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Optical Jobs in Kent, WA (NOW HIRING)

Target Optical - Apprentice Optician

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/hr

Requisition ID: 932775 Store # : 004125 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 ...

Optical Stylist, Part-Time

Seattle, WA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.25/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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical information

See Kent, WA salary details

$12

$24

$42

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Kent, WA is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $26.35 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 Kent, WA?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Kent, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Kent, WA?

For Optical jobs in Kent, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Kent, WA are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Kent, WA with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Kent, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,340 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer, Optical Fiber (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, OPTICAL FIBER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we are deploying Starlink, the world's most advanced satellite constellation, to provide broadband internet access to the world. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system - from the hardware in customers' homes to the satellites on orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

As a Manufacturing Engineer for Optical Fiber, you will develop manufacturing and test processes for optical fiber assemblies. You will work closely with design teams, integration and test teams, and suppliers to bring products from NPI to high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing manufacturing and test procedures with the intent of improving optical fiber reliability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage new product introduction and develop production processes for optical fiber assemblies
  • Design and implement development and production test procedures for optical fiber assemblies to improve reliability
  • Work with manufacturers and suppliers to implement process improvements to improve optical fiber reliability
  • Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products
  • Lead investigation on non-conforming hardware to determine root cause and implement reliability improvements
  • Collaborate with design teams and provide design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability
  • Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internships/co-ops and club projects can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced technical degree
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing optical fiber assemblies
  • Hands-on experience with optical fiber testing (insertion loss, return loss, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various fiber technologies (single mode, multi-mode, polarization maintaining, etc.)
  • Knowledge of optical fiber harness manufacturing and processing techniques (splicing, cleaving, crimping, etc.)
  • High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various optical fiber classes and standards (OM3, OM4, graded index, etc.)
  • Experience with environmental testing of optical assemblies
  • Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
  • Knowledge of statistical analyses and statistical process control
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel to our launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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Benefits

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US