ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Opto-Alignment Technology

Be Seen First

Applications Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Background in optics and optical manufacturing is preferred. We offer competitive compensation packages of health insurance, dental, vision, vacation and PTO, 401K retirement and matching plan and ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

Transition to Manufacturing * Generate technical documentation and reports. * Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in creating manufacturing ...

Fibertek

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA

$150K - $225K/yr

... optical systems used in aerospace and space programs. This includes deliverable engineering ... In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production planning, Assembly ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Dumfries, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

Fibertek, Inc

R&D Manufacturing Director

Herndon, VA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

In addition to manufacturing execution, this role oversees production planning, Assembly ... Provide technical & execution oversight of production shops, including optical and electronics ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Manufacturing JobsOptical Manufacturing Jobs in Virginia

Optical Manufacturing information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$25

$31

How much do optical manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical manufacturing in Virginia is $25.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Manufacturing job?

An Optical Manufacturing job involves producing precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms for industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications. Workers in this field use specialized equipment to cut, grind, polish, and coat optical materials to meet exact specifications. They may also inspect finished products for quality and ensure they meet industry standards. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of optical fabrication processes.

What is optical manufacturing?

Optical manufacturing involves producing precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms used in devices like cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. The process includes grinding, polishing, coating, and assembling optical elements, often requiring specialized tools and quality control measures to ensure accuracy and performance.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities in Optical Manufacturing?

In Optical Manufacturing, entry-level roles often serve as stepping stones to more specialized positions, such as process technician, quality assurance specialist, or optical engineer. With additional experience and training, employees can advance into supervisory or management roles, or become experts in areas like process optimization or product development. Many companies encourage continuous learning, offering in-house training and support for professional certifications. Career growth may also include transitioning into related fields, such as research and development or technical sales, leveraging your manufacturing expertise.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in precision work, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Manufacturing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Optical Manufacturing, you need strong technical aptitude in precision measurement, mechanical assembly, and quality control, often supported by a background in optics, engineering, or manufacturing technology. Familiarity with tools like spectrometers, interferometers, CNC machines, and cleanroom procedures is crucial, and certifications such as IPC or ASQ may be beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the accuracy and quality of optical products, which are vital for applications in industries like healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.

What are 5 careers in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, common careers include production technician, quality control inspector, manufacturing engineer, maintenance technician, and assembly line worker. These roles often require knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or technical training. They are essential for the efficient operation of manufacturing facilities, including optical manufacturing environments.

What is an optical fabrication technician?

An optical fabrication technician is responsible for producing and finishing precision optical components, such as lenses and mirrors, by grinding, polishing, and coating them to meet specific specifications. They often use specialized tools and equipment in a clean environment and may require knowledge of optical measurements and quality control standards.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Manufacturing jobs in Virginia? For Optical Manufacturing jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Manufacturing jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Manufacturing jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Manufacturing jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Manufacturing job openings:
Optical Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Manufacturing job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,236 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
Applications Engineer

Applications Engineer

Opto-Alignment Technology

Richmond, VA • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Be Seen First

After you apply to this job, you can share why you’re interested to jump to the top of the candidate list.

Job description

Opto-Alignment Technology is seeking a talented, enthusiastic, and creative Applications Engineer to join our small but rapidly growing business in Charlotte, NC. The position is based in Charlotte, NC. We are highly recognized as a quality developer and supplier of state-of-the-art optical systems for precision optics alignment and surface form metrology. The successful candidate will work with both internal and external customers to ensure that our partners get the very best products and solutions for their applications. The Applications Engineer is expected to be involved in all stages of the sales process; from working with the customer on their application, to working with the R&D team on tailoring the best solution, to assisting Production with the build and pre-ship testing, to on-site installation and commissioning.


Job responsibilities:

  • Coordinate internal resources related to the Applications Team and ensure deadlines are met.
  • Support Business Development activities. Assist with customer communication, including generation of sales estimate and quotes. Assist with the creation of marketing materials and documentation.
  • Manage new tool installation and training at customer sites.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date product related documentation and training manuals.
  • Work with internal R&D and Operations team on solutions for new customer applications and help carry through to Production.
  • Resolve customer service issues in a prompt and courteous manner.
  • Above all, maintain a professional business relationship with customers.


Requirements:

  • Bs in Physics, Optics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent in a related discipline.
  • Minimum 3-5 years industry experience in related Service or Applications roles.
  • Must have hands-on experience with tools for optical testing, alignment, metrology, and imaging.
  • Ability to read optical, mechanical, and electrical drawings and documentation.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • US citizenship is required for compliance with ITAR regulations.
  • 30% - 50% travel is required (both domestic & international).
  • Experience with measurement systems is essential.
  • Background in optics and optical manufacturing is preferred.


We offer competitive compensation packages of health insurance, dental, vision, vacation and PTO, 401K retirement and matching plan and end-of-year Profit Sharing. You'll be joining a challenging and stimulating work environment with a healthy, professional and safe corporate culture.

Company Description

Opto Alignment, located in Charlotte NC, is a leading manufacturer of ultra precision alignment, assembly and inspection optical systems. Our flagship product, the Laser Alignment & Assembly Station (LAS), employs latest generation illumination and vision technologies, along with computer automation, to achieve sub-micron centering precision. For more than 30 years, Opto Alignment is a recognized leader in the field of optical instrumentation where we offer complete solutions for opto-mechanical design, ultra precision machining, system manufacturing and assembly services ranging from the visible to the infrared spectrum.