ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Technical Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading Electro-Optic or Laser developments for ... Lead the development, integration, and field/lab testing of laser prototypes; establish ...

Arete Associates

Technical Program Manager

Longmont, CO · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading Electro-Optic or Laser developments for ... Lead the development, integration, and field/lab testing of laser prototypes; establish ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Manager JobsOptical Lab Manager Jobs in Colorado

Optical Lab Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$83.1K

$89.4K

$94.1K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Colorado is $89,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectOptical Lab ManagerOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures quality controlPerforms lens cutting, fitting, and assembly under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical storesCommonly employed in optical labs and retail optical settings

The Optical Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and maintaining quality standards, while the Optical Lab Technician handles the hands-on production of lenses and eyewear. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What does an Optical Lab Manager do?

An Optical Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, where eyeglasses and lenses are manufactured and assembled. Their responsibilities include managing staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and overseeing inventory. They also work closely with optometrists and opticians to ensure prescriptions are accurately fulfilled and that safety and industry standards are met. Additionally, they may handle budgeting, training, and implementing new technologies or processes to improve efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Lab Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Optical Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining high-quality standards while meeting tight production deadlines and managing a diverse team of technicians. Keeping up with rapidly advancing lens technologies and equipment can also be demanding. Addressing these challenges involves implementing robust quality control systems, providing ongoing staff training, and fostering strong communication between the lab team and optometrists. Effective inventory management and staying informed about industry best practices also help ensure smooth operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Manager, you need expertise in optical sciences, lens manufacturing processes, and quality control, typically supported by experience in optical labs or a related technical degree. Familiarity with lens surfacing equipment, edging machines, and lab management software is essential, along with certifications such as ABO-NCLE or equivalent. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and ensure workflow efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining high production standards, minimizing errors, and delivering excellent customer service in a laboratory environment.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Manager jobs in Colorado? For Optical Lab Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:
Optical Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,378 per year, or $43 per hour.
Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Manager

Arete

Longmont, CO • On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation's most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.
Discover your future with us.
We are seeking a seasoned Technical Program Manager who blends technical leadership with disciplined program execution from small R&D efforts and prototype development, through NPI/design transfer. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience leading Electro-Optic or Laser developments for military applications so the products can be transferred into repeatable, high-yield, cost-efficient production. You'll serve as the technical and operational hub for development and NPI efforts, orchestrating engineering, manufacturing, quality, test, supply chain, finance, and customer stakeholders to deliver on cost, schedule, and performance. This position will be based at our Niwot, CO office and is classified as an exempt, non-supervisory, full-time role.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Management & Business Leadership
  • Own program delivery across multiple efforts (R&D, prototype, and LRIP) and support the transition to full-rate production).
  • Build and manage Integrated Master Plans/Schedules (IMP/IMS), budgets, and risk registers; drive closure on risks/opportunities.
  • Lead internal/customer reviews (PMRs, gate reviews) and manage contract deliverables, mods, and acceptance.
  • Support customer outreach/business development across engineering, program, director, and executive levels; shape roadmaps and capture activities aligned to company strategy (e.g., Areté).
Technical Leadership (Sensors, Optics, Control Systems)
  • Provide hands-on leadership across sensors, signal processing techniques and tools, control systems hardware/software, and modeling of physical phenomena.
  • Review and interpret mechanical/electro-optical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and BOMs; ensure requirements traceability and sound configuration control.
  • Mentor junior staff in engineering best practices; help incubate novel technologies and mature them into productizable solutions.
Prototype Development, Test & Integration
  • Lead the development, integration, and field/lab testing of laser prototypes; establish verification/validation plans.
  • Stand up prototype build flows, data collection, and lessons-learned to inform product design and manufacturability.
ProductTransition(Prototype-NPI-ProductionLine)
  • Drive design-for-manufacture/assembly/test (DFM/DFA/DFT) and readiness reviews; manage ECOs cleanly via PLM and configuration control.
  • Plan and execute pilot builds/FAIs, process validation, and manufacturing readiness (MRL) gates.
  • Establish stable work instructions, tooling/fixtures, alignment procedures, and automated test coverage.
Quality, Compliance & Safety
  • Ensure compliance with ITAR/EAR, laser safety (ANSI Z136 / ISO 60825), and relevant MIL-STDs (e.g., 810, 461).
  • Support audits (internal, and customer); maintain disciplined documentation and production records.
Supply Chain Readiness
  • Develop and qualify primary and secondary sources for key components (optics, pump diodes, laser crystals, precision machined parts, coatings, and electronics); manage suppliers for OTD, quality, and cost.
  • Mitigate single-source risk via dual-source strategies, buffers, and clear recovery plans.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:
Health & Wellness:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
  • Vision Reimbursement
  • Fitness Reimbursement
Financial:
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
  • Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Continuing Education Assistance
Work-Life Balance:
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave
Qualities We Look For:
  • Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
  • Integrity and responsibility in all actions
  • Collaboration across teams and specialties
  • Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
  • Passion for national security and excellence
Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):
  • 5-10+yearsmanaging technical programs across R&D through prototype and NPI, in defense or regulated electro-optics/laser environments.
  • Demonstrated leadership in optical/mechanical systems, precision pointing and tracking, passive/active imaging, and/or lasers
  • Proven success transitioning complex hardware from engineering development to production
  • Fluency reading technical drawings (GD&T), schematics, optical layouts, and navigating BOMs, part numbering, and revision control.
  • Comfortable with the basics of lasers, optics, and electronics
  • Experience building and managing schedules, budgets, and forecasts using MS Project and some familiarity with ERP/MRP systems
  • Excellent communication for technical/executive audiences; effective customer and supplier engagement.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Optical, Systems) or closely related field; PMP or equivalent experience.
Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):
  • Hands-on background with solid-state/fiber/diode-pumped laser products, optical alignment, coatings, and precision assembly.
  • Familiarity with automationfor alignment/test; experience with MATLAB/Python and modeling/simulation of physical systems.
  • Deep knowledge of MIL-STD-810(environmental), MIL-STD-461(EMI/EMC), laser safety standards, and defense qualification flows.
  • Master's degree (Engineering or MBA) a plus.
The salary range for this role is $125,000 to $180,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.
Other Considerations
Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration.
Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.
Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.
Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at 818-885-2200 for assistance.PandoLogic. Keywords: Program Manager, Location: Longmont, CO - 80503

Apply