Manufacturing, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a solid understanding of optical and mechanical principles, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with precision machinery, lens polishing and coating equipment, and quality control systems is essential, and certifications in optics or manufacturing technology can be advantageous. Good problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication are important soft skills for excelling in this environment. These skills and qualities ensure that high-quality lenses are produced efficiently and accurately, meeting strict industry standards for use in medical, scientific, or consumer products.

What is an Optical Lens Manufacturing job?

An Optical Lens Manufacturing job involves producing lenses for eyeglasses, cameras, microscopes, and other optical devices. Workers in this field operate specialized machinery to cut, grind, polish, and coat lenses to meet precise specifications. They also inspect finished products for quality and ensure they meet industry standards. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of optical materials and coatings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in Optical Lens Manufacturing?

Professionals in Optical Lens Manufacturing typically spend their day operating and monitoring specialized machinery to cut, grind, polish, and coat optical lenses according to precise specifications. They may also inspect lenses for quality assurance, troubleshoot equipment issues, and keep detailed records of production runs. Collaboration with quality control teams and engineers is common to ensure that finished products meet stringent industry requirements. Additionally, workers often participate in regular maintenance and calibration of equipment to uphold high production standards and safety protocols.

More about Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most Optical Lens Manufacturing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Lens Manufacturing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optical Lens Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,688 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Leidos

San Diego, CA • On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 hours ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 429 rated business services


Job description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact?

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

Are you ready for your next career challenge?

Leidos Defense provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Solutions for Defense include enterprise and mission IT, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support. Our team is solving the world's toughest security challenges for customers with "can't fail" missions.

Leidos Defense Space Business Areais seeking a Senior Optical Engineerto support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions such as Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR), Space Control, and Space-Based Sensing. Leidos programs are funded by multiple U.S. government sponsors as well as internal research and development (IR&D) efforts. The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award, responsibilities include system conceptualization, optical design, performance analysis, payload construction, testing, and integration.

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for proposal and concept development. The candidate should understand radiometric requirements, optical performance specifications, and payload hardware development to design optical systems using Zemax. A strong understanding of aberration theory and its impact on system performance is required.

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 Optical Performance (STOP) analysis, and laboratory testing and evaluation is required. Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or Master of Science with 10+ years of prior relevant experience. May possess a Doctorate in a relevant technical domain.

  • Infrared and Visible lens design using Zemax experience required.

  • Knowledge of how electro-optical systems are designed, specified, developed, manufactured, and tested including Focal Plane Arrays, bandpass filter performance, AR coating, and Lyot stop implementation.

  • Experience in prototype and production development, including testing and demonstrations.

  • Knowledge and experience in laboratory alignment, testing, and evaluation.

  • Working knowledge of MS Office applications, MatLab, and Solidworks.

  • Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment.

  • Minimum of an active SECRET security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Stray light performance analysis using FRED

  • Bandpass and AR coating development

  • Radiometric modeling

  • Manufacturing and assembly process knowledge

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 29, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $131,300.00 - $237,350.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.


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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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