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Surface Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ametek

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Define process parameters and controls to meet dimensional and surface quality requirements. * Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication. * Improve yield, reduce defects, and ...

Ametek

Optics Coating Operator (2nd shift)

Middlefield, CT · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Clean optical components and monitor vacuum chamber for the deposition of optical coatings on optical surfaces. Hand or ultrasonically clean and inspect optical components in preparation of ...

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$143.6K

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How much do surface optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface optics in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Surface Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectSurface OpticsOptical Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in optics, physics, or engineeringOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or aerospace industriesOptical labs, manufacturing plants, or healthcare settings
Industry UsageUsed in high-precision optics, aerospace, and researchCommon in lens manufacturing, optical device assembly, and maintenance

Surface Optics professionals focus on designing, analyzing, and improving optical surfaces and systems, often working in research or high-tech industries. Optical Technicians typically handle the assembly, testing, and maintenance of optical devices. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Surface Optics roles tend to involve more research and development, whereas Optical Technicians focus on practical application and manufacturing processes.

More about Surface Optics jobs
What cities are hiring for Surface Optics jobs? Cities with the most Surface Optics job openings:
What states have the most Surface Optics jobs? States with the most job openings for Surface Optics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Surface Optics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Optics jobs are:
Surface Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Optics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Ametek

Middlefield, CT • On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

AMETEK rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and excellence?
At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation, headquartered in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.
As a Precision Optics Manufacturing Engineer, you will drive solutions for optical manufacturing challenges, focusing on developing and optimizing processes for precision optics, especially large-area optical assemblies. Materials include glass, fused silica, Zerodur, and sapphire, used in semiconductors and aerospace/ defense industries.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and optimize processes for manufacturing precision optics.
  • Solve complex technical problems related to large-area optics and assemblies.
  • Define process parameters and controls to meet dimensional and surface quality requirements.
  • Design experiments and conduct R&D on advanced optical fabrication.
  • Improve yield, reduce defects, and lower cost of poor quality (COPQ).
  • Work independently, mentor junior staff, and potentially lead cross-functional projects.
  • Create detailed manufacturing instructions and review optical manufacturing methods.
  • Ensure compliance with MIL and ISO specifications

Requirements and Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree (or higher) in mechanical engineering or related field.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience in mechanical design and optics manufacturing process development.
  • Proficiency in mechanical drawings, SOLIDWORKS, geometric dimensioning/tolerancing, and data analysis (MatLab/MathCad or equivalent).
  • Some programming experiences (Python/ Matlab).
  • Experience in one or more optics manufacturing techniques like polishing, CNC, MRF.
  • Hands-on experience in optical assembly and metrology (interferometry, CMM).

Bring your passion, commitment, and curiosity to Zygo, where our values-curiosity, collaboration, persistence, confidence, problem-solving, and safety-guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we work together to solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and make our world a safer, better place. Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success?
We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us!
Due to the nature of Zygo's programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.
Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 90,000
Salary Maximum: 120,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

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