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Optical Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in optics and a willingness to learn anything and everything about optics. Creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and openness to feedback are essential.

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in optics and a willingness to learn anything and everything about optics. Creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and openness to feedback are essential.

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in optics and a willingness to learn anything and everything about optics. Creativity, curiosity, adaptability, and openness to feedback are essential.

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Senior Optical Engineer We are seeking a talented Optical Engineer to contribute to the development of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This role drives ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

Description The Staff Optical Engineer serves as a senior technical expert responsible for leading the architecture, design, analysis, and delivery of advanced optical systems and technologies. This ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130 - $175/hr

As a Sr. Optical Engineer within Novanta's encoder business, you'll lead the design and development of optical components and systems, focusing on creating innovative rotary and linear encoder ...

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical information

See Massachusetts salary details

$12

$23

$40

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Massachusetts is $23.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining optical devices such as lenses and glasses. The profession typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional employment rates.

What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, an optometrist, and an optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

What is a career in optics?

A career in optics involves working with the science and technology of light, including designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools, and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Massachusetts? For Optical jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Optical job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,701 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Precision Optics Corporation Inc

Littleton, MA โ€ข On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description:
  • This position requires someone knowledgeable in the areas of Optical System Design across the Visible to Infra-red spectrum including: optical analysis, simulation, design, and realization of solutions to Visible, Laser, Imaging and Illumination systems requirements.
  • Responsibilities include concept development, optical system architecture, system trade-off analysis, requirements definition and flow down, analysis and test and evaluation of optical performance parameters at both the component and system level.
  • Analytical skills should be complimented by an ability to substantially direct or lead system integration and test activities. Outstanding communication skills are required to convey technical ideas to both the customer community and to engineering peers.
  • Supervision of a technical design team and preparation of cost estimates and schedules for proposed activities are additional anticipated duties for more senior levels.
Requirements:
  • Lens design experience including tolerancing and direct involvement with the manufacture, assembly, and troubleshooting of systems.
  • Optical and Electro-optical System performance modeling including imaging and radiometric/photometric properties, tolerance performance. More senior levels should have an additional understanding of advanced properties such as stray light, signal to noise, polarization, practical physical optics, and design and specification for more advanced optical fabrication such as diamond turning, MRF, and precision molding.
  • Direct system experience in designs involving imaging and illumination.
  • Familiar with the application and use of metrology equipment including: interferometers, spectrometers, image analysis (MTF), radiometers, blackbodies, etc.

Required Skills

  • Optical design software (e.g. Zemax or Code V)
  • General Purpose Modeling and Analysis Software (e.g. Matlab or MathCAD)
  • Microsoft Office™ suite of applications

Desired Skills

  • Imager system modeling software (e.g. NVTherm, SSCAM)
  • Non-sequential raytrace software(e.g. FRED)
  • Image analysis and acquisition software (e.g. Matrox MIL, LabView)
  • Lens system measurement equipment (e.g. MTF bench, nodal bench)
  • Matlab Image Processing Toolbox
  • Color accuracy analysis

Education and Experience Requirements

BS in a related field and minimum 4 years relevant experience or MS in a related field and minimum 3 years relevant experience