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Optical Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN

$116K - $150K/yr

Lead, Optical Engineering Job Code: 40948 Job Location: Fort Wayne, IN Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off) The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Bridgeview Eye Partners

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Bridgeview Eye Partners

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Auburn, IN · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Midwest Eye Consultants

Optician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Bridgeview Eye Partners

Optician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

Bridgeview Eye Partners

Optician

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

This position utilizes creative design skills in the creation and maintenance of displays of optical merchandise and inventory within the optical area. This position also utilizes strong ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

Optical information

See Fort Wayne, IN salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Fort Wayne, IN is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $23.03 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 Fort Wayne, IN?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Fort Wayne, IN?

For Optical jobs in Fort Wayne, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Fort Wayne, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Fort Wayne, IN are:

What cities near Fort Wayne, IN are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Fort Wayne, IN with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Fort Wayne, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,997 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Lead, Optical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN

L3HHCM20
See more jobs at L3HHCM20external

$116K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Lead, Optical Engineering

Job Code:  40948

Job Location:  Fort Wayne, IN

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

 

Job Description:

The Fort Wayne, IN engineering team is seeking an Optical Design Engineer to join our team onsite, providing critical support for our aerospace programs. This role involves development of optical systems; specifying, selecting and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models, developing and implementing test procedures and/or evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation. Our projects span imaging systems across the UV to LWIR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The successful candidate will be deeply involved in the practical aspects of optical engineering, ensuring the integrity and performance of our sophisticated optical systems.

Essential Functions:

  • Perform optical design and analysis on advanced telescopes, calibrators, and unique optical test sets.
  • Develop optical budgets and sensitivities including wavefront error, MTF, line of sight, and throughput.
  • Perform analyses to show compliance with optical requirements and specifications for imaging systems, assemblies, component drawings, coatings, manufacturability, etc.
  • Provide optical modeling, analysis, image simulations, and metrology support during system alignment, integration and testing.
  • Support the development of optical technologies and architectural concepts to support the company's current and new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve project objectives, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team setting.
  • Utilize strong organizational skills to manage tasks and documentation effectively.
  • Apply excellent written and verbal communication skills to document processes, convey technical information, and facilitate effective teamwork.
  • Engage in troubleshooting activities and verification of system requirements to ensure compliance and functionality.
  • Must be able to obtain a US DoD Secret security clearance

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in engineering and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.
  • Experience in using Zemax and/or Code V optical software for advanced design and analysis purposes.
  • Experience with FRED or similar stray light analysis software for evaluating and mitigating optical system interference.


Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Experience with MATLAB for data analysis and automation of testing procedures.
  • Familiarity with evaluating and selecting vendors to supply critical components for advanced systems.
  • Familiarity interfacing generative AI with traditional optical modeling tools
  • Active DoD Secret Security Clearance.

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