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Physics Lab Assistant Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred ... lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices. * Strong system-level ...

S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred ... lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices. * Strong system-level ...

Showing results 21-40

Physics Lab Assistant information

See Massachusetts salary details

$11

$22

$32

How much do physics lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for physics lab assistant in Massachusetts is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a physics lab assistant?

A Physics Lab Assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing equipment, setting up experiments, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They assist students and researchers by maintaining lab instruments, recording data, and troubleshooting technical issues. Their role is essential in ensuring a smooth and organized lab environment.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a physics lab assistant?

As a Physics Lab Assistant, your daily tasks may include preparing laboratory equipment, setting up experiments, monitoring experiments during lab sessions, and assisting students or researchers with technical issues. You are often responsible for keeping the lab organized, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and recording or analyzing experimental data. Collaboration is common, as you’ll work closely with supervisors, faculty, and students to support laboratory activities. This hands-on role provides valuable experience for those interested in scientific research, teaching, or pursuing further studies in physics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics lab assistant?

To thrive as a Physics Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of physics principles, laboratory procedures, and safety protocols, often supported by coursework or a degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data collection software, and occasionally OSHA or lab safety certifications is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills that distinguish top candidates. These abilities ensure accurate experiment execution, reliable data collection, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Lab jobs in Massachusetts? The most popular types of Physics Lab jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Massachusetts? For Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Lab Assistant jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Physics Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Physics Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Physics Lab Assistant job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,993 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Optical Engineer
The Hardware Engineering Group at QuEra Computing is seeking strong candidates for an Optical Engineer to serve as an individual contributor to the company's mission of building state-of-the-art, manufacturable, and deployable neutral atom quantum computers. The Hardware Engineering Group plays a crucial role in accelerating the company's technology leadership and translating the company's scientific breakthroughs into products delivered to customers. To accomplish this mission, we are looking to hire a candidate with an undergraduate or graduate-level education in optics, optical engineering, or applied physics, paired with hands-on experience designing, building, and testing optical systems. The ideal candidate will combine a solid fundamental understanding of optics with strong laboratory skills and a desire to grow as an engineer within an enterprise engineering environment.
Key Job Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with senior engineers and physicists to design, build, and test optical sub-systems, modules, and components supporting QuEra's neutral atom computers through the full development lifecycle (R&D, productization, maintenance, and beyond).
  • Execute hands-on laboratory work-assembly, alignment, cleaning, and characterization of optical systems-and contribute to engineering documentation, design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Coordinate with the R&D/science team to support cutting-edge R&D and help translate scientific advances into the next generation of products.
  • Assist with troubleshooting technical issues at company headquarters and, as needed, support off-site installations at customer locations (in coordination with the local support team).

Qualifications
  • B.S. in optics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a closely related field (M.S. preferred).
  • 2-5 years work experience designing, building, or testing optical and opto-mechanical systems in a non-academic (industry, national lab, FFRDC or similar) environment with enterprise engineering practices.
  • Strong system-level design skills including Zemax simulation skills and CAD design skills (e.g. Inventor, Solidworks)
  • Working knowledge in several of the areas of
    • Free-space optics
    • Fiber optics
    • Modulators
    • Electro-optics
    • Lasers
    • Optical system characterization and testing
  • Strong hands-on laboratory skills (e.g. assembly, alignment, cleaning, testing)
  • Experience contributing to the design of scientific instruments and apparatuses, or to bringing optical systems from concept to production.
  • Excellent attention to detail, communication, and documentation skills

We consistently monitor external market data and update base salary ranges accordingly. We determine base compensation decisions on several factors, including as geographic placement, role-specific knowledge, skills, and/or experience. In addition to our base salary offerings ($130,000-$170,000), we also provide equity grants for all new hires.
QuEra is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.