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Optical Jobs in Erie, PA (NOW HIRING)

Truck-Lite

Optical Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Designs and develops optical solutions incorporating new technologies to improve overall functional performance and/or cost of existing products. * Evaluates and verifies optical designs from concept ...

Truck-Lite

Optics Design Engineer

Erie, PA · On-site

Designs and develops optical solutions incorporating new technologies to improve overall functional performance and/or cost of existing products. * Evaluates and verifies optical designs from concept ...

National Vision

General Manager - Optical

Erie, PA

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. Each location is focused on treating every eye with the attention and ...

National Vision

General Manager - Optical

Erie, PA · On-site

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. Each location is focused on treating every eye with the attention and ...

America's Best

General Manager - Optical

Erie, PA

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retail companies in the United States. Each location is focused on treating every eye with the attention and ...

Stanton Optical

Clinical Services Manager

Erie, PA

Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients. As a ...

Stanton Optical

Clinical Services Manager

Erie, PA

Stanton Optical is among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients. As ...

Stanton Optical

Clinical Services Manager

Erie, PA · On-site

Stanton Optical is among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients. As ...

Now Optics

Clinical Services Manager

Erie, PA · On-site

Stanton Optical is among the nation's fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients. As ...

Now Optics

Clinical Services Manager

Erie, PA

Stanton Optical is among the nations fastest growing, full-service retail optical centers. We are dedicated to offering customer service and quality eyewear at affordable prices to our patients. As a ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Erie, PA

Optical information

See Erie, PA salary details

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$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Erie, PA is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.60 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 job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Erie, PA look for?

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What cities near Erie, PA are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Erie, PA with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Erie, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,203 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Optical Design Engineer

Erie, PA • On-site

Truck-Lite
Trucking • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Truck-Liteexternal

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description
Essential Job Functions:
Align with our company culture, mission, values, philosophy, and policies and procedures by exemplifying our C.L.E.A.R Principles.
  • Curiosity- look for a better way as a solutions-oriented problem solver.
  • Leadership- take ownership and be the catalyst of change.
  • Enthusiasm- be motivated and passionate about your work.
  • Accountability- deliver on commitments and act with integrity.
  • Respect- be present, listen and engage with inclusive open, honest, and direct communication.

Responsibilities include:
  • Creates, designs, and develops engineering and optical solutions for new lighting applications (Using ASAP, LUCIDSHAPES, etc.)
  • Designs and develops optical solutions incorporating new technologies to improve overall functional performance and/or cost of existing products.
  • Evaluates and verifies optical designs from concept to mass production to meet requirements for specific applications.
  • Performs detailed optical designs, ray-tracing simulations, tolerance analysis, and actively supports design documentation including material and light source selection, CAD, BOM, and manufacturing and assembly processes.
  • Actively participates in prototype builds, design verification, and validation testing of components and systems from concept through product certification stages.
  • Assists in component sourcing and supplier selection and management.
  • Designs or guides mechanical engineers in the design of mechanical assemblies of optical elements and sources of illumination. Actively collaborates and guides electrical engineers in the design of electronics for driving illumination sources or control systems.
  • Analyzes and interprets lighting standards and regulatory requirements pertinent to optical design and function.
  • Leads continuous improvement of optical design capability and improvement of optical components.
  • Leads NCR resolution projects when assigned.
  • Provides engineering design expertise and guidance to engineering and marketing teams for new product definition and concept development.
  • Conducts competitive benchmarking analysis to understand and advance the "state of the art" for all aspects of solid-state lighting for commercial vehicle and general lighting applications.
  • Supports and documents multiple optics projects at any given time (ex. 7 to 10 different lighting designs).
  • Forward lighting optics subject matter expert
  • Supports other activities as directed.
  • Position requires compliance with the Technology Control Plan and the Federal Export Control Policy established for the Corporation.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT(S):
  • Minimum of a B.S. degree in Optics or Mechanical Engineering or Physics.
  • Requires 2 to 3 years of related optical design or photometry experience.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):
Preferred candidates will have prior experience in the design of complex reflector and optical lenses (TIR, Projector, Collimator, etc.), and FMVSS compliant headlamp systems, and experience with project management, proven PC skills including proficiency in MS Project/Word/Excel/Access, optics design software experience (ASAP, LUCIDSHAPE, etc.) and 3D modeling experience using Unigraphics, Pro-E, Catia, etc.).

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