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Optical Polishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requirements: * 1 to 2 years' experience in machine fabrication (metal fabrication, woodworking, wafer lapping or optical polishing). * High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent education gained ...

Requirements * 1 to 2 years' experience in machine fabrication (metal fabrication, woodworking, wafer lapping or optical polishing). * High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent education gained ...

$21.36 - $29.90/hr

Operate continuous polishers. * Operate grinding machines. * Operate double-sided grinding and polishing machines up to 4" diameter optics. * Use of micrometers, calipers, and interferometers.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Knowledge of limitations and fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures What's in it for you: * Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team * Very competitive ...

Knowledge of limitations and fabrication of optics (molded, polished, diamond turned) as well as micro structures What's in it for you: * Be part of a fast paced and dynamic team * Very competitive ...

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Optical Polishing information

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How much do optical polishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical polishing 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Polishing Technician, and why are they important?

To excel as an Optical Polishing Technician, you need a strong understanding of precision optics, manual dexterity, and experience with polishing techniques, often supported by technical training or relevant vocational education. Familiarity with specialized polishing machines, interferometers, and surface quality measurement tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, patience, and problem-solving skills are crucial soft skills for producing high-quality optical components. These competencies ensure the production of precision optics that meet strict industry specifications, which is vital for applications in fields like aerospace, medical devices, and photonics.

What is optical polishing?

Optical polishing is a precision process used to smooth and refine the surfaces of optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms. The goal is to achieve a highly smooth and accurate surface, free of scratches or imperfections, to ensure optimal light transmission and reflection. This process often involves using fine abrasives and specialized equipment to carefully remove microscopic layers of material. Optical polishing is crucial in industries like astronomy, microscopy, and laser technology, where even minute surface irregularities can affect performance.

What are some common challenges faced by optical polishing technicians and how can they be addressed?

Optical polishing technicians often face challenges such as maintaining precise tolerances, preventing surface defects, and ensuring consistent quality across batches. These issues can be addressed by following strict process controls, regularly calibrating equipment, and staying updated on the latest polishing techniques. Collaboration with quality assurance teams and engineers is also key to troubleshooting problems and continuously improving procedures. Attention to detail and patience are essential traits that help technicians excel in this meticulous work environment.

What is the difference between Optical Polishing vs Lens Grinder?

AspectOptical PolishingLens Grinder
Primary FocusRefining and finishing optical surfaces to achieve smoothness and precisionShaping and cutting lenses to specified dimensions and curves
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of polishing techniques, optical materials, and precision measurement toolsUnderstanding of lens design, grinding equipment, and measurement tools
Work EnvironmentCleanroom or controlled environment for delicate optical workWorkshop or manufacturing setting with grinding machinery
Industry UsageOptical manufacturing, eyewear, scientific instrumentsOptical component production, camera lenses, microscopes

Optical polishing focuses on smoothing and finishing optical surfaces to achieve high precision, while lens grinding involves shaping lenses to exact specifications. Both roles require knowledge of optical materials and precision tools, but they differ in their primary tasks and work environments.

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What states have the most Optical Polishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Polishing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Polishing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Polishing jobs are:
Crystal Fabrication Tech

Crystal Fabrication Tech

Gooch & Housego PLC

Fremont, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description:

G&H Fremont is hiring! As a Crystal Fabrication Technician, you'll be responsible for inspecting and auditing products at all stages within the Crystal Fabrication area, including Thin Films. Your role involves packaging and manufacturing inspections, sampling, and testing of incoming components and raw materials to ensure they meet company standards. You may also apply approval or rejection labels to bulk raw materials based on analytical data and perform product certifications. Your efforts will help minimize downtime by reducing production rework and recalls. Collaboration with design and process engineering teams to qualify materials and collect data is also a key part of your role.


Responsibilities:

  • Utilize substantial knowledge and skills to complete a diverse range of tasks with minimal supervision.
  • Receive general instructions for new assignments and apply judgment to solve issues and make recommendations.
  • Support design and process engineering teams with developmental, improvement, and experimental projects.
  • Handle moderately complex assignments requiring sound judgment.
  • Provide guidance to other team members as needed.
  • Carefully clean sensitive or fragile parts using appropriate techniques.
  • Handle and clean glass, wafers, lenses, and other optical components as needed.
  • Read and interpret dimensions and tolerances from mechanical drawings.
  • Ensure compliance with company Health, Safety, and Environmental standards.
Requirements:
  • 1 to 2 years' experience in machine fabrication (metal fabrication, woodworking, wafer lapping or optical polishing).
  • High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent education gained through work experience.
  • At least 1 year of experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.
  • Strong time management skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination.
  • Experience with precision optics is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Additional Information: This position may involve access to items and technical data controlled under U.S. export laws and regulations. Candidates will be evaluated based on their status as "U.S. persons" as defined under the EAR (15 C.F.R. Part 772) and the ITAR (22 C.F.R. § 120.15).