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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (NOW HIRING)

Sandia

GT1 Machinist, Onsite

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Communicate with staff, technologists, and management * Mentor apprentice machinists Qualifications ... About Sandia Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for ...

University of New Mexico

Research Engineer 1

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$3.9K - $5.5K/mo

Manage and maintain inventory of all chemicals utilized at CHTM. Handle NanoFab and service center ... Have a working knowledge of Lab Safety Protocols. * Experience with handling chemicals and working ...

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Optical Lab Manager information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$72.1K

$77.6K

$81.7K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Albuquerque, NM is $77,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $79,900.00 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 Albuquerque, NM?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

What cities near Albuquerque, NM are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Albuquerque, NM with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:

Optical Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,582 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Director - Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences (Center 1800)

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About Sandia

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:


  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov


*These benefits vary by job classification.


What Your Job Will Be Like

Reporting to the Associate Lab Director for Advanced Science & Technology, this position is responsible for all aspects of leading and managing the Materials, Physical & Chemical Sciences Center ("Center"). The Albuquerque-based Center delivers both foundational and applied research in materials science, along with utilizing this knowledge and expertise impacting all of Sandia's programs. This includes capabilities in developing advanced materials, materials synthesis and processing, materials characterization, and understanding of materials' reliability, aging, and failure mechanisms for all classes of materials needed to enable the breadth of Sandia's National Security mission. The organization stewards process technologies such as welding and joining, tribology, thermal spray, and advanced manufacturing. The Center has responsibility for foundational development for electronic, quantum, and optical materials with strong institutional partnerships with other Physical Sciences centers across the Labs. The Center 1800 partners with Los Alamos National Laboratory in leading the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT), which is one of the five Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Nanoscience Research Centers. Center 1800 is a key partner with the Sandia Nuclear Deterrence (ND) program supporting new materials development, and insertion with deep expertise in materials aging and lifetimes. The Center director is responsible for leading Sandia's materials sciences and engineering strategy, including stewarding a ~$15M annual Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD)-based investment. Currently the Center comprises 500+ staff (including students and postdocs) with an annual R&D budget of $200M.


The Director will lead the Laboratories capabilities in foundational and applied materials, physical and chemical sciences R&D to support and enhance the DOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) technology base while delivering on mission objectives. The center is accountable for collaborating with all programs and line organizations to ensure the success of Sandia National Laboratories as an institution. The Center is a key partner with the Sandia ND program supporting new materials development, materials reliability, compatibility and aging, characterization of stockpile materials, prototyping advanced manufacturing and fabrication processes, and providing subject matter expertise across a wide range of material, physical, and chemical phenomena. Key elements of the Center's strategy include development and usage of AI models and technologies; high-fidelity modeling and simulation application development; quantum microelectronics, including scope and leadership in Sandia's recently announced Quantum Futures Center; power electronics; advanced materials development; and advanced manufacturing, including scope and leadership in Sandia's Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation (CAMINO).


Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assume line and program management responsibilities of the Materials, Physical and Chemical Sciences Center, including managing direct reports and ensuring effective leadership within Groups and
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