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Optical Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$95K - $123K/yr

Design optical systems for high volume screening and characterization of wafer level optics operating in mass production environments. * Execute precise optical measurements and characterization ...

Optical Metrology Engineer

Rochester, NY · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Hands-on experience operating Zygo Max interferometer systems and performing wavefront error analysis, interferometry, MTF measurement and interpretation, optical alignment, and precision optical ...

Optics Operator

Anasco, PR · On-site

$17.75 - $21.75/hr

Operates general manufacturing equipment such as: cutting machines, microscopes, comparators, optical benches, among others. When necessary, operates, executes the "setup" and adjusts the parameters ...

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is ... Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing ...

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is ... Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing ...

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is ... Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing ...

The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is ... Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing ...

Optical Engineer

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$149K - $193K/yr

The ideal candidate enjoys working in person, operating close to real-world systems, and is ... Support the Lead Optical Engineer's optical simulation and modeling efforts, contributing ...

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX

$127K - $165K/yr

The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which ...

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Optical Operator information

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How much do optical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical operator in the United States is $21.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical operator?

Optical Operators are professionals who work with optical equipment, such as lenses, prisms, and fiber optics, to assemble, maintain, test, or calibrate these components. They often work in manufacturing, laboratories, or production environments where precision and attention to detail are essential. Their responsibilities can include inspecting materials for defects, setting up and operating optical machinery, and ensuring products meet strict quality standards. Optical Operators may also troubleshoot equipment and help with basic repairs or adjustments.

What are some common challenges faced by optical operators in maintaining precision and quality during production?

Optical Operators often face challenges such as maintaining strict tolerances for surface quality and alignment, especially when working with delicate or complex optical components. Dust, fingerprints, and minor scratches can impact the performance of lenses or mirrors, so a high level of attention to cleanliness and detail is required. Additionally, operators must frequently calibrate and adjust machinery, troubleshoot issues on the fly, and collaborate closely with quality control teams to ensure every component meets rigorous industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Operator, you need a solid understanding of optical principles, attention to detail, and experience with precision measurement, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with optical inspection equipment, lens processing machines, and quality control systems is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and effective communication help Optical Operators excel in this detail-oriented role. These skills ensure the accurate fabrication and inspection of optical components, which is critical for maintaining product quality and meeting industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Operator vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical OperatorOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree or certification in optical technology
Work EnvironmentOptical manufacturing or retail settingsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, or repair shops
Job ResponsibilitiesOperate optical equipment, assist in lens production, quality checksMaintain, repair, and assemble optical devices, troubleshoot issues

Optical Operators primarily focus on operating optical machinery and assisting in lens production, often with minimal formal education. Optical Technicians have more technical training and handle maintenance, repairs, and complex assembly tasks. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing and retail, but Optical Technicians typically require more specialized skills and certifications.

What cities are hiring for Optical Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Optical Operator job openings:

What states have the most Optical Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optical Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Operator jobs?

For Optical Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Amherst, MA • On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the experimental characterization of optical components and systems.

  • Design and set up optical characterization systems, including test procedures and data analysis methodologies.

  • Manage and mentor the optical characterization team to ensure project execution and quality standards.


Job description

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Mar 30, 2026

Company

Myrias Optics, Inc. is a fast-growing startup using proprietary nanoimprint technology to revolutionize the way optical components and systems are conceptualized, designed, and manufactured. The company is positioned to disrupt markets across a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, AR/VR, 3D scanners and LiDAR, imaging systems, optical communications, medical equipment, optical computing and more. Our unique all-inorganic imprinted optics enable metalenses, diffractive optics, waveguides all manufactured using wafer level process. By removing any organic material, we not only eliminate environmental and reliability issues but at the same time enable more complex designs with unmatched optical performance and highly cost-effective manufacturing.

POSITION – Lead Optical Characterization Engineer

Reporting to the CTO, the Lead Optical Characterization Engineer will collaborate with a talented team of engineers and scientists to test and evaluate cutting-edge Myrias Optics components and systems. Specifically, this position will lead experimental characterization of optical components, define and set up optical characterization systems, establish test and characterization procedures, develop efficient data acquisition and analysis methodologies, and grow and manage the optical characterization team. This role is ideal for someone with strong system-level thinking and hands-on optical experience, who is eager to lead complex interdisciplinary projects and mentor junior staff. You will serve as a bridge between software, hardware, and optical domains, ensuring our systems meet stringent performance and quality benchmarks. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and capable engineer to gain expertise in the growing fields of meta-optics, waveguides, and diffractive optics. Together, we can shape next-generation optical systems for consumer devices, AR/VR, medical instrumentation, automobiles, robotics, and more.

POSITION TYPE: Full time, on-site
LOCATION: Amherst, MA
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Senior (5+ years)

Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Systems Engineering
  • Lead cross-functional efforts in the development and integration of optical test systems.
  • Define and enforce system-level requirements, test procedures, and verification protocols.
  • Coordinate resources and timelines for optical characterization projects from concept to execution.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to a growing team of engineers and technicians.
Optical Characterization and Metrology
  • Design optical systems for high volume screening and characterization of wafer level optics operating in mass production environments.
  • Execute precise optical measurements and characterization utilizing systems involving lasers, fiber optics, cameras, and power meters.
  • Establish designs and processes for alignment and integration of optical components into custom assemblies.
  • Develop calibration and validation methods to ensure high measurement fidelity and reproducibility.
Software and Automation Integration
  • Oversee or contribute to development of software tools for machine control, data acquisition, and image processing.
  • Drive system automation strategies for scalable and repeatable test and metrology setups.
Quality Control and Troubleshooting
  • Establish quality assurance workflows, analyze measurement data, and resolve systemic performance issues.
  • Manage root cause analysis and continuous improvement for metrology tools and setups.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with design and fabrication teams to influence product and measurement fixture development for testability.
  • Maintain detailed technical documentation, review reports, and communicate project updates across teams.
Qualifications and Requirements Experience
  • Minimum 5 years in optical engineering, systems engineering, or optical characterization roles.
  • Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience in a technical setting.
Technical Expertise
  • Strong proficiency with optical instruments such as cameras, lasers, power meters, and fiber optics.
  • Familiarity with machine control programming in Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar.
  • Experience integrating hardware/software in optical test setups.
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
Skills
  • Deep understanding of optical principles (reflection, refraction, alignment, metrology).
  • Strong systems thinking and analytical skills for debugging and optimization.
  • Excellent communication skills for technical collaboration and leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with real-time control systems and/or machine vision.
  • Familiarity with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax) and mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks).
  • Background in fast-paced R&D, manufacturing, or laboratory environments.
WHAT WE OFFER
  • Competitive Compensation Package, including equity
  • Full Medical, Vision and Dental plans
  • Insurance: Company paid disability insurance
  • Paid time off: Vacation and sick time
EEO Statement

Myrias Optics is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affmintive Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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