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Optical Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · 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 ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Wilmington, MA

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 41502 Job Location: Wilmington, Massachusetts Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every Other Friday Off) We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer to join our team, providing ...

Cisco

Optical Engineer

Maynard, MA

$136K - $198K/yr

Meet the Team Join our team at Acacia, where we develop advanced optical transceivers for high-speed fiber optic transmission in data centers and telecommunication networks. We're seeking ...

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 ...

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 ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineer - MA

Wilmington, MA

$135K - $250K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineer (Space Optical Systems) Job Code: 41375 Job Location: Wilmington, MA Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!) Relocation: Relocation assistance is available to qualified ...

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 ...

Grassi

Optical Sales Associate

Quincy, MA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

OPTICAL SALES ASSOCIATE Nielsen Eye Center - Norwell, Norwood, and Quincy, MA Pay range : $19/hr - $22/hr Exciting opportunity for a Full-Time or Part-Time Optical Sales Associate to join a multi ...

Grassi

Optical Sales Associate

Quincy, MA

$19 - $22/hr

OPTICAL SALES ASSOCIATE Nielsen Eye Center - Norwell, Norwood, and Quincy, MA Pay range : $19/hr - $22/hr Exciting opportunity for a Full-Time or Part-Time Optical Sales Associate to join a multi ...

ANDURIL INDUSTRIES

Optical Assembly Technician

Waltham, MA · On-site

$41.35 - $54.81/hr

Assemble and handle complex optical and optomechanical components (lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, lasers, and fiber optics) into housings according to blueprints, engineering drawings, and ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Boston, MA

Optical information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

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How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Boston, MA is $23.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $25.34 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 Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Boston, MA are:

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For Optical jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,443 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Novanta Inc

Bedford, MA • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Build a career powered by innovations that matter! At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing-improving productivity, enhancing people's lives and redefining what's possible. We create for our global customers engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for a range of mission-critical applications-from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing.
Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Looking for a great place to work? You have found it with a culture that embraces teamwork, collaboration and empowerment. Come explore Novanta.
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 solutions based on customer specifications and product management requirements. You will make critical technical decisions to ensure high-quality, high-performance products and provide technical leadership on complex, high-impact projects. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, you will tackle technical challenges and deliver outstanding results. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and adept at multitasking, with a strong background in modelling, simulation, prototyping, problem-solving, and design of complex optical systems. You will also serve as a technical consultant and advisor to executives.
This position is part of Novanta's Robotics & Automation business unit. R&A's cohesive vision, superior technologies, consultative team approach and best-in-class reliability make us the trusted partner in solving the most challenging motion control problems.
R&A's precision component and subsystem solutions solve application-specific challenges for technology-driven original equipment manufacturers from a range of markets.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead the optical design and development of rotary and linear encoder products, including diffractive optical elements, photosensors, light sources, and encoder scale designs.
  • Translate system-level requirements into detailed optical specifications, including MTF, resolution, distortion, field of view, and illumination performance.
  • Perform optical modeling, simulation, and analysis using tools such as Zemax to develop and optimize encoder optical architectures.
  • Conduct opto-mechanical tolerance analysis, material selection, and define bonding and assembly processes to ensure robust product performance.
  • Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost objectives
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate and validate optical solutions.
  • Work with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to source, qualify, and scale optical components for high-volume production
  • Support product verification, validation, calibration, and field troubleshooting activities to ensure product performance and customer satisfaction.
  • Evaluate custom versus commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) optical components and technologies to optimize product cost and performance.
  • Investigate and resolve technical challenges encountered during product development, manufacturing, and field operation using structured engineering and root-cause analysis methods.
  • Contribute to project execution by supporting requirements definition, deliverables planning, schedules, budgets, and technical risk management.

Required Experience,
Education, Skills and
Competencies
  • Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with at least 8 years of related experience.
  • Preferred: Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Physics or equivalent field with 6+ years of prior relevant experience.
  • Solid understanding of diffractive optic
  • Strong proficiency with optical design tools ( Zemax , Code V, or similar)
  • Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology and characterization
  • Hands-on experience with complex optical assembly development. Lab and prototype development experience
  • Experience working with optics vendors and manufacturing processes
  • Capable of independent and team-based work, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB.
  • Able to collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and management, while mentoring less experienced team members.

  • The salary for this role will range from $130,000 to $175,000 annually based on full-time employment. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to location, relevant skills, training, experience, education, etc.

  • Certain roles may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation and/or long-term incentives. Incentives could be discretionary or non-discretionary depending on the plan.

  • Novanta supports all aspects of your life's needs. This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to make your quality of life better.

Novanta is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military and veteran status, disability, genetics, or any other category protected by federal law or Novanta policy.
Please call +1 if you need a disability accommodation for any part of the employment process.

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