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Optical Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA

$131K - $170K/yr

Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex ...

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$78 - $176/hr

Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex ...

New

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Share Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind ...

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$78 - $176/hr

As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex systems.That knowledge is key when it comes to the support and testing of electro-optic ( EO ) components for integration into high ...

Optical Engineer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

R0246988 Optical Engineer The Opportunity: What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power ...

Sales Associate Target Optical

California, MD · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Requisition ID: 933283 Store # : 004057 Target Optical Position: Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Optician

Prince Frederick, MD · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Guiding patients in the selection of optical products to accommodate their prescription and financial requirements. * Ordering frames and lenses from vendors. * Assisting with frame adjustments and ...

Optician

Prince Frederick, MD · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Guiding patients in the selection of optical products to accommodate their prescription and financial requirements. * Ordering frames and lenses from vendors. * Assisting with frame adjustments and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical information

See California, MD salary details

$10

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$35

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in California, MD is $20.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $22.36 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 cities near California, MD are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,732 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

$131K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Optical Engineer

The Opportunity:

What if you could use your engineering skills to transform the U.S. Navy's directed energy portfolio? As an optical engineer, you understand the power behind complex systems.That knowledge is key when it comes to the support and testing of electro-optic(EO)components for integration into high energy laser (HEL)weapons. We're looking for an optical engineer who can use their skills to support the development and testing of state-of-the-art weapon systems to enhance the capabilities of today's warfighter.

Our team supports the design of state-of-the-art directed energyweapons systems to enhance warfighter capabilities. That's why we need you, an optical engineer, who is interested in the testing of weapons systems. You'll directly impact the U.S. Navy and other Department of War entities by providing optical technical expertise. This is a chance to use your experience-based knowledge in optics and lasers while broadening your skillset. Join us and take on exciting challenges as we support the warfighter with state-of-the-art directed energy capabilities.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 5+ years of experience with optical test equipment, including oscilloscopes, power meters, photodiodes, detectors, interferometers, wavefront sensors, spectrometers, or beam profilers
  • 5+ years of experience with alignment of optical components, cameras, lasers, or opto-mechanics
  • 3+ years of experience in labs including designing test setups, development of test plans, recording data, and reporting meaningful results
  • Experience in laser systems, including gain media, pump sources, thermal management and control, opto-mechanics, optical coatings, substrates, characterization and specification, beam shaping, or beam control
  • Experience with image processing for object tracking and detection, recognition, and identification, and in the testing of EO sensors as it applies to overall integration into a weapons system
  • Knowledge of the major components and integration of laser systems, including the optical train
  • Ability to collaborate with a variety of engineering specialties, such as mechanical, optical, or software, across a functional team in the development of optical systems
  • Ability to learn, adapt, and assist in testing of high priority weapons systems in a professional environment
  • Ability to obtain a Secret clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in an Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering field

Nice If You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience working with U.S. Navy or other military service laser and EO systems
  • 5+ years of experience with HEL weapon systems, including fiber laser technology
  • 5+ years of experience with ISR EO technology development, analysis, test and evaluation(T&E), and platform integration
  • Experience working with design and analysissoftware, including FRED, Zemax, WaveTrain, Solidworks, or MATLAB, and creating models using these packages in the design and layout of optical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems
  • Experience with pulsed lasers, fiber optics, free-space optics, nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, imaging and radiometric tools, or integrated photonics
  • Experience analyzing the effectiveness of HEL interactions with materials and components, laser propagation theory, and experiment, including modeling and characterizations of laser performance inrelevantmilitary environments and ranges
  • Knowledge of practical problems associated with the design, building, integration, and testing of laserweapons systems
  • Master's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field preferred; Doctorate degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field a plus

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $77,500.00 to $176,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914