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Precision Optical Technologies Jobs in Chicago, IL

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Role Summary The Senior Optical Scientist executes the hands-on R&D work that moves our technology ... You will work at the intersection of optical design, precision experimental physics, and numerical ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Role Summary The Senior Optical Scientist executes the hands-on R&D work that moves our technology ... You will work at the intersection of optical design, precision experimental physics, and numerical ...

Photon Queue Inc.

Senior Optical Scientist

Lemont, IL · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... other technology can match in a device that can actually be deployed and integrated into real ... You will work at the intersection of optical design, precision experimental physics, and numerical ...

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Precision Optical Technologies information

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How much do precision optical technologies jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for precision optical technologies in Chicago, IL is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are precision optical technologies?

Precision Optical Technologies refers to companies or roles specializing in the development, manufacturing, and integration of advanced optical components and systems. These technologies are crucial in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, defense, and scientific research, where high accuracy and reliability are essential. Professionals in this field may work on designing fiber optic networks, creating lenses and mirrors for scientific instruments, or developing optical sensors and imaging systems. The work often involves using sophisticated equipment and cutting-edge materials to achieve precise optical performance.

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

Professionals in Precision Optical Technologies often encounter challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances during manufacturing, ensuring optical alignment, and keeping up with rapid technological advancements. Addressing these issues requires meticulous attention to detail, strong collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, and a commitment to ongoing training and skill development. Staying updated with industry standards and leveraging advanced inspection tools can also help maintain quality and efficiency in this highly specialized field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a precision optical technician, and why are they important?

To excel as a Precision Optical Technician, you need a solid background in optics, mathematics, and precision engineering, often supported by relevant technical training or an associate degree. Familiarity with optical fabrication equipment, laser alignment systems, and quality control instruments is essential, and certifications like Certified Optics Technician (COT) can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong manual dexterity distinguish outstanding technicians in this field. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality optical components that meet strict specifications required in industries like telecommunications, defense, and medical devices.

What is the difference between Precision Optical Technologies vs Optical Technician?

AspectPrecision Optical TechnologiesOptical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optics, physics, or engineeringOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentManufacturing labs, research facilities, quality controlOptical labs, manufacturing plants, assembly lines
Industry UsageUsed in high-precision manufacturing, research, and developmentInvolved in assembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices

Precision Optical Technologies and Optical Technicians both work within the optics industry, but Precision Optical Technologies typically refers to companies or roles focused on high-precision manufacturing and research, requiring advanced education. Optical Technicians perform hands-on assembly and testing, often with less formal education. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path or employer in the optics field.

What are popular job titles related to Precision Optical Technologies jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Precision Optical Technologies jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Precision Optical Technologies jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Precision Optical Technologies jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Precision Optical Technologies jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Precision Optical Technologies job openings:

Precision Optical Technologies jobs near you

Senior Optical Scientist

Photon Queue Inc.

Lemont, IL • On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
Photon Queue builds the world's leading quantum memory devices - systems that store and release single photons. Using a unique free-space storage architecture that achieves kilometer-scale optical path lengths in a compact form factor, we sidestep the fundamental limitations of every competing approach and deliver storage fidelity and efficiency levels that no other technology can match in a device that can actually be deployed and integrated into real quantum systems.
We're solving a critical infrastructure problem for the quantum ecosystem: without a reliable way to synchronize photons across a quantum network or photonic processor, the promise of quantum computing, sensing, and communications stalls. Photon Queue is the synchronization layer that makes progress possible. Our systems are already in use at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Maryland, and demand is growing fast.
Life at Photon Queue
We're an early-stage, fast-growing team of physicists and engineers turning two decades of laboratory research into the best commercial quantum memory platform. With strong institutional backing and commercial traction at leading national labs, we're at an exciting breakout moment - the kind where the work you do today directly shapes the trajectory of the company tomorrow.
There's no corporate bureaucracy here, just sharp people working on hard problems, with direct ownership over what they build and clear visibility into its impact. Every person on the team shapes the product and the company. If you thrive in an environment where your work matters from day one and where espresso, rigor, and curiosity are the culture, you'll fit right in.
Role Summary
The Senior Optical Scientist executes the hands-on R&D work that moves our technology forward, working alongside our CEO. You'll be prototyping novel optical assemblies and validating against expected performance, owning the process end-to-end: sourcing and assembling components, working with vendors, running the experiment, analyzing the data, and reporting what you find. You'll need to exercise real judgment filling in the details and adapting as you learn and get fluent fast with our tools and codebase. You will work at the intersection of optical design, precision experimental physics, and numerical modeling, serving as the technical validation layer for the systems and architectures that will define Photon Queue's next generation of products.
Location: On-site, fully embedded at Argonne National Laboratory
Candidates must have current US work authorization - we are unable to sponsor visas at this time.
This is a fully embedded, on-site role, working day-to-day alongside our CEO at Argonne National Laboratory. We are an in-office company, and our expectation is that employees primarily work from their Photon Queue office 5 days a week. However, we also recognize the importance of flexibility and trust our employees to manage their schedules responsibly. This may include occasional remote work, starting the day with morning meetings from home before heading to the office, or leaving earlier when needed to accommodate family commitments.
Responsibilities
Precision Optical Assembly & Metrology
  • Design, build, and iterate on precision optical assemblies, from concept through fabrication
  • Work with vendors to procure custom optical components and assemblies
  • Partner with metrology facilities to characterize assemblies (e.g., interferometric measurement of surface figure and roughness)
  • Analyze measurement data and document results across iterations to converge on robust designs

Modeling & Software
  • Contribute to our Python codebase for numerical modeling and optimization of optical systems
  • Build and refine Gaussian beam models to guide design decisions before hardware is built

Vendor & Lab Operations
  • Source and manage vendors for complex optical components
  • Own the logistics of sending assemblies out for measurement and tracking results

Cross-Functional
Work closely with our product development engineers to hand off validated R&D prototypes for productization
Compensation
  • Salary: $130k - $160k
  • Equity: 0.25 - 0.4%

Requirements
Minimum qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years building and analyzing free-space optical systems
  • Proficiency with Python
  • Proficiency with standard data analysis
  • Precision hands-on alignment experience with kinematic optical systems
Preferred qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in optics, physics, engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with numerical optimization
  • Previous startup experience
  • Expertise in Gaussian beam modeling
  • Experience with electronic control systems
  • Familiarity with optical metrology (e.g., interferometry, surface figure/roughness characterization)

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the qualifications stated above. We're looking for the right candidate with the aptitude and drive to learn and grow with us. That may just be you!
Benefits
  • Health Insurance:
    • Medical - 100% covered for Employee, 80% covered for dependents
    • Dental, Vision and Life - 100% covered for Employee and dependents
  • Flexible time-off
  • 401(k) in the near future
  • Parental leave:
    • 6 weeks of paid Parental Bonding Leave for mothers and fathers of new children welcomed into their family (birthed or adopted).
    • For birthing mothers, an additional 6 weeks of paid Medical Recovery Leave to build back your health and strength before returning to solving the problems of storing photons.

Apply