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Optical Manufacturing Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

viaPhoton

Manufacturing Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

About the Role You'll optimize fiber optic manufacturing processes by working hands-on with equipment, operators, and engineers. This role bridges technical know-how with practical production reality.

viaPhoton

Manufacturing Technician

Naperville, IL · On-site

About the Role You'll optimize fiber optic manufacturing processes by working hands-on with equipment, operators, and engineers. This role bridges technical know-how with practical production reality.

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... manufacturing release. * Execute product validation , qualification, and reliability testing for ... Knowledge : Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Schaumburg, IL

$15.50 - $19.25/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

Lemont, IL · 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

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/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 ...

Panduit

Fiber Optics Design Engineer

Tinley Park, IL

$80K - $100K/yr

... manufacturing release. * Execute product validation , qualification, and reliability testing for ... Knowledge : Familiarity with optical communication transceivers, high-speed optical links ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Script and automate optical simulations and analyses Prototyping, Testing & Manufacturing * Build and characterize optical hardware using optical metrology to validate performance against system ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Script and automate optical simulations and analyses Prototyping, Testing & Manufacturing * Build and characterize optical hardware using optical metrology to validate performance against system ...

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All JobsOptical Manufacturing JobsOptical Manufacturing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Optical Manufacturing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$26

$33

How much do optical manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical manufacturing in Chicago, IL is $26.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $28.75 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical manufacturing?

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 popular job titles related to Optical Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Optical Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Manufacturing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Optical Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Manufacturing job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,319 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Field Service Engineer Remote

Anonymous Employer

Chicago, IL

$48.08 - $57.69/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

**Field Service Engineer

Remote

Competitive Pay**

We are seeking a highly skilledField Service Engineerto support advanced ultra-precision CNC machinery used in optical manufacturing. This customer-facing role is responsible for installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing high-precision CNC equipment at customer facilities throughout North America. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical, electrical, and automation expertise with applications engineering experience and a deep understanding of ultra-precision manufacturing processes.

Field Service Engineer Responsibilities

  • Install, commission, and validate ultra-precision CNC machines at customer sites.
  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, CNC control, PLC, drive system, and automation-related issues.
  • Provide technical support, preventive maintenance, repairs, and emergency troubleshooting to maximize equipment uptime.
  • Optimize machine performance and manufacturing processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
  • Support customer applications involving precision optical manufacturing processes, including grinding, diamond turning, polishing, and centering.
  • Train customers on machine operation, maintenance, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to resolve complex issues and implement process improvements.
  • Document service activities, technical findings, and recommendations.
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships through exceptional technical support and communication.

Field Service Engineer Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
  • Experience servicing and supporting ultra-precision CNC machinery in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with machine installation, commissioning, calibration, and field service support.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting CNC controls, PLCs, servo/drive systems, industrial automation, and electrical/mechanical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentatio**Field Service Engineer

Remote

Competitive Pay**

We are seeking a highly skilledField Service Engineerto support advanced ultra-precision CNC machinery used in optical manufacturing. This customer-facing role is responsible for installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing high-precision CNC equipment at customer facilities throughout North America. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical, electrical, and automation expertise with applications engineering experience and a deep understanding of ultra-precision manufacturing processes.

Field Service Engineer Responsibilities- Install, commission, and validate ultra-precision CNC machines at customer sites.

  • Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, CNC control, PLC, drive system, and automation-related issues.
  • Provide technical support, preventive maintenance, repairs, and emergency troubleshooting to maximize equipment uptime.
  • Optimize machine performance and manufacturing processes to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.
  • Support customer applications involving precision optical manufacturing processes, including grinding, diamond turning, polishing, and centering.
  • Train customers on machine operation, maintenance, and best practices.
  • Collaborate with engineering and technical teams to resolve complex issues and implement process improvements.
  • Document service activities, technical findings, and recommendations.
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships through exceptional technical support and communication.

Field Service Engineer Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience).

  • Experience servicing and supporting ultra-precision CNC machinery in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with machine installation, commissioning, calibration, and field service support.
  • Hands-on experience troubleshooting CNC controls, PLCs, servo/drive systems, industrial automation, and electrical/mechanical systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical documentation.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to work independently in the field.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout North America.

Preferred Qualifications- Experience supporting precision optics, photonics, semiconductor, aerospace, or other high-precision manufacturing industries.

  • Knowledge of advanced CNC programming, process optimization, and precision machining applications.
  • Experience providing customer training and technical application support.
  • Strong knowledge of optical manufacturing processes, including grinding, diamond turning, polishing, and centering.

n.

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills with the ability to work independently in the field.
  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout North America.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting precision optics, photonics, semiconductor, aerospace, or other high-precision manufacturing industries.
  • Knowledge of advanced CNC programming, process optimization, and precision machining applications.
  • Experience providing customer training and technical application support.
  • Strong knowledge of optical manufacturing processes, including grinding, diamond turning, polishing, and centering.

You should be proficient in:

  • PLC Troubleshooting Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Electrical Schematics
  • Machine Building/Assembling
  • CNC Machine Installation
  • Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
  • PLC Programming Experience
  • Field Service Readiness
  • Equipment Installation & Wiring

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • CNC Automation Solutions
  • CNCPrecision
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