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Optical Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

Intuitive Machines LLC

Jr Optical Engineer

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Intuitive Machines is seeking a Jr Optical Engineer to support the planning, development, and execution of precision metrology and optical test operations for spaceflight optical systems. Working ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Baltimore, MD

Optical information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$10

$21

$37

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Baltimore, MD is $21.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $23.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the optical field, high-paying roles such as specialized ophthalmologists or optometrists with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, clinical expertise, and sometimes ownership of private practices or leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, often working in optical labs or retail settings. The role typically requires technical skills, attention to detail, and may involve certification or training programs; job prospects are steady with opportunities for advancement in the optical industry.

How much money do opticians get paid?

Opticians typically earn a median annual salary of around $37,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as fitting complex lenses or working in high-demand areas, and may include benefits like health insurance and paid time off.

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 different careers in optometry?

Careers in optometry include optometrists who examine, diagnose, and treat eye conditions, as well as opticians who fit and dispense corrective lenses. Other roles include ophthalmic technicians, vision therapists, and practice managers, all working in clinical or retail settings. These careers often require specific certifications or licenses and involve skills in patient care, eye health, and use of diagnostic tools.

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 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.
More about Optical jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Baltimore, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,309 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Optical Technician

Optical Technician

KBR

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 442 rated engineering

Job description

Title:

Optical Technician

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform optical integration, alignment, testing, calibration, and verification of flight and non-flight hardware
  • Provide optical metrology support using instrumentation such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and coordinate measuring systems
  • Execute test plans, procedures, and support integration activities in laboratory, cleanroom, and field environments, including thermal-vacuum conditions
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate optical and metrology equipment and support software tools
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and test plans
  • Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, calibration tracking, and compliance with quality standards
  • Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components
  • Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities
  • Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites as required

Required Skills & Experience

  • Experience with optical systems, metrology, and precision instrumentation
  • Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques
  • Ability to work with metrology data and analysis software
  • Knowledge of laboratory practices, equipment calibration, and quality standards (e.g., ISO)
  • Strong documentation, reporting, and basic statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in technical environments

Preferred Skills

  • Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology
  • Familiarity with optical ground support equipment and metrology software tools

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from $62,400.00-$93,600.00. Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, Maryland area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more:KBR Benefits | KBR

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Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What KBR employees say

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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