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Opticians Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Resident Manager - Fiber Optic Construction Huntsville , AL 2 years, 6 months Expect to travel to the construction sites across Virginia roughly 80% of their time Qualifications * We are looking for ...

Fiber Splicing Supervisor

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Inspect, test, and troubleshoot fiber optic connections using tools like OTDRs, power meters, and fusion splicers. * Perform hands-on fiber splicing and manage complex splicing configurations when ...

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Opticians information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$14

$18

$26

How much do opticians jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for opticians in Decatur, AL is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges opticians face when working with customers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Opticians often encounter challenges such as assisting customers with complex prescriptions, addressing concerns about lens options, and helping clients select frames that suit both their visual needs and personal style. Effective communication and patience are essential in guiding customers through their choices and ensuring they understand the benefits and limitations of different eyewear products. Building strong product knowledge and developing rapport with clients can help opticians provide tailored recommendations and resolve issues efficiently, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optician, you need a solid understanding of optical science, lens fitting, and customer service, often supported by an associate degree or optician certification. Familiarity with lensometers, pupilometers, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems is essential for daily tasks. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills help build trust with clients and ensure accurate prescriptions. These abilities are crucial for delivering precise vision solutions and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

What is the difference between Opticians vs Ophthalmic Technicians?

AspectOpticiansOphthalmic Technicians
CredentialsCertification or licensing often required; some states require specific licensesUsually require certification or associate degree; some states require licensing
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retailers, clinicsEye clinics, hospitals, ophthalmology offices
Job DutiesFitting and adjusting glasses, customer service, basic lens selectionConducting eye tests, assisting ophthalmologists, measuring eye parameters
Industry UsageCommonly employed in retail and optical settingsPrimarily in medical and clinical settings

Opticians focus on fitting and dispensing eyewear, working closely with customers in retail or optical stores. Ophthalmic Technicians assist in eye examinations and support ophthalmologists in clinical environments. While both roles require certification and involve eye care, their work settings and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are opticians?

Opticians are trained professionals who fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions provided by ophthalmologists or optometrists. They help customers select frames and lenses that suit their vision needs and preferences, and ensure proper fit and comfort. Opticians may also repair and adjust eyewear, educate clients on lens care, and maintain accurate records. While they play a crucial role in eye care, opticians do not conduct eye exams or diagnose eye conditions.
What job categories do people searching Opticians jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Opticians jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Opticians jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Opticians job openings:
Infographic showing various Opticians job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,097 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist with Security Clearance

Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist with Security Clearance

Valkyrie Enterprises

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position:  Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist (Job ID:4338)
Location:  Huntsville, AL Job Id:  4338
# of Openings:  2 Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist Purpose: Valkyrie Enterprises is seeking a Junior Optical Engineer or Physicist * At Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL for weapon system sensor/seeker simulation, testing, and evaluation, development, planning and analysis, which may include: * Optical system requirements, design, development and analysis * Scene projector optics and integration with seeker/sensor * Laser and infrared radiometry and testing of cameras and sources. * The ideal candidate will have experience in optical systems, optical engineering, sensors/seeker testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) simulation. * The successful candidate will play a role in expanding our technology solutions to customers and stakeholder satisfaction. * Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems. Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors. Job Description: * Provide optical engineering design, development, integration, test, verification and analysis expertise to activities for scene projection and weapon system integration and test. * Serve as an optical engineering team member and coordinate with other optics subject matter experts (SMEs) * Design and develop laser and optical solutions for testing with seekers/sensors * Development support activities will include design, assembly, alignment, and testing of optical systems, illumination systems, and laser systems * Operational support activities will include configuration, radiometric calibration, and operation of specialized equipment in support of the testing of missile sensors/seekers and other electro-optical sensors * Position requires comprehensive knowledge to resolve complex problems and provide solutions * Collaborate continuously and mentor team members and others. * Support the preparation of regular program status reports for senior leadership and government customers * Identify and mitigate program risks while developing contingency plans Qualifications: * Must have a BA/BS in optical engineering, physics or related area and at least 0-10 years of related experience. * Must have the ability to conduct research and perform analysis on optical requirements and designs. * Must have optical design software experience for optical system design and ray tracing. * Must have higher level language programming (Matlab, Python, or equivalent) for data analysis and visualization. * Must have passion for solving problems and providing workable solutions. * Must have strong analytical and reasoning skills and ability to visualize optical/laser systems. * Must have all-round communication skills and ability to work individually and collaboratively. * Must be self-motivated and directed, with keen attention to detail. * Must have analytical and creative problem-solving abilities. * Must have customer service orientation. Desired Qualifications: * Bachelorโ€™s/Masterโ€™s Degree or PhD in Optic Engineering,Physics and/or related degree, preferred. * Experience with optical design, assembly, ray tracing and/or HWIL testing, preferred. * Experience with HWIL equipment, such as Laser and/or Electro-optical Infrared (EOIR) Scene Projectors, sources, sensors and/or optics, preferred. * Experience in ZEMAX, Code V, OSLO, or equivalent software languages, preferred. * Experience with Department of Defense (DoD) programs, preferred. * Prefer an Active Secret clearance  Security Requirements: * Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. Travel Requirements: * None to occasional travel; 10-25% or less * If position requires travel by domestic flight or access to secure federal facilities/military bases, candidate must be able to obtain (by start of position) and maintain appropriate identification credentials, such as REAL ID. (More information regarding REAL ID can be found: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id). Physical Requirements: * Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods * Able to sit and work on a computer for long periods of time * Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another * Communicating with others to exchange information * Light work that includes moving objects up to 25 pounds Valkyrie strictly adheres to a policy of equal employment opportunity. This policy is based on Valkyrieโ€™s commitment to hire and retain qualified employees consistent with position requirements; and to seek, employ, promote and treat all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or protected veteran status, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition, genetic information or sexual orientation or other protected characteristics. Additionally, Valkyrie Enterprises provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid life and disability insurances, 401k with match, education reimbursement, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO). Apply for this Position