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Optical Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Teradyne

Optical Engineer (Teradyne, North Reading, MA)

Reading, MA · On-site

$69K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

SEE Eyewear

Optical Stylist, Full-Time

Boston, MA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

OPTICAL STYLIST SEE Eyewear is addicted to uncovering hidden gems-and not just within our product assortment. We believe that finding the perfect frames starts with finding the perfect people. At SEE ...

SEE Eyewear

Optical Stylist, Full-Time

Boston, MA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

OPTICAL STYLIST SEE Eyewear is addicted to uncovering hidden gems--and not just within our product assortment. We believe that finding the perfect frames starts with finding the perfect people. At ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Boston, MA

Optical information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

$23

$40

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Boston, MA?

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.

Optical Scientist - Quantum Systems

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Boston, MA • On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary

In this role, you will contribute to the advancement of neutral-atom-based quantum computing technologies by architecting, prototyping and integrating optical subsystems into QuEra's next-generation quantum computers. These subsystems rely on diffractive optics, holography, optical tiling strategies, aberration correction, and camera-in-loop feedback to deliver stable, uniform, and precisely controlled optical fields across large qubit arrays. As part of an R&D team, you will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary group of physicists, engineers, and computer scientists to push the boundaries of quantum computing using neutral-atom platforms by helping shape long-term optical system design decisions.

Responsibilities

  • Design and prototype scalable optical architectures for trapping, addressing, and readout of next-generation neutral atom qubit arrays.
  • Model optical systems including diffraction, aberrations, polarization effects, and alignment sensitivities.
  • Establish integration strategies of new optical modules to optimize performance of neutral atom quantum computers.
  • Implement diagnostic and calibration strategies linking optical design to experimental outcomes, enabling rapid commissioning and long-term stability.
  • Partner with hardware engineering team to translate architectural concepts into deployable hardware and alignment procedures.
  • Evaluate emerging beam-shaping and multiplexing technologies for next-generation scalability.
  • Stay current with the latest advancements in optical engineering, beam shaping, and optical computing relevant to neutral atom quantum computing. 

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Optics, Physics, or a related field with a strong background in optical system design and implementation. 
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with free-space optical alignment, diagnostics, and characterization techniques. 
  • Proven experience architecting and integrating complex systems with both hardware and software components. 
  • Demonstrated experience modeling optical propagation, aberrations, and system tolerances using analytical or numerical tools, e.g., Zemax. 
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, MATLAB, or similar environments for modeling, analysis, and calibration workflows. 
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to take technical ownership of complex subsystems. 
  • Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across physics, engineering, and software teams. 
  • Track record of publications or significant technical contributions in relevant areas.

Preferred Qualifications

  • CAD design skills. 
  • Proficiency with git, GitHub, and modern collaborative development workflows. 
  • Experience with neutral atom, ion, or other quantum computing platforms. 
  • Familiarity with beam shaping technologies such as spatial light modulators, acousto-optic deflectors, diffractive optics. 
  • Background in stability engineering, including mitigation of thermal, mechanical, and pointing drifts. 

The approximate base salary range for this position is $130,400 - $211,900.

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly.  We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience.  In addition to our base salary offerings, we also provide equity grants for all new hires.

QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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