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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Gromelski & Associates

Field Installer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$97K - $107K/yr

Lab Management and Field Installation; Integrated Logistics Support, Training Development and ... fiber optic and system networking support), corrective maintenance actions, and on-board ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Herndon, VA

$60 - $80/hr

Use electrical lab equipment extensively to support embedded system development, characterization ... Ability to manage and contribute to both short-term and long-term engineering projects in a fast ...

Gromelski & Associates

Hardware Technician

Manassas, VA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Lab Management and Field Installation; Integrated Logistics Support, Training Development and ... and/or optical areas. Constructs, troubleshoots, calibrates, adjusts, tests, diagnoses, and ...

Trident Systems LLC

Product Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Space Electronic Systems (SES), Integrated C4ISR Systems (ICS) and Optical Precision Systems (OPS ... across lab-based development efforts. This role bridges systems engineering, product management ...

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Optical Lab Manager information

See Washington salary details

$89.5K

$96.3K

$101.4K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Washington is $96,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,400.00 and $99,100.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,270 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer II/Senior

Rocket Lab Corporation

Silver Spring, MD • On-site, Remote

$108K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or vertically integrated components that help missions get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions

MECHANICAL ENGINEER II/SENIOR

As a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms. Rocket Lab's commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other's backs.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Mechanical Engineer I level.)

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: 

  • Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer
  • Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA
  • Drive requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
  • Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
  • Support constant incremental improvements to the development team's engineering approach and best practices
  • Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
  • Support environmental verification testing by assisting or leading test requirements, procedures and execution
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
  • Own, or significantly contribute to, development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings
  • Support business development proposals and custom SOWs
  • Support travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.
  • Mentor other engineers (as Senior I)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER II  

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 2+ years experience in aerospace or similar mechanical development
  • CAD and FEA proficiency
  • Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers
  • Experience working complex projects across organizational teams

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I  

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering field
  • 5+ years experience in mechanical development projects, of which 2+ shall be aerospace
  • CAD and FEA proficiency
  • Thorough understanding of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
  • Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers
  • Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • MS in relevant engineering field
  • Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
  • Experience designing aerospace mechanisms
  • Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

 

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