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Optical Operator Jobs in Salem, NH (NOW HIRING)

SGS Consulting

Optical Engineer

Lexington, MA · On-site

$144K - $187K/yr

Optical Engineer Duration: 3+ years Client: Defense Research Lab Location: Lexington, MA 02421 ... Running environmental test campaigns to characterize assemblies performance over operating and ...

BAE Systems

Eng II - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Comfortable working in optics labs and operating optical metrology * Experience in designing optical subassemblies and performing optical analysis * Experience working with electro-optical systems

BAE Systems

Optical Design Engineer

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$79K - $134K/yr

Comfortable working in optics labs and operating optical metrology * Experience in designing optical subassemblies and performing optical analysis * Experience working with electro-optical systems

BAE Systems

Optical Design Engineer

Merrimack, NH · Hybrid

$79K - $134K/yr

Comfortable working in optics labs and operating optical metrology * Experience in designing optical subassemblies and performing optical analysis * Experience working with electro-optical systems

BAE Systems

Optical Design Engineer

Merrimack, NH · Hybrid

$79K - $134K/yr

Comfortable working in optics labs and operating optical metrology * Experience in designing optical subassemblies and performing optical analysis * Experience working with electro-optical systems

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All JobsOptical Operator JobsOptical Operator Jobs in Salem, NH

Optical Operator information

See Salem, NH salary details

$11

$21

$37

How much do optical operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical operator in Salem, NH is $21.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $23.27 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.

Infographic showing various Optical Operator job openings in Salem, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,524 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Lexington, MA • On-site

SGS Consulting
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SGS Consultingexternal

$144K - $187K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Optical Engineer
Duration: 3+ years
Client: Defense Research Lab
Location: Lexington, MA 02421

Description: Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical outcomes. Develops component specifications, tolerances, simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology, and other methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.

Background/Need: This is an Optical Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) Engineer role for one-of-a-kind complex prototypes for imaging, communication, and/or directed energy applications.

Responsibilities Involve:

  • Planning and design in preparation for extensive assembly, integration, and test activities in laboratory clean rooms.
  • Planning for optical system assembly, integration, and test: develop alignment approach, derive requirements, outline process flow, and develop any GSE needed.
  • Working with mechanical and opto-mechanical engineers to create mounts and assemblies with needed degrees of freedom and adjustment resolution.
  • Executing assembly and alignment of free-space and fiber-optic optical assemblies, including integration of sensors and performance characterization.
  • Specifying custom optical components such as mirrors, lenses, and filters, assessing supplier capabilities, and inspecting/testing procured optics.
  • Working with free-space optical tooling such as interferometer, polarimeter, laser beam profiler, alignment telescope, and/or autocollimator.
  • Working with fiber optic cables and components, including test methods. Writing AI&T procedures, documenting build activities, and participating in troubleshooting and issue resolution.
  • Running environmental test campaigns to characterize assemblies performance over operating and survival conditions (e.g, thermal cycling, altitude chamber, vibration, TVac).

Required Skills:

  • Three-to-five years of optical AI&T experience
  • Experience assembling, aligning, and testing refractive and reective optical components and systems.
  • Working familiarity with optical alignment instruments such as interferometers, autocollimators, alignment telescopes, theodolites, prolometers and/or wavefront sensors.
  • Broad understanding of optical fabrication techniques and shall be capable of evaluating vendors for custom manufacturing requirements.
  • Experience performing incoming inspection on a variety of procured items and therefore needs a working knowledge of optical fabrication specications.
  • Ability to work effectively with small multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and specialists with varying experience levels.

Preferred Skills:

  • Familiarity with optical design code (Zemax, CodeV etc) to establish component and alignment tolerances and/or troubleshoot any assembly s performance issues.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who have the above experience with space systems and/or lasercom systems.

Others:

  • Clearance: Candidate can start with an interim clearance but there is a STRONG preference for candidates with existing Secret (or Top Secret) clearances. Candidate will clear up to TS after onboarding.
  • Work Location: Candidate will be 100% onsite to work in the Labs.
  • Interview Process: initial prescreen via zoom/phone; then onsite interview for final round. The team will entertain a second-round zoom interview for candidates that are relocating for the position, but local candidates should plan for onsite interviews.

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