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Optical Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Position Metalenz is seeking a Senior Optical Metrology Engineer to manage metrology systems that support prototyping activities for our metasurface-based optical components and devices. This ...

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 ...

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 ...

The Position Metalenz is seeking a Senior Optical Metrology Engineer to manage metrology systems that support prototyping activities for our metasurface-based optical components and devices. This ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical information

See Boston, MA 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 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.

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:

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.

Senior Optical Metrology Engineer

Metalenz

Boston, MA • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

The Position

Metalenz is seeking a Senior Optical Metrology Engineer to manage metrology systems that support prototyping activities for our metasurface-based optical components and devices. This position is a hands-on role, developing and managing optical set-ups for internal and external customers. You will work closely with a small team of optical engineers and collaborate closely with our design and fabrication groups.

What you’ll do

  • Characterize and calibrate prototype polarization cameras for 3D sensing and biometric applications

  • Determine optimal designs and process conditions using optical techniques to characterize performance of metasurface designs on glass wafers (polarimetry and metrics like transmission, zero-order diffraction, and MTF)

  • Maintain and develop metrology automation systems to ensure wafer-scale optical characterization throughput

  • Communicate results and conclusions to design team, fabrication team, software team and senior management.

  • Manage databases to store measurement results for various internal customers.

  • Work with engineering and operations teams to transfer metrology techniques to high volume testing equipment.

  • Collaborate closely with Metalenz design and fabrication teams on new designs and products.

About You

  • PhD or MS in appropriate discipline (electrical engineering, physics, etc)

  • 3+ years industrial experience in optics

  • Comfortable at the optical bench, setting up measurements, aligning lasers and cameras, and designing new experimental set ups.

  • Proficient at communicating experiments and conclusions to appropriate audiences

  • Experienced with measurement automation using Python

  • Image processing experience preferred

  • Experience in statistical process control is also preferred

  • Optical design with Zemax/Tracepro/Code V/FRED considered a plus

  • CAD experience considered a plus

The Company

Metalenz is a growing, venture-backed start-up that is the first to commercialize meta-optics and enable the next generation of 3D sensing in consumer electronics, automotive and industrial robotics markets. Built on research from Harvard University, Metalenz has 20+ patents on innovations that simplify and improve optical devices. Unlike traditional optics, the company’s metasurface technology provides complex, multifunctional optical performance in a single semiconductor layer, relocating large-scale production of optics to semiconductor foundries, that print lenses like computer chips.

Metalenz recently closed a $30M Series B financing led by Neotribe Ventures, and returning investors including 3M Ventures, Applied Ventures LLC, Intel Capital, M Ventures, TDK Ventures, and Foothill Ventures. Now in the market, Metalenz metasurface optics will be in millions of consumer devices this year. Based in downtown Boston near TD Garden, Metalenz is conveniently located across the street from North Station.

What we offer

Metalenz is a rapidly growing start-up that offers best-in-class benefits.

  • Competitive salary, 401k with company contribution, pre-IPO stock options.

  • Based in downtown Boston near TD Garden, Metalenz is conveniently located across the street from North Station.

  • Competitive benefits package including company-paid health, dental, vision, life, LTD/ADD.

  • Company contribution to Health Savings Account (HSA).

  • Employee Assistance Program.

  • Collaborative office space, flexible work schedule with hybrid and/or work-from-home arrangements for qualified positions.

  • Complimentary snacks and drinks, and occasionally lunch on-site.

  • Free gym and bike parking on-site.

  • Fun, energizing, highly collaborative environment in which each team member has the opportunity to make an impact.

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Metalenz logo

About Metalenz

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

2016

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