1

Optical Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Optical Manager - Towson Town Center

Towson, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you'll do Optical duties Work directly with customers to help meet all of their eyewear needs Take and record measurements, adjust and fit eyewear, and execute these details with flawless ...

Component Engineer - Optical Commodity

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$128K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ciena's Supply Chain Procurement organization is seeking an Optical Component Engineer focused on the Pluggable Optical Transceiver commodity. This role drives component quality, reliability ...

New

Optical Manager - Towson Town Center

Towson, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What you'll do Optical duties โ€ข Work directly with customers to help meet all of their eyewear needs โ€ข Take and record measurements, adjust and fit eyewear, and execute these details with ...

Optical Supervisor - Towson Town Center

Towson, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Optical Supervisor - Towson Town Center

Towson, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment * Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier ...

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment * Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier ...

Optical Transport Engineer

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed, high-capacity optical communications systems and equipment * Demonstrate a working level knowledge of high-speed switching layer (SONET, Carrier ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical in Silver Spring, MD is $22.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.88 and $24.09 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 Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Optical jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Optical job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,099 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Electro-Optical Engineer with Security Clearance

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD โ€ข On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description Do you like to work with sophisticated electro-optical systems? Do you have a desire to work in a cutting-edge R&D environment solving the nation's toughest challenges while working for a top-rated employer? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL! JHU/APL is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineer to be a part of a team of scientists and engineers that conceives, designs, builds, and tests complex electro-optical systems. As an Electro-Optical Engineer, you will: * Conduct in-depth analysis of electro-optical sensors and systems
* Design, simulate, analyze, prototype, and test optical systems and sensors at the component, subsystem, and system levels
* Develop new test capabilities that will assess the performance of both new and fielded optical systems
* Develop and refine tools, techniques, models, simulations, algorithms, and software for the testing and evaluation of electro-optic systems
* Develop and maintain optical test equipment for electro-optical seeker and sensor systems
* Work with project and program management and with peers across the organization to ensure that test results provide critical contributions to the most critical challenges the nation faces in air and missile defense. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you... * A Bachelor's degree in engineering, optics, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
* Experience in analysis, design, development, or testing of electro-optical instruments or sensors
* Proficiency in data analysis and the interpretation of physical measurements as real-world phenomena
* Demonstrated strengths in understanding and solving sophisticated technical problems.
* Ability to speak and write for audiences of varying levels of technical knowledge
* Availability to travel up to 10% of the time as needed.
* An active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you... * An MS or PhD degree or equivalent in a relevant technical field.
* Experience in system-level requirement analysis, engineering, and evaluation of electro-optical sensors, systems, and subsystems
* Experience with visible and infrared detectors (CCD, CMOS, microbolometer, InSb, HgCdTe, Type II SLS, etc.)
* Ability to perform radiometric/photometric modeling of electro-optical sensor systems in both the visible and the infrared spectrum
* Interdisciplinary familiarity of systems including optical, electro-optical, electrical, software, and mechanical engineering
* Experience in system engineering and project management.
* Experience with integrated software/hardware systems.
* Current TS/SCI clearance. About Us Why Work at APL? The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Minimum Rate $100,000 Annually Maximum Rate $245,000 Annually