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Optical Surfacing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Technician I (Sapphire)

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 ...

Optical Fabrication Engineer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Specify and apply MIL-PRF-13830B and ISO 10110 surface quality, figure, wedge, and centration ... Mentor Optical Fabrication Technicians I-III; support skills development, competency assessments ...

Specify and apply MIL-PRF-13830B and ISO 10110 surface quality, figure, wedge, and centration ... Mentor Optical Fabrication Technicians IIII; support skills development, competency assessments ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Optical Career

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We will provide on site OJT On The Job Training for edge & assemble, coatings, surfacing, shipping ... Optical is a growing optical lab in north Scottsdale. Please visit our website at www ...

Optical Career

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We will provide on site OJT On The Job Training for edge & assemble, coatings, surfacing, shipping ... Optical is a growing optical lab in north Scottsdale. Please visit our website at www ...

Optics Coating Operator (2nd shift)

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

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 ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Set up, operate, and optimize CNC (and manual, as needed) grinding/polishing processes to meet specifications for optical components, such as dimensions, figure error, slope error, and surface ...

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Optical Surfacing information

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$12

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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.
Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher

Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 56 rated research


Job description

Description
Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?
Do you have experience with commercial computational software and optimization tools to gain insight into the interplay between novel materials and electromagnetic fields-specifically optical and infrared-and improve the design accordingly?
Do you seek to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to carry your solutions through the full cycle of design, fabrication, characterization, and prototyping?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!
As part of a multi-disciplinary research team, you will join computational and experimental scientists and engineers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of electromagnetic devices using novel metasurface and phase-change material designs. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.
We are seeking a creative and multidisciplinary scientist to help us mature existing projects and grow new ones by identifying emerging sponsor challenges that require novel electromagnetic solutions in the optical frequency range. The scope of the projects can range from fundamental discovery through advanced prototype demonstration. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.
As a Design and Characterization Researcher:
Your primary responsibilities will be to (1) utilize computational tools to design and simulate the performance of optical metasurfaces, and (2) perform experiments to characterize the performance of metasurfaces in the optical frequency range. The former responsibility will leverage commercial computational tools to build simulations and develop numerical solutions. In addition, you will be encouraged to help develop independent research and development ideas that demonstrate the potential of new and emerging technologies for groundbreaking applications within the APL sponsor base.
You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.
Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:
  • Hold a Ph.D. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
  • Have a record of creatively applying physics knowledge and performing experimental characterization of novel electromagnetic structures.
  • Possess familiarity with the physics of tailoring electromagnetic fields to control reflection, transmission, and absorption through patterned surfaces and engineered material properties.
  • Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometers.
  • Write scientific programs in at least one high-level language (e.g., C, C++, Java) or an interpreted language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret-level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:
  • Possess insight into various fabrication methods and related tolerances pertinent to engineered electromagnetic surfaces.
  • Have working experience building numerical models for solving electromagnetic problems using commercial tools such as CST and COMSOL.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually