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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Optical Manager, Non-Licensed Bring your experience to work for you where people love to shop ... customers and the lab to ensure orders are processed timely. If you are looking for a great ...

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

Assists in the achievement of store success by managing key optical & lab processes (if applicable) & systems to exceptional results. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES While working in Retail

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Optical Lab Manager information

See Maryland salary details

$76.7K

$82.5K

$86.9K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Maryland is $82,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $84,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab manager?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Manager jobs in Maryland?

For Optical Lab Manager jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Maryland look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Maryland are:

What cities in Maryland are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities in Maryland with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Maryland as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,495 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

FSO Lab Manager / Technician

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$82K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Basic Qualifications
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's or Technology degree in Engineering or a related specialized area/field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience, plus 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree.
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense TS/SCI with Poly security clearance is preferred at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVES:
General Dynamics Mission Systems is seeking a self-directed FSO Lab Manager / Technician to support our Free-Space Optical (FSO) communications and electro-optical development programs. Consistent with the Engineering Technician role, this person provides technical assistance, troubleshooting, and support to the engineering team - performing research and laboratory functions (layout, building, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of devices, assemblies, subsystems, and systems) while owning day-to-day operation of the FSO lab. This includes performing solder operations at a production level quality per IPC requirements.
This is a dual-scope role: the person both owns the lab and performs hands-on technician work at the bench. The ideal candidate takes full ownership of lab responsibilities with minimal direction, anticipates program needs, and keeps the lab ready to support engineering and test schedules.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Own the FSO lab: layout, readiness, cleanliness, and configuration control of the bench setups.
  • Equipment management: inventory, calibration tracking/scheduling, and coordination of repairs; ensure test equipment is in-cal and available when programs need it.
  • Consumables and supplies: track and replenish fiber, connectors, solder, optics, and lab consumables; interface with purchasing/vendors.
  • Laser and lab safety: maintain a safe optical lab environment, support laser safety practices (LSO coordination, signage, PPE, controlled access), and manage ESD controls.
  • Scheduling / prioritization: coordinate shared lab and equipment use across multiple engineers and programs.
  • Maintain lab documentation, equipment records, and as-built configuration.

What sets you apart:
  • Hands-on use of specialized optical equipment: e.g. fusion/mechanical fiber splicers, theodolites/autocollimators, interferometers, beam profilers, spectrum/optical spectrum analyzers.
  • Experience in free-space optical communications or laser/electro-optical systems.
  • IPC certification (e.g., IPC J-STD-001, IPC-A-610); fiber optic certification (e.g., FOA CFOT) a plus.
  • Familiarity with calibration management and lab equipment tracking systems.
  • Experience supporting a controlled lab environment.
  • Laser safety training or LSO/Deputy LSO experience.
  • Comfort operating independently.

Our Commitment to You:
  • An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
  • Research oriented work, alongside award winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation's security.
  • Flexible schedules with every other Friday off work, if desired (9/80 schedule).
  • Competitive benefits, including 401k matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health & wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more.
  • See more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits.

Workplace Options:
  • This position is fully on-site with occasional Hybrid/Flex available.
  • While on-site, you will be a part of the Annapolis Junction Team.

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $82,015.00 - USD $88,743.00 /Yr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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