ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Surfacing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

Design optical surfaces for lens and reflector systems for forward and rearward automotive illumination systems. * Validate design via internal and external optical ray tracing software * Create ...

Trialon Corporation

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Design optical surfaces for lens and reflector systems for forward and rearward automotive illumination systems. * Validate design via internal and external optical ray tracing software * Create ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optical Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16.07 - $27.48/hr

Inspect optical surfaces for quality and compliance * Perform accurate data entry and support metrology processes Minimum Qualifications * Education: High school diploma or GED * Experience: 1+ year ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence. From our modern facility in Chili, NY, just minutes ...

Sydor Optics Inc.

Optical Technician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Sydor Optics, Inc. is a Rochester-based leader in flat-surfaced precision optics with over 60 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence. From our modern facility in Chili, NY, just minutes ...

Ametek

Optics Coating Operator

Middlefield, CT

Clean optical components and monitor vacuum chamber for the deposition of optical coatings on optical surfaces. Hand or ultrasonically clean and inspect optical components in preparation of ...

Corning

Development Manager, Optical Metrology

Fairport, NY · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Shape the future of advanced optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning's Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group . You will work closely ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces * Design and execute experiments using ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Develop and optimize advanced polishing processes for glass, crystals, and other optical substrates across flats, spheres, aspheres, and freeform surfaces * Design and execute experiments using ...

Corning

Development Manager, Optical Metrology

Fairport, NY · On-site

$147K - $202K/yr

Shape the future of advanced optics manufacturing in this hands-on leadership role within Corning's Advanced Optics surface finishing and optical fabrication development group . You will work closely ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Surfacing Jobs

Optical Surfacing information

See salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do optical surfacing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical surfacing in the United States is $17.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in the optical surfacing role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in optical surfacing often encounter challenges such as maintaining high precision during the grinding and polishing process, ensuring surface quality, and minimizing defects like scratches or pits. These tasks require careful monitoring of equipment, diligent cleaning practices, and strict adherence to process specifications. Team members frequently collaborate with quality assurance and engineering to troubleshoot issues and refine techniques. Proactively communicating with colleagues and engaging in ongoing training can help manage these challenges and ensure consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Optical Surfacing vs Lens Polisher?

AspectOptical SurfacingLens Polisher
Primary FocusMaterial removal and surface correction of optical componentsFinishing and polishing of lenses to achieve optical clarity
Skills & CertificationsPrecision grinding, polishing, knowledge of optical materialsPolishing techniques, attention to surface finish, often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentCleanroom or optical lab settingsOptical labs, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageManufacturing of high-precision optical componentsFinal lens finishing in optical manufacturing

Optical Surfacing involves shaping and correcting optical components through material removal, ensuring precise surface accuracy. Lens Polisher focuses on the final polishing process to achieve optical clarity and smoothness. While both roles require similar skills and work environments, Optical Surfacing is more about shaping and correcting, whereas Lens Polisher emphasizes finishing touches for optimal optical performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Surfacing Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Surfacing Technician, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of optics, typically supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with precision machinery, lens surfacing equipment, and quality control systems is essential. Reliability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work as part of a team are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the production of high-quality optical components that meet strict specifications, which is critical for customer satisfaction and product performance.

What is optical surfacing?

Optical surfacing is the process of shaping and polishing optical components, such as lenses and mirrors, to achieve precise surface accuracy and smoothness. This involves grinding, lapping, and polishing materials like glass or crystals to meet stringent optical specifications. Technicians use specialized equipment and abrasive compounds to remove imperfections and create surfaces suitable for applications in cameras, telescopes, microscopes, and other optical instruments. The goal is to ensure that the finished component delivers optimal light transmission and minimal distortion.
Infographic showing various Optical Surfacing job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,574 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Optical Lab/Manufacturing/Surfacing/Lab Software/Calculations

Baldo LLC

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Vision, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Technically Engineer minded individual to learn how to help run an optical surfacing dept. Full training for the right candidate.

Training would start 10AM-7PM for a month+, second shift would start at 3pm-11pm

To be successful in this role, you should be a confident decision-maker, trouble shooter, problem solver and independent. We need to strive for quality and production.

  • Learn optical manufacturing
  • Prepare lenses for optical production
  • Run & manage surfacing generators
  • Run & manage lens polishers, laser engravers
  • Identify lens materials, base curves, sizes
  • Understand progressive designs, markings, SV, flat tops
  • Calibrate equipment
  • Clean & Prep equipment for next production day
  • Machine/Generator Satisloh, OptoTech, Schneider
  • Mathematics, software, calculations,
  • Understanding nematic pressure which runs all the robotics on our equipment.
  • Hard Coaters, AntiFog
  • MEI edger's, National Optronics
  • Lensometer Manual and Auto
  • Lens knowledge Power, Cyl, Axis, Seg. Heights, PD's, Prism, slab offs, etc.
  • Optical experience a plus but not necessary
  • Call John 623-34onezero878

Company Description

Black Lab Optical is a growing optical lab in north Scottsdale. Please visit our website at www.blacklaboptical.com for more info.