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Optical Lab Manager Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Manager will work closely with technical staff, project leads, and facilities/security ... Graduation from a two-year technical school in Electronics, Electro-Optical, Electro-Mechanical, or ...

The Lab Manager will work closely with technical staff, project leads, and facilities/security ... Graduation from a two-year technical school in Electronics, Electro-Optical, Electro-Mechanical, or ...

The Lab Manager will work closely with technical staff, project leads, and facilities/security ... Graduation from a two-year technical school in Electronics, Electro-Optical, Electro-Mechanical, or ...

... managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab Services to benchmark and assess the performance of ...

Sr. Optical Engineer

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability ... Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology and characterization * Hands-on experience ...

Establish and manage optical performance budgets while balancing performance, manufacturability ... Hands-on lab experience in optical testing, metrology and characterization * Hands-on experience ...

Lead and conduct thorough testing and alignment of complex optical systems within a lab environment ... Demonstrated organizational skills to effectively manage competing tasks with demanding schedules.

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Demonstrates enthusiasm for hands-on work in the lab: * o Build and test mechanical and optical ... group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics ...

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA ยท On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Demonstrates enthusiasm for hands-on work in the lab: * o Build and test mechanical and optical ... group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics ...

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Peabody, MA ยท On-site

$20 - $23.25/hr

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

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Braintree, MA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

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

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Braintree, MA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $21.25/hr

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

LensCrafters - Team Lead

Peabody, MA

$20 - $23.25/hr

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

... managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab Services to benchmark and assess the performance of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Lab Manager information

See Boston, MA salary details

$85.8K

$92.3K

$97.2K

How much do optical lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab manager in Boston, MA is $92,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $95,100.00 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 Boston, MA? For Optical Lab Manager jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Manager jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Manager jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Optical Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Optical Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Manager job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,344 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Lab Manager

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

The Strategic and Long-Range Communications Group (Group 61) develops new system concepts and techniques to support the US Government's most critical communications needs. The Group specializes in RF communications in multi-domain applications (ground, sea, air, and space) for global assured connectivity in the presence of adversary interference and interception threats. The Group leverages its expertise in communications system analysis, digital signal processing, RF technology, rapid prototyping, and field experimentation to research, develop, characterize, and demonstrate new capabilities.
Position Description
Group 61 is seeking a Lab Manager to manage the building, testing, and deployment of approximately 20-30 units of a complex electronic system.
This role combines traditional lab management with hands-on coordination of build efforts. The Lab Manager will work closely with technical staff, project leads, and facilities/security personnel to plan and execute lab build-outs, reconfigurations, and system integration activities. The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable working in classified environments, and able to translate technical needs into practical lab layouts, infrastructure, and processes.
Technical experience and a solid understanding of electronic systems are required. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills to effectively manage the responsibilities described above. Strong communication skills are essential. The individual must be able to communicate clearly and professionally with the build team, group management, and various departments across the laboratory, as well as with external vendors when necessary. Strong written communication skills are also required to ensure that documentation and procedures are accurate, complete, easy to understand, and up to date.
Responsibilities
  • Developing, understanding, and maintaining the schedule for the build process
  • Managing inventory to ensure required parts and materials are available when needed
  • Ensuring all build documentation is complete, accurate, and current, including assembly procedures, bills of materials, test procedures, and as-built documentation
  • Tracking and controlling property associated with the builds in coordination with the Laboratory's property management system
  • Developing and administering procedures for items such as configuration management and design change implementation
  • Overseeing external purchases to ensure alignment with the build schedule and inventory requirements
  • Supporting group leadership with task planning, management, and assignments
  • Coordinating and managing the shipment of units to contractor facilities across the United States
  • Managing build laboratory spaces to enable a safe and efficient assembly, integration, and testing of the units, including secure areas
  • Supervise technician support to the program, which includes assigning daily activities in coordination with technical staff, reviewing work product, specifying and obtaining tools and equipment, and participate in any hiring and interview processes for new technicians

Minimum Qualifications
  • Graduation from a two-year technical school in Electronics, Electro-Optical, Electro-Mechanical, or Software design from an accredited technical institute or its equivalent and/or 5+ years of directly related experience managing laboratories and people, and familiarity with general laboratory equipment and safety.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team, as well as delegate work to others, in a fast-paced and growing environment.
  • Familiarity with the use of Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for recording experimental data as well as configuration control tools such as GitHub

Hiring Range: $112,600 - $151,900
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID: 43054