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Optical Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. * Develop and execute optical test plans to ...

Attalon, Inc.

Optical Tech I

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$16.07 - $27.48/hr

Optical Technician 1 We are looking for talent to join our Optical Fabrication team. Under general supervision, you will operate and maintain machines, fabricate optical parts, perform inspections ...

Essilor

Target Optical - Licensed Optician

Norco, CA · On-site

Requisition ID: 929505 Store # : 006724 Target Optical Position: Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that's why we ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Irvine, CA

$17 - $21/hr

Requisition ID: 924513 Store # : 004577 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 ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Requisition ID: 922610 Store # : 009665 Target Optical Position: Casual Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Montclair, CA

$16 - $19.75/hr

Requisition ID: 928779 Store # : 009673 Target Optical Position: Casual Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that ...

Essilor

Sales Associate Target Optical

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Requisition ID: 924801 Store # : 004954 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 ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Requisition ID: 922610 Store # : 009665 Target Optical Position: Casual Part-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information At Target Optical, we love the neighborhoods we belong to and that ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sales Associate Target Optical

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Requisition ID: 924513 Store # : 004577 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical JobsOptical Jobs in Riverside, CA

Optical information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Riverside, CA is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Riverside, CA? For Optical jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Riverside, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,522 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Lead Optical Engineer

TRL11, Inc.

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and optimize systems involving lenses, sensors, or imaging devices
  2. Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software.
  3. Develop and execute optical test plans to validate system performance at component, subsystem, and payload levels.
  4. Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures.
  5. Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload integration and end-of-line testing.
  6. Support manufacturing and assembly processes involving optics, including defining handling procedures, contamination control, and alignment processes.
  7. Analyze test data and troubleshoot optical performance issues during development, integration, and production.
  8. Support root-cause investigations for optical performance deviations and recommend corrective actions.
  9. Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements.
  10. Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary responsibility, such as structural or thermal simulation, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering.

Requirements

  1. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related field
  2. 5-10+ years of experience in optical design or a related field
  3. Strong understanding of physics, optics materials, and/or laser systems Proficiency in optical design software (Zemax, Code V, Light tool or similar)
  4. Experience with imaging systems or laser systems
  5. Experience with OnShape, Solidworks, or similar CAD
  6. Strong understanding of thermal and structural analysis of optical designs
  7. Experience with optomechanical alignment, calibration and testing procedures
  8. Preferred experience with optics designed for visible, NIR, and LWIR transmission

Benefits

  • Fast paced, energetic startup culture, where you'll learn a lot, have great impact, and have fun doing it
  • Bonus, 401k, Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off (with prior approval), for Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays, Maternity, Paternity
  • Possible Stock Option Plan participation, based on performance and tenure.

Apply