Senior Optics Assembly & Test Specialist

Applied Optics, Inc.; Pleasant Hill (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly bonus program

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Vision insurance

401k matching

Paid time off (PTO)

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A leading optics company in Pleasant Hill, CA, is seeking an experienced optical assembly technician with over 5 years in optical manufacturing. Responsibilities include precise assembly and inspection of components, troubleshooting, and maintaining documentation. Candidates must have a high school diploma, with an associate's degree preferred. The role offers a competitive salary between $80k–$120k with bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in optical or photonics related manufacturing.
• Must be able to classify scratch and dig surface imperfections.
• Experience with optical components and assemblies required.

Responsibilities

• Assemble optical and optomechanical components precisely.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex assemblies.
• Maintain records of production and test data.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Proficiency with precision hand tools

Basic understanding of optical principles

Strong computer skills

Interferometry proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree in Optics, Photonics, or Electronics

Tools

Optical metrology equipment

Interferometers

Job description

Pleasant Hill, United States | Posted on 03/19/2026

• Work Experience Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics related manufacturing or lab environment with hands-on experience with optical, photonic, fiber optic, or related components, assemblies and systems.
• City Pleasant Hill
• State/Province California
• Country United States

Job Description

N.Calif,80-120k package including monthly bonuses

Duties

• Perform precise assembly of optical and opto-mechanicalcomponents using fixtures, hand tools, and test equipment.
  
• Align and install various optical elements, such as lenses,mirrors, and windows, while Operating and maintaining a variety of opticaltest equipment, including: interferometers, profilers, and centrationtesting.
  
• Execute detailed test procedures to verify the performance andfunctionality of assembled products.
  
• Troubleshoot and repair complex opto-mechanical assemblies thatfail during testing.
  
• Thoroughly clean and inspect optical components under amicroscope for defects or contamination.
  
• Read and interpret detailed work instructions, engineeringblueprints, and schematic diagrams.
  
• Maintain accurate records of all production, test data, anddocumentation.
  
• Adhere to all safety protocols and maintain a clean andorganized work area, which may include a cleanroom environment.
  
• Collaborate with engineering teams to provide feedback onmanufacturability and assist with the development of new processes.
  

Education:

• Highschool diploma or GED required. An Associate's degree or certificate in arelated technical field (e.g., Optics, Photonics, or Electronics) ispreferred.
  

Experience:

• Aminimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonicsrelated manufacturing or lab environment with hands-on experience with optical,photonic, fiber optic, or related components, assemblies and systems.
  

Technical Skills:

• Excellentmanual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for working with small,delicate optical and optomechanical components.
  
• Proficiencywith precision hand tools and optical metrology equipment.
  
• Basicunderstanding of optical principles, physics, mechanics, and electronics.
  
• Strongcomputer skills for operating test equipment and documentation.
  
• Two of the technical competencies that are an absolute must are;
  
• Proficiency in inspecting optical components per MIL-PRF-13830 and/or ISO 10110-7
  
• Candidates must be extremelycomfortablewith classifying scratch and dig surface imperfections.
  
• Proficiencyin interferometry
  
• Candidates must be able to set up(select transmission sphere), measure surface form error and transmitted wavefront, and interpret interferograms.
  

Soft Skills:

• Exceptionalattention to detail and accuracy.
  
• Strongproblem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
  
• Effectiveverbal and written communication skills.
  
• Abilityto work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively ina team environment.
  

Physical Requirements

• Visualacuity sufficient for inspecting intricate parts under a microscope.
  
• Capableof performing fine manipulation with hands and fingers.
  
• Abilityto sit, stand, kneel, and bend for extended periods.
  

Mustbe able to lift and move up to 35 lbs.

Offers attractive benefitspackage including a monthly bonus program, health, dental, life, visioninsurance, 401k matching, PTO (paid time off), Relocation Assistance.