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Optical Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements within defined tolerances. Perform feasibility, and benchmark studies to support quotes, and future ...

Optical Engineer

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

FMVSS 108, ECE, CCC, and SAE standards. โ€ข Assist in design of manufacturing tools, fixtures and processes that are required to build and service the optical sub-systems. โ€ข Evaluate parts, optical ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Optical Engineer working at RIT is responsible for developing precision optics technology and precision optics technology-based X-ray optics. These include the development of ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$122K - $158K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Optical Engineer working at RIT is responsible for developing precision optics technology and precision optics technology-based X-ray optics. These include the development of ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Design optical surfaces for lens and reflector systems for forward and rearward automotive illumination systems. * Validate design via internal and external optical ray tracing software * Create ...

Optical Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Design optical surfaces for lens and reflector systems for forward and rearward automotive illumination systems. * Validate design via internal and external optical ray tracing software * Create ...

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Optical Stylist

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/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 ...

Posted today

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Optical Stylist

Southfield, MI ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/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 ...

Posted today

Optical Stylist, Full-Time

Rochester, MI ยท On-site

$16 - $20.50/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 ...

Optical Stylist, Part-Time

Birmingham, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10

$19

$34

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Detroit, MI is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining optical devices such as lenses and glasses. The profession typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment opportunities in healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Job prospects depend on industry demand and regional employment rates.

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 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 is a career in optics?

A career in optics involves working with the science and technology of light, including designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools, and may work in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Detroit, MI? For Optical jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Optical job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,802 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

BHT

Southfield, MI โ€ข On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Beacon Hill Technologies

Job Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Create innovative exterior and interior lighting systems for Automotive, Commercial Vehicles, and Recreational Vehicles using incandescent, HID, and LED light sources.ย 

Ensure that optical designs can be tooled, manufactured, and meet legal and customer requirements within defined tolerances.

Perform feasibility, and benchmark studies to support quotes, and future marketing.

Analyze off-tool parts, perform root cause analysis, and assist in certification of lamps.ย 

Interface pro-actively with Design Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Tooling Engineers, and Customers.ย 

Define and understand legal market requirements for vehicle lighting including: FMVSS 108, ECE, CCC, and SAE standards.ย 

Assist in design of manufacturing tools, fixtures and processes that are required to build and service the optical sub-systems.ย 

Evaluate parts, optical testing related equipment and vendors related to optical development of lamps.ย 

Review all engineering designs that interact with the optical subsystems of company products.

Optimize designs to improve beam characteristics and overall optical efficiency.

Evaluate and characterize secondary optical solutions and customer lighting fixtures using optical instrumentation such as a goniometer, optical comparator, spectrometer etc.

Generate clear and detailed documentation.ย 

Work closely with Engineering teams to find solutions to next generation products

Work with Manufacturing to diagnose complex issues with the company's products.ย 



Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

B.S. in Engineering or Applied Physics.

4+ yrs. Illumination Optical Design (non-imaging) experience; LED experience highly preferred.ย 

Must have LucidShape or similar optical design software experience.ย 

CATIA V5, or other 3D CAD experience.ย 

Certification/Knowledge of test equipment like Goniometer and integrating sphere.ย 

Basic programming experience preferred.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.ย 

Well versed in Microsoft office applications.ย 

Team player and self-motivated, and be able to thrive in a start-up environment.ย 

Balanced judgment to operate within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.

Additional Information

Salary is based on experience