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Optical Recruitment Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

As a Principal Optical Engineer in our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will ... We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race ...

Optical Packaging Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Our recruitment process We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment ... Experience with optical coupling, fiber pigtail attachment, free space optics. * Experience in ...

The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space ... We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Our recruitment process We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment ...

Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We ...

New

Optical Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We ...

New

Accountable for the recruitment, training, development, and retention of high performing associates ... Optical knowledge or Licensed (minimum 2 years optical experience) * Proven track record of sales ...

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We ...

Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

You will contribute to optical system modeling and performance analysis, assist with design trades ... We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We ...

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Optical Recruitment information

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How much do optical recruitment jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical recruitment 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 optical recruitment?

Optical recruitment refers to the process of hiring professionals for roles within the optical industry, which includes optometrists, opticians, optical assistants, and other eye care professionals. Recruitment in this field involves sourcing qualified candidates to work in retail optical stores, eye care clinics, and laboratories. Recruiters look for candidates with relevant education, certifications, and customer service skills. The goal is to match skilled professionals with employers seeking expertise in eye care and optical product sales.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical recruitment, and why are they important?

To thrive in Optical Recruitment, you need a solid understanding of the optical industry, strong candidate sourcing abilities, and experience with recruitment best practices, often supported by a background in human resources or sales. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), recruitment platforms like LinkedIn, and knowledge of industry-specific certifications (such as ABO certification for opticians) are typically used. Excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and the capacity to build relationships set top recruiters apart in this field. These skills ensure effective talent acquisition, align candidates with employer needs, and foster long-term success within the optical sector.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in optical recruitment, and how can they be effectively addressed?

One common challenge in Optical Recruitment is finding candidates who possess both strong technical expertise in optometry or optical dispensing and excellent interpersonal skills for patient-facing roles. Recruiters often need to balance client expectations with the available talent pool, which can require creative sourcing strategies and building relationships within the optical community. Staying updated on industry trends and certifications can also be crucial. Effective communication with hiring managers and providing clear job descriptions help ensure successful placements and long-term satisfaction for both clients and candidates.

What is the difference between Optical Recruitment vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical RecruitmentOptical Technician
CredentialsRecruitment certifications, HR experienceOptical technology certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentRecruitment agencies, HR departmentsOptical labs, eyewear stores, clinics
Industry UsageUsed in hiring processes across optical industryHands-on optical device assembly and repair

Optical Recruitment focuses on hiring and staffing within the optical industry, involving HR skills and recruitment certifications. In contrast, an Optical Technician performs technical work on optical devices, requiring specialized technical training. While both roles are essential in the optical sector, they serve different functions—one in talent acquisition and the other in technical manufacturing and repair.

More about Optical Recruitment jobs

What states have the most Optical Recruitment jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Recruitment jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Recruitment jobs are:

Infographic showing various Optical Recruitment job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,592 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and full laser-based production systems that enable high-value solutions for our customers. As a Principal Optical Engineer in our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will play a key role in designing and developing complex optical systems across a fast-paced, highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. In this role, you will drive projects from initial concept through detailed design, integration, and successful product implementation. The Principal Optical Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading the design, development, and validation of optics and optical systems with full consideration of performance, tolerancing, and manufacturability
  • Translating customer and product requirements into robust optical architectures and specifications, balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule
  • Performing optical modeling and trade studies that balance high precision performance with opto-mechanical constraints
  • Driving the hands-on realization of designs, including supplier engagement, prototype builds, precision alignment, metrology development, and performance verification
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility assessments, cost evaluations, and data-driven recommendations
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of Travel is required

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent discipline; advanced coursework preferred
  • 8+ years of experience functioning at a principal or senior technical level in optical design and optical system development
  • Demonstrated expertise in optical design and analysis, especially complex multi-element optics such as scan lenses, objective lenses, or high-performance imaging systems
  • Advanced proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V)
  • Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired
  • Strong communication skills and problem-solving skills to operate effectively in multi-disciplinary environment

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role