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Optical Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

nLIGHT

Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

LASR). Summary We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from ...

VSP Vision

Optical Manager - Hillsboro, OR

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$65K - $91K/yr

The basic function of the Optical Manager is to drive profitable sales growth. This must be accomplished through development of a positive and productive retail-selling environment that ensures ...

VSP Vision

Optical Manager - Hillsboro, OR

Hillsboro, OR · On-site +1

$65K - $91K/yr

The basic function of the Optical Manager is to drive profitable sales growth. This must be accomplished through development of a positive and productive retail-selling environment that ensures ...

Keplr Vision

Optical Team Lead

West Linn, OR · On-site

Optical Team Lead - West Lynn Vision Center General & Responsibilities The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure that all patients are receiving the best quality of care at all times.

Keplr Vision

Optical Team Lead

West Linn, OR · On-site

Optical Team Lead - West Lynn Vision Center General & Responsibilities The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure that all patients are receiving the best quality of care at all times.

AEG Vision

Optical Consultant

Canby, OR

As an Optical Consultant, you'll work alongside the Optometrists to support all aspects of patient care and education, ensuring that patients receive exceptional care. * Perform preliminary ...

AEG Vision

Optical Consultant

Canby, OR · On-site

As an Optical Consultant, you'll work alongside the Optometrists to support all aspects of patient care and education, ensuring that patients receive exceptional care. * Perform preliminary ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Repair Technician

Portland, OR

The Fiber Optical Repair Technician is responsible for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure, including splicing, testing, and troubleshooting of both single-mode and ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Repair Technician

Portland, OR · On-site

The Fiber Optical Repair Technician is responsible for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure, including splicing, testing, and troubleshooting of both single-mode and ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Repair Technician

Portland, OR

The Fiber Optical Repair Technician is responsible for the repair, restoration, and maintenance of fiber optic infrastructure, including splicing, testing, and troubleshooting of both single-mode and ...

EOS

Fiber Optical Supervisor

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

The Site Supervisor - Optical Fiber Service Delivery is responsible for the overall leadership, coordination, and successful delivery of fiber optic installation, splicing, testing, commissioning ...

America's Best

Sales Associate - Optical

Happy Valley, OR

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. With over 1,000 stores and counting, each location aims to provide customers ...

National Vision

Sales Associate - Optical

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Company Description America's Best is part of National Vision, one of the largest optical retailers in the United States. With over 1,000 stores and counting, each location aims to provide customers ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$103K - $135K/yr

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

nLIGHT

Senior Optical Engineer

Camas, WA

Summary The Directed Energy Laser Development group has an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of high-power fiber amplifiers. This position will develop next-generation ...

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All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Portland, OR

Optical information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$22

$39

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Portland, OR is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $24.71 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.
More about Optical jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Portland, OR?

For Optical jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Optical job openings:

Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,291 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Optical Engineer

nLIGHT

Camas, WA

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made.
Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).
Summary
We are seeking a hands-on Optical Engineer with experience supporting complex opto-mechanical or electro-optical systems. This role focuses on high-power fiber laser systems from development through production. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and will contribute to the design, development, testing, and delivery of our laser products.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Contribute to a cross-functional team pursuing the development of novel fiber laser and component designs
  • Apply theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers, fiber optics, and opto-mechanical design to the development of high-power fiber lasers and components
  • Design, develop, and test fiber laser systems and critical components, including fiber amplifiers
  • Consistently and effectively report out on design and testing to core and cross-functional teams
Skills & Qualifications:
  • BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. MS is preferred.
  • Hands on experience with development of fiber and/or solid-state lasers and amplifiers, optics, and/or opto-mechanical systems
  • Strong laboratory skills including optical testing and characterization of high-power lasers or complex optical sub-assemblies
  • Solid analytical and problem-solving skills, including problem identification, data analysis, action planning, and execution
  • Strong theoretical and experimental understanding of lasers and their associated optics
  • Fiber laser system design and modeling, including practical considerations (manufacturability, serviceability, and reliability) is desired
  • Good communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Skills:
  • Hands on experience with high-power lasers for defense or aerospace applications.
  • Familiarity with SolidWorks, ERP systems, and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
  • Working knowledge of reliability engineering, laser safety standards, and test automation.
nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Starting pay depends on qualifications:
  • Optical Engineer I: $85,000 - $95,000
  • Optical Engineer II: $90,000 - $110,000
Other Compensation and Benefits
  • Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages
  • Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year
  • 10 paid Holidays
  • Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
  • Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Aflac Supplemental Insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or HR@nlight.net.
E-Verify Participation:
nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.
For more information, please review the following notices:
  • E-Verify Participation Poster
  • Right to Work Poster
Employment Type: Full-Time Regular

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