ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. In this position you will work as part of ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. In this position you will work as part of ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Summary The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. In this position you will work as part of ...

Novanta, Inc.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA · 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 ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Optical Systems Engineer Date: Apr 29, 2026 Location: North Reading, MA, US Opportunity Overview Senior Optical Systems Engineer will have responsibility for development of optical test ...

Onto Innovation

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

New

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Wilmington, MA

$115K - $172K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer, you will lead the design and development of optical subsystems that enable precise measurement of nanometer-scale features in logic and memory devices. You will ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced optical and optoelectronic systems, contributing across system design, laboratory validation, and ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

North Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced optical and optoelectronic systems, contributing across system design, laboratory validation, and ...

Encode

Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Lexington, MA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

We are seeking an Optical AI&T Engineer to design, assemble, integrate, and test advanced optical and electro-optical systems. Responsibilities include optical alignment, system integration, test ...

Nielsen Eye Center

Optical Sales Associate

Quincy, MA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Optical Sales Associate Location: Quincy, MA (travel required to Norwell, Norwood, and Weymouth - mileage reimbursed) Pay Range: $19-$22 per hour (based on experience) Job Type: Full-Time or ...

L3Harris Technologies

Optical Engineering

Malden, MA · On-site

$134K - $174K/yr

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

L3Harris Technologies

Optical Engineering

Devens, MA

$143K - $185K/yr

Scientist, Chief Engineer - Mission Payloads (Space Optical Systems) : Sign-on bonus ($50K max) Job Code: 40961 Job Location: On-site in Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Massachusetts

Optical information

See Massachusetts salary details

$12

$23

$40

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

How long is schooling to become an optical?

Becoming an optical technician typically requires completing a post-secondary program or certificate that lasts from several months up to a year. For opticians, the process often involves completing an associate degree or a specialized training program, followed by certification or licensing depending on the state or country. Practical experience and knowledge of optical equipment are also important components of training.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and optical devices, often working in retail or laboratory settings. The role typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for advancement in the eye care industry.
More about Optical jobs

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:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,701 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Marlborough, MA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.

  • Conduct laboratory assembly, testing, setup, alignment, troubleshooting, and characterization of optical, opto-electrical, and opto-mechanical systems.

  • Collect, analyze, and document experimental data, create and maintain test procedures and reports, and communicate results to the project team.

Job description

Description
Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary
The Optical Engineer will support the development of advanced fiber amplifiers and fiber lasers for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications.
In this position you will work as part of small and agile engineering team in a fast-growing, vertically integrated company contributing to R+D, prototype assembly, and testing. You will continue to develop expertise in laser systems through mentoring and self-guided learning. This position will be onsite in the Greater-Boston area and will report to the Director of Engineering.
Responsibilities
  • Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber amplifiers and fiber laser designs.
  • Support agile R&D to rapidly develop prototypes with hands-on laboratory assembly and testing including setup, alignment, troubleshooting, and characterization of optical, opto-electrical, and opto-mechanical systems.
  • Accurately and repeatably collect, analyze, and document experimental data and communicate the results to the project team. Create and maintain test procedures, reports, and data sets.
  • Apply existing theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, non-linear and diffractive optics, and opto-mechanical design to the R+D projects.
  • Participate in design reviews and technical discussions.
  • Work with senior engineers to develop solutions to technical challenges. Collaborate with teams across other nLIGHT locations including WA, OR, and CO.
  • Occasional travel to work in person with colleagues at other sites, for field trials, and to assist in transfer to manufacturing. Estimated travel up to 10%.

Minimum Qualifications
  • BS in Physics, Optical Engineering, Material Science, or a related engineering discipline required. MS or PhD preferred.
  • 3+ years of work experience, or an equivalent combination of graduate education and work experience.
  • Hands on experience with development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems.
  • Experienced with in non-linear optics.
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution
  • Strong theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics
  • Strong hands-on experimental skills and familiarity with test equipment (power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes, optical detectors / power meters, etc.)
  • Ability to summarize and present results and conclusions clearly and effectively
  • Ability to work as both a leader and contributor

Preferred Experience
  • Experience handling and splicing optical fibers.
  • Experience writing programs, using software to analyze data, and interfacing with test equipment (fiber optical) modeling simulation.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary level based on qualifications
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [email protected].
E-Verify Participation:nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster

Apply