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Optical Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Eosenergystorage

... optical inspection, thermal imaging, etc.) and document results accurately * Assist with incoming ... Help maintain lab equipment, tooling, and organization as the failure analysis function grows ...

Advocate Aurora Health

CT Tech Per Diem

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$35.50 - $53.25/hr

... lab results/med-reconciliation sheets), complete the case in RADNET, charge for contrast media ... optical disc * 6)Operates support equipment for CT such as: Independent workstation, pressure ...

Advocate Health

CT Tech Per Diem

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

... lab results/med-reconciliation sheets), complete the case in RADNET, charge for contrast media ... optical disc * 6)Operates support equipment for CT such as: Independent workstation, pressure ...

AMRESCO

Sr. Test Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

Assign Lab staff to perform a variety of tests on Tubing, Pumps, and electronic drives. * Serve as ... Requires use of torque bench, digital and optical tachometers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters ...

Avantor, Inc.

Sr. Test Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

Assign Lab staff to perform a variety of tests on Tubing, Pumps, and electronic drives. * Serve as ... Requires use of torque bench, digital and optical tachometers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters ...

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Optical Lab Assistant information

What is an optical lab assistant?

Optical Lab Assistants are professionals who work in optical laboratories to help manufacture, assemble, and repair eyeglasses and other vision-related devices. They are responsible for tasks like cutting, grinding, and edging lenses, fitting lenses into frames, and performing quality checks on finished products. Optical Lab Assistants support optometrists and opticians by ensuring that eyewear meets prescription specifications and quality standards. Their work requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and familiarity with optical equipment and safety protocols.

What does an optical lab assistant do?

As an Optical Lab Assistant, your daily responsibilities will often include preparing and edging lenses, assembling eyeglasses, inspecting finished products for quality, and maintaining lab equipment. You'll also assist with ordering supplies, managing inventory, and sometimes interact with optometrists or dispensing staff to clarify prescriptions. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently in a team-oriented lab environment, where collaboration and communication help ensure fast turnaround times and high-quality eyewear.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab assistant?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of optical terminology, attention to detail, and basic math skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and laboratory management systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, manual dexterity, and the ability to work efficiently as part of a team help you stand out in this position. These skills are crucial to ensure the accurate preparation of eyewear, maintain quality control, and support smooth workflow in a fast-paced optical laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Assistant vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical Lab AssistantOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingPost-secondary education or certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentOptical labs, manufacturing facilitiesOptical labs, clinics, manufacturing settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with lens processing, cleaning, and basic assemblyPrecision lens grinding, fitting, and quality control
Industry UsageCommonly employed in optical labs and retail settingsMore specialized, often in larger labs or manufacturing

Optical Lab Assistants typically perform basic support tasks in optical labs, requiring minimal formal education. Optical Technicians have more advanced skills, often involving specialized training or certification, and handle more complex lens fabrication and quality control. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in complexity and responsibilities.

How to work at an optical lab assistant?

To work as an optical lab assistant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic knowledge of optical products. Responsibilities include assisting with lens cutting, assembly, and quality control, often using specialized equipment. Good attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety procedures are important for success in this role.

Is optical lab assistant a good career?

An optical lab assistant plays a key role in manufacturing and fitting eyeglasses, often working with optical equipment and lenses. The job typically offers steady employment, opportunities for skill development, and may require attention to detail and basic technical knowledge. It can be a good entry-level career in the healthcare and retail sectors for those interested in optics and customer service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Packaging Quality Laboratory Technologist (Corporate)

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

Pretium Packaging - USA
See more jobs at Pretium Packaging - USAexternal

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Make Quality Measurable at Pretium — A Day in the Lab

At Pretium Packaging, quality is a promise we keep to our customers, consumers, and manufacturing partners. As our Packaging Quality Laboratory Technologist on the Corporate Quality team, you’ll spend your day transforming questions into verified results. You’ll calibrate instruments, prepare samples, generate objective data, and turn those findings into clear, defensible conclusions that support product qualifications, investigations, validations, and continuous improvement across our manufacturing network.

What your day looks like
  • Test with purpose: Execute physical, dimensional, and functional evaluations on plastic packaging, closures, components, and raw materials—think leak, torque, drop, top‑load/compression, weight checks, precision measurements, and visual defect analysis.
  • Validate performance: Confirm conformance against customer specifications, drawings, internal standards, and approved methods; document results with complete traceability.
  • Plan the work: Prepare samples and manage test schedules for product qualifications, validations, customer requests, troubleshooting, and comparative/material characterization work.
  • Support investigations: Partner with corporate and plant quality teams to perform root‑cause analysis on complaints, nonconformances, and process deviations; contribute data that drives corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and verifies containment effectiveness.
  • Capture the record: Maintain laboratory notebooks and electronic records; create detailed reports summarizing methods, observations, results, and conclusions; uphold document control requirements for audits and regulatory inquiries.
  • Keep methods aligned: Ensure lab practices and test methods match approved procedures and industry standards; assist with internal audits and quality system assessments.
  • Care for the lab: Perform routine calibration, maintenance, verification, and troubleshooting of equipment; coordinate external calibration; maintain safety, organization, and inventory; recommend process and data collection improvements.
  • Collaborate broadly: Work with Operations, Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Sales, Product Development, and site quality teams; provide customer‑requested performance data and technical documentation; support supplier evaluations.
  • Be there when it matters: Travel periodically to manufacturing facilities to participate in investigations, audits, validations, and training.
Standards you uphold
  • ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
  • BRCGS Packaging Materials
  • GMP and HACCP principles
  • Customer‑specific packaging and quality requirements
  • Internal procedures, work instructions, and test standards
  • Environmental, Health & Safety expectations
  • Applicable FDA and food‑contact packaging regulations
Your qualifications Education
  • Associate degree in Quality Assurance, Chemistry, Engineering/Plastics/Manufacturing/Industrial Technology, or a related scientific field; an equivalent mix of education and relevant lab experience will be considered.
  • Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, quality, or technical discipline.
Certifications (preferred)
  • ASQ CQT, CQIA, CQA
  • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt
Technical capabilities
  • Hands‑on experience with laboratory and inspection equipment
  • Proficiency with calipers, micrometers, gauges, and optical measurement devices
  • Working knowledge of statistical methods and basic data analysis
  • QMS documentation practices; calibration systems; test method validation
  • Fluent with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and data‑management software
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, inspection criteria, and procedures
  • Preferred: familiarity with plastic packaging manufacturing processes
Soft skills
  • Precision, accuracy, and strong documentation habits
  • Clear written and verbal communication; ability to present to technical and non‑technical audiences
  • Analytical problem‑solving and prioritization in a fast‑paced setting
  • Collaborative, curious, and eager to learn new methods and technologies
Work environment
  • Corporate office and laboratory setting with frequent interaction with plant quality, engineering, and operations
  • Occasional travel for audits, investigations, validations, and technical support
  • Hands‑on lab work: standing, lifting samples, operating test equipment, and conducting evaluations
  • Periodic exposure to production, warehouse, and inspection areas within manufacturing sites
Tools & technologies you’ll use
  • CAD Software
  • Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
  • CAM Software
  • Calipers and Micrometers
  • Quality Control Software

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