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Optics Jobs in Lexington, MA (NOW HIRING)

Belcan

Fiber Optic Specialist

Somerville, MA

$38 - $48/hr

Required Qualifications: * 4+ years of experience in fiber optics field applications. * Hands-on experience with fiber handling, installation, splicing, testing, and repair. * Experience performing ...

Belcan

Fiber Optic Specialist

Somerville, MA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Required Qualifications: * 4+ years of experience in fiber optics field applications. * Hands-on experience with fiber handling, installation, splicing, testing, and repair. * Experience performing ...

Analog Devices

Bio-Optics Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$157K - $227K/yr

Bio-Optics Engineer Description The Digital Healthcare business group seeks an optics engineer with extensive experience developing analytical systems for biological and biochemical applications. The ...

Analogdevices

Bio-Optics Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$157K - $227K/yr

Bio-Optics Engineer Description The Digital Healthcare business group seeks an optics engineer with extensive experience developing analytical systems for biological and biochemical applications. The ...

Analog Devices

Bio-Optics Engineer

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$157 - $227/hr

Bio-Optics EngineerDescriptionThe Digital Healthcare business group seeks an optics engineer with extensive experience developing analytical systems for biological and biochemical applications. The ...

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All JobsOptics JobsOptics Jobs in Lexington, MA

Optics information

See Lexington, MA salary details

$93.3K

$161.4K

$189.4K

How much do optics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics in Lexington, MA is $161,383.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,000.00 and $187,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optics?

Optics jobs involve working with the science and technology of light, including its generation, manipulation, transmission, and detection. Professionals in this field may work as optical engineers, technicians, or researchers, designing lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems for applications in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. These roles often require a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering, and they can be found in both research and practical, hands-on settings.

What is a job in optics?

A job in optics involves designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often work in research, development, or manufacturing environments and may require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools like optical testing equipment.

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

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and photonics instrumentation is commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision, and meeting project requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Is optics a good career?

Optics is a specialized field within physics and engineering that involves designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. It offers opportunities in research, manufacturing, and technology development, often requiring strong technical skills and knowledge of physics and mathematics. The career can be stable and well-paying for those with relevant education and experience.

What jobs use optics?

Jobs that use optics include optical engineers, laser technicians, and photonics scientists, who design, develop, and test optical systems and devices. These roles often require knowledge of optics principles, precision measurement tools, and sometimes security clearances or specialized certifications. Industries include telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and defense.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optics often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring precision in measurements and alignments, and troubleshooting complex optical systems. To address these issues, it's important to stay current through continued education, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Many optics roles also emphasize hands-on experience and the ability to adapt to new tools or software, so proactive learning and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectOpticsOptical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, optics, or related fieldOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, academiaOptical labs, manufacturing facilities, retail optical stores
Industry UsageResearch, development, manufacturing of optical devicesAssembly, testing, and fitting of optical instruments and eyewear

Optics generally refers to the scientific study and development of light and optical systems, often requiring advanced education. Optical Technicians focus on assembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices, typically with technical certifications. While both roles work within the optical industry, Optics is more research-oriented, whereas Optical Technicians are more hands-on in manufacturing and service environments.

What cities near Lexington, MA are hiring for Optics jobs? Cities near Lexington, MA with the most Optics job openings:
Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics job openings in Lexington, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,383 per year, or $77.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Precision Optics Corporation Inc

Littleton, MA • On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description:
  • This position requires someone knowledgeable in the areas of Optical System Design across the Visible to Infra-red spectrum including: optical analysis, simulation, design, and realization of solutions to Visible, Laser, Imaging and Illumination systems requirements.
  • Responsibilities include concept development, optical system architecture, system trade-off analysis, requirements definition and flow down, analysis and test and evaluation of optical performance parameters at both the component and system level.
  • Analytical skills should be complimented by an ability to substantially direct or lead system integration and test activities. Outstanding communication skills are required to convey technical ideas to both the customer community and to engineering peers.
  • Supervision of a technical design team and preparation of cost estimates and schedules for proposed activities are additional anticipated duties for more senior levels.
Requirements:
  • Lens design experience including tolerancing and direct involvement with the manufacture, assembly, and troubleshooting of systems.
  • Optical and Electro-optical System performance modeling including imaging and radiometric/photometric properties, tolerance performance. More senior levels should have an additional understanding of advanced properties such as stray light, signal to noise, polarization, practical physical optics, and design and specification for more advanced optical fabrication such as diamond turning, MRF, and precision molding.
  • Direct system experience in designs involving imaging and illumination.
  • Familiar with the application and use of metrology equipment including: interferometers, spectrometers, image analysis (MTF), radiometers, blackbodies, etc.

Required Skills

  • Optical design software (e.g. Zemax or Code V)
  • General Purpose Modeling and Analysis Software (e.g. Matlab or MathCAD)
  • Microsoft Office™ suite of applications

Desired Skills

  • Imager system modeling software (e.g. NVTherm, SSCAM)
  • Non-sequential raytrace software(e.g. FRED)
  • Image analysis and acquisition software (e.g. Matrox MIL, LabView)
  • Lens system measurement equipment (e.g. MTF bench, nodal bench)
  • Matlab Image Processing Toolbox
  • Color accuracy analysis

Education and Experience Requirements

BS in a related field and minimum 4 years relevant experience or MS in a related field and minimum 3 years relevant experience