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Optical Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser specialists dedicated to developing innovative hardware solutions that drive the success of our program ...

VSP Vision

Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$20 - $30.23/hr

The basic function of the Optical Associate, Optician is to attract and retain customers by delivering exceptional customer service, fostering customer retention, and promoting outstanding associate ...

VSP Vision

Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · On-site

$20 - $30.23/hr

The basic function of the Optical Associate, Optician is to attract and retain customers by delivering exceptional customer service, fostering customer retention, and promoting outstanding associate ...

VSP Vision

Optical Administrator

Austin, TX · On-site

$20 - $30.23/hr

The basic function of the Optical Associate, Optician is to attract and retain customers by delivering exceptional customer service, fostering customer retention, and promoting outstanding associate ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Pflugerville, TX · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

Requisition ID: 933219 Store # : 004479 Target Optical Position: Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Medical Eyeglass Center Inc

Optical Associate

Austin, TX · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Optician Austin, Texas About Medical Eyeglass Center (MEC) At MEC, we partner with leading medical/ophthalmology practices to provide patients with high-quality vision care and eyewear services. Our ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Austin, TX

Optical information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Austin, TX is $21.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $23.12 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 Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Austin, TX are:

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For Optical jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,200 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Optical Test Engineer, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SpaceX

Bastrop, TX • On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER, AI SATELLITES (STARMIND)
SpaceX is leveraging its experience deploying and operating the world's largest satellite constellation to develop Starmind, a new constellation of satellites capturing solar energy in space to power low-cost, high-performance AI compute for Earth. Realizing this vision demands highly reliable, high performance electrical hardware ranging from power electronics, high speed digital systems, mixed signal designs, robust avionics, networking, and custom compute electronics. These systems must operate in the extreme environment of space while delivering the connectivity, control, power distribution, and processing needed for orbital AI inference. As we continue to upgrade and expand the constellation, we're looking for best-in-class engineers to join the team.
As an Optical Test Engineer you will be responsible for designing, building, and operating optical metrology equipment to validate optical flight hardware. This role will interface closely with the design and production teams to validate that hardware meets the design intent. In this role, you will need to automate test procedures and data collection for high volume products, as well as train other team members on the operation of optical test and metrology equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Design, build, and operate optical metrology and test systems
  • Use test data to troubleshoot issues with optical flight hardware
  • Automate optical test equipment and data collection
  • Instruct technicians on operation of test equipment
  • Inform optical flight hardware designs to enable efficient test operations
  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to laser communication system trades and component development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Participate in validation testing, including performance characterization, lot acceptance testing, design qualification testing and reliability testing
  • Develop test plans and maintain design specifications and capabilities data
  • Design test fixtures for engineering and production tests
  • Develop production procedures and processes and manage the transition of parts and assemblies from development to high-rate production
  • Execute design for manufacturability changes to enhance production efficiency

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometers, laser sources, etc.)
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as ZEMAX
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical alignment/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in digital communication protocols, test and measurement, and troubleshooting
  • Experience designing and building custom optical assemblies
  • Experience designing, developing, or testing space qualified hardware
  • Basic proficiency in CAD and knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals
  • Proficiency in programming languages (Python, C/C++) and software version control
  • Strong sense of accountability and integrity
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to lift heavy objects, up to 25 Ibs. unassisted
  • Willing to work weekend and extended hours as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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