How to hire an optical instrument assembler

How to hire an optical instrument assembler, step by step

Here's a step-by-step optical instrument assembler hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an optical instrument assembler job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new optical instrument assembler
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post an optical instrument assembler job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the optical instrument assembler you need to hire. Certain optical instrument assembler roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An optical instrument assembler's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, optical instrument assemblers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of optical instrument assemblers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Optical Instrument Assembler	Description	Hourly rate
   Optical Instrument Assembler	Dental and ophthalmic laboratory technicians and medical appliance technicians construct, fit, or repair appliances and devices, including dentures, eyeglasses, and prosthetics.	$10-24
   Optical Laboratory Technician	An optical laboratory technician is responsible for filling patients' eyeglass lenses and contact lenses prescriptions as forwarded by an optician. Optical laboratory technicians work with opticians, optometrists, or in an optical equipment laboratory and are also referred to as ophthalmic laboratory technicians... Show more	$12-20
   Assembler/Tester	Assemblers or testers assemble or test complex products to attain prompt delivery schedules and customer quality. They work on products containing electronic, dual, and mechanical hydraulic systems... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Engineering Drawings
   • ESD
   • Mechanical Assembly
   • Optical Components
   • Calipers
   • Optical Systems
   • Clean Room Environment
   • Test Data

   Responsibilities:

   • Read and interpret blueprints and check critical dimensions by using measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers and indicators.
   • Job requirement are to manufacture wire transmitters according to temperature of process conditions.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your optical instrument assembler job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An optical instrument assembler salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, optical instrument assemblers' average salary in oregon is 37% less than in hawaii.
   • Seniority. Entry-level optical instrument assemblers earn 56% less than senior-level optical instrument assemblers.
   • Certifications. An optical instrument assembler with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an optical instrument assembler's salary.

   Average optical instrument assembler salary

   $16.37hourly

   $34,041 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level optical instrument assembler salary

   $22,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing an optical instrument assembler job description

   An optical instrument assembler job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an optical instrument assembler job description:

   Optical instrument assembler job description example

   + Position Type: Full Time - Regular
   + Experience Required: Less than 1 year
   
   + Location: MI-Traverse City
   
   + Education Required: High School Diploma
   
   + Relocation Provided: No
   
   + Tier: US01
   
   Email a Friend Save SaveApply Now
   
   Job Description and Responsibilities:
   
   Coherent is a world leader of lasers and laser-based technology for materials processing, microelectronics, scientific, life sciences and medical customers. The light we deliver touches almost every aspect of human life-vision correction to cell analysis, precision welding to 3-D metal printing, gravity wave detection to brain research. Put your talents to work at Coherent where you can create and innovate enabling technologies that will push the frontiers of science and technology.
   
   We are seeking a Photonics Assembler to join our team in the Traverse City, Michigan facility where we design and produce optical components. This is an entry level role and training is provided on the assembly of photonic devices, proper cleanroom procedures and basic tools used in this high-tech and fast-growing industry. Essential duties include:
   
   + Assemble small and delicate opto-mechanical devices for production
   
   + Clean mechanical parts utilizing various chemical solvents and fasten mechanical parts utilizing various adhesives
   
   + Follow detailed instructions as outlined in controlled documentation and manufacturing policies and procedures, quality guidelines as well as all cleanroom procedures and policies
   
   + Follow company procedures for engineering change notices, non-conforming product, customer concerns, returned goods, and report to proper personnel
   
   + Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines, while meeting production goals and schedules
   
   + Maintain and clean equipment used in your production area
   
   + Communicate with supervisor regularly (several times a week) to convey work status
   
   + Monitor in process parts and communicate to inventory control
   
   + Perform other duties as assigned
   
   Education and Work Experience:
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   
   + High School diploma or GED
   
   + Demonstrated good manual dexterity - ability to use hands and fingers in the manipulation and assembly of small, delicate parts
   
   + Able to sit and/or stand for an 8 to 10 hour shift
   
   + Able to lift 30 - 50 lbs from the floor or table height to a height of chest height, using proper lifting techniques
   
   + Able to work an area of strong magnetic fields
   
   + Able to work in a cleanroom, wearing cleanroom attire
   
   Desired Qualifications:
   
   + Experience in clean room laboratory and or manufacturing
   
   + Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work with others in a team work environment.
   
   + Maintain a high level of quality while functioning within a busy work environment
   
   + Previous history of a consistent work attendance record
   
   #LI-CM1
   
   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.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right optical instrument assembler for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your optical instrument assembler job on Zippia to find and recruit optical instrument assembler candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting optical instrument assemblers requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new optical instrument assembler

   Once you've found the optical instrument assembler candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire an optical instrument assembler?