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Optical Lab Supervisor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Quality Lab Leader

La Grange, IL

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays ... Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and ...

Quality Lab Leader

La Grange, IL · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays ... Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and ...

Quality Lab Leader

La Grange, IL · On-site

$81K - $139K/yr

Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays ... Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and ...

QC LAB TECH II - 1ST SHIFT

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$20 - $25.25/hr

Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly ... Density, Optical Rotation and Refractive Index), Disintegration, Hardness, Viscosity and SOP ...

QC LAB TECH II - 3rd shift

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$20 - $25.25/hr

Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention. Properly ... Density, Optical Rotation and Refractive Index), Disintegration, Hardness, Viscosity and SOP ...

New

Calibration Lab Technician

Crystal Lake, IL · Remote

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Previous work involving optical comparators and CMMs is also valuable. Those with electrical ... supervisor/manager will define other core competencies CORE EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION 2 years of ...

Optical Lab Supervisor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.4K

$87.6K

$92.2K

How much do optical lab supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical lab supervisor in Chicago, IL is $87,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $90,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Supervisor, you need strong knowledge of optical lab processes, lens fabrication, and quality control, typically supported by experience in optical labs and sometimes an associate degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with lens edging machines, optical lab management software, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and ensuring production standards. These competencies are vital to maintain product quality, meet deadlines, and foster a safe and efficient work environment.

What does an Optical Lab Supervisor do?

An Optical Lab Supervisor oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, ensuring that eyeglasses and lenses are produced accurately and efficiently. They manage lab technicians, maintain equipment, and uphold quality control standards. Additionally, they are responsible for training staff, managing inventory, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Their role is crucial in delivering high-quality optical products to patients or customers.

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

AspectOptical Lab SupervisorOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; optical technician certification optional
Work EnvironmentSupervises lab operations, manages staff, ensures quality controlPerforms lens cutting, assembly, and quality checks under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical storesCommonly employed in optical labs and retail optical settings

The Optical Lab Supervisor oversees daily lab operations, staff, and quality assurance, requiring some supervisory skills. The Optical Lab Technician focuses on lens fabrication and assembly tasks, typically with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing and retail environments, but the supervisor has broader oversight duties.

What are some common challenges an Optical Lab Supervisor faces in managing workflow and quality control?

An Optical Lab Supervisor often encounters challenges in balancing high production demands with strict quality standards. Managing workflow efficiently requires constant oversight to ensure orders are completed accurately and on time, especially during peak periods. Quality control can be complex due to the precision required in lens fabrication and assembly, necessitating regular staff training and equipment calibration. Effective supervisors foster open communication and teamwork to quickly resolve issues and maintain a smooth operation.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Supervisor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Optical Lab Supervisor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Supervisor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Supervisor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Quality Lab Leader

$19.25 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Grayhill designs and manufactures intuitive human interface solutions that make life simpler, safer and more efficient. Standard products include optical encoders, rotary switches, keypads, joysticks, displays, touchscreens and pushbuttons. These components are sold to thousands of customers around the globe. Grayhill also incorporates these standard products into control panels to support a range of major customers in the Healthcare, Agriculture, Construction Equipment and Military markets. Our headquarters are in LaGrange, IL with manufacturing facilities located in McCook and Carpentersville IL, Iola WI and Shenzhen China.

We offer opportunities for talented professionals seeking challenging careers with a proven industry leader.

Are You Ready to Grow With Us?

Summary Manage the lab facilities and associates used for qualification/verification and product analysis testing. Provides technical support and analysis necessary to continually improve the quality of final assemblies and sub assemblies that are built or assembled into Grayhill products.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Maintain and develop procedures that will improve efficiency.
  • Establish Lab Priorities and effectively communicate those priorities to QC associates.
  • Assign workload to QC associates and hold associates responsible for meeting on time delivery.
  • Schedule Lab ISO 17025 audits and maintain accreditation.
  • Train associates, ensuring all procedures are followed to maintain accreditation and maintain ISO education records for all QC associates.
  • Communicate testing results, timelines and schedules to Grayhill internal and external customers.
  • Develop and maintain a testing database to log test results and share results at 4G and other management meetings.
  • Design and develop data collection systems to improve the quality of data and consistency in measurement of qualification testing and improve testing cycle times and efficiency.
  • Participate in and/or facilitate PFMEA for new designs.
  • Determine product limitations for environmental and electrical stresses.
  • Research, review and validate customer test requirements, insuring our tests meet or exceed requirements.
  • Develop and maintain lab usage policies, such as requirements needed to use certain equipment, ESD policies, organizational policies and 5S.
  • Design and administer tests to improve lab throughput and create metrics to track performance.
  • Train and educate QC associates on proper testing techniques, data acquisition software and hardware.
  • Keep abreast of the latest industry requirements, test procedures and equipment, acting as an internal Subject Matter Expert (SME).
  • Review, recommend and place purchase orders for equipment to improve data acquisition.
  • Ensure that Grayhill labs are properly equipped to do the appropriate tests and analysis for our products and complete financial payback analysis and Capital Spending Requests for new equipment.
  • Lend technical support to production and business units to discover root cause of manufacturing and/or customer failures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises 3 to 5 regular and/or temporary employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree from a 4-year college or university in engineering or a related field
  • 3 - 5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with ISO 17025 Standards
  • MTBF Calculations
  • Six Sigma Principles
  • Prior supervisory and project management experience is a plus.

What we have to offer:

  • You will be at the forefront of challenging work. We solve complex problems with innovative solutions across all teams and in all roles. There is purpose in our work!
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance; medical, dental, prescription, and vision starting on day one.
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • 401(K) match up to 4% of salary
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Collaboration Space featuring ping pong, foosball, board games, and more...
  • 10 company paid holidays
  • Optional gap insurance coverages
  • Company paid disability, parental leave, and basic group life
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
  • Catered company events - to pause and celebrate the wins!

We value diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, color, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.