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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Senior Optical Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Lead technology development activities for CPO and associated optical packaging solutions. * Define ... Hands-on lab/bench work: prototyping, process setup, process optimization, optical fiber handling ...

EssilorLuxottica

Expeditor

Orangeburg, NY · On-site

In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ... through the optical lab to ensure service commitments are met. The Expeditor partners with ...

EssilorLuxottica Group

Expeditor

Orangeburg, NY

In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ... through the optical lab to ensure service commitments are met. The Expeditor partners with ...

EssilorLuxottica SA

Expeditor

Orangeburg, NY · On-site

In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ... through the optical lab to ensure service commitments are met. The Expeditor partners with ...

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

We're a technology company that leads with our humanity-driving our business priorities alongside ... Use state-of-the-art high-speed opto-electronic lab equipment to bring up, characterize, and test ...

EssilorLuxottica

Expeditor

Orangeburg, NY · On-site

In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ... through the optical lab to ensure service commitments are met. The Expeditor partners with ...

Ciena

Senior Optical Engineer

New Providence, NJ · On-site

$133K - $212K/yr

We're a technology company that leads with our humanity-driving our business priorities alongside ... Use state-of-the-art high-speed opto-electronic lab equipment to bring up, characterize, and test ...

Essilor

Expeditor

Orangeburg, NY · On-site

In our dynamic environment, fueled by technology and innovation, our people have the space to ... through the optical lab to ensure service commitments are met. The Expeditor partners with ...

Eyetastic Services

Optician - Wyckoff, NJ

Wyckoff, NJ · On-site

$36 - $37/hr

... technology, this upscale practice is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every ... Deliver outstanding optical care and service to a high-end patient base * Assist patients in ...

Eyetastic Services

Optician - Wyckoff, NJ

Wyckoff, NJ · On-site

$36 - $37/hr

... technology, this upscale practice is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every ... Deliver outstanding optical care and service to a high-end patient base * Assist patients in ...

Eyetastic Services

Optician - Wyckoff, NJ

Wyckoff, NJ · On-site

$36 - $37/hr

... technology, this upscale practice is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every ... Deliver outstanding optical care and service to a high-end patient base * Assist patients in ...

Eyetastic Services

Optician - Wyckoff, NJ

Wyckoff, NJ · On-site

$36 - $37/hr

... technology, this upscale practice is committed to providing an exceptional experience for every ... Deliver outstanding optical care and service to a high-end patient base * Assist patients in ...

Scismic

R&D Engineer

Somerset, NJ

$100K - $120K/yr

Demonstrated ability to innovate in a high technology field * Coursework and/or experience in photonics and optics * Lab automation and computer skills * Ability to understand and perform numerical ...

Scismic

R&D Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Demonstrated ability to innovate in a high technology field * Coursework and/or experience in photonics and optics * Lab automation and computer skills * Ability to understand and perform numerical ...

Scismic

R&D Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Demonstrated ability to innovate in a high technology field * Coursework and/or experience in photonics and optics * Lab automation and computer skills * Ability to understand and perform numerical ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

See New York salary details

$12

$23

$61

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in New York is $23.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical lab tech do?

An Optical Lab Tech, or Optical Laboratory Technician, is responsible for fabricating and assembling eyeglass lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. They operate specialized machinery to cut, grind, edge, and polish lenses, ensuring accuracy and quality. Additionally, they may fit lenses into frames, perform repairs, and conduct quality checks before the finished product is delivered to customers or patients. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are essential skills in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab tech?

To thrive as an Optical Lab Tech, you need a solid understanding of optics, attention to detail, and manual dexterity, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and lensometry, as well as knowledge of safety standards, is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in this role. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear efficiently and accurately, ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.

What are the most common challenges faced by optical lab techs when working with prescription lenses?

Optical Lab Techs often encounter challenges such as handling high volumes of orders with varying specifications, ensuring accuracy in lens cutting and fitting, and maintaining strict quality control standards. Working with delicate materials requires attention to detail and steady hands to avoid costly mistakes. Additionally, adapting to new technologies and equipment, as well as managing communication with optometrists and retail staff, are important aspects of the role that demand flexibility and teamwork.

What is the difference between Optical Lab Tech vs Optician?

AspectOptical Lab TechOptician
CredentialsTypically requires technical training or certification in optical lab workRequires state licensing or certification, often with an opticianry license
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly in laboratories, fabricating lenses and optical componentsWorks in retail or clinical settings, assisting customers with eyewear selection
Employer & IndustryOptical labs, manufacturing facilitiesOptical stores, eyewear retailers, clinics
Primary FocusFabricating and processing lenses and framesFitting, adjusting, and selling eyewear to customers

While both roles are essential in the optical industry, Optical Lab Techs focus on lens fabrication and lab work, whereas Opticians primarily assist customers with eyewear fitting and sales. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the optical field.

How long does it take to become an optical lab technician?

Becoming an optical lab technician typically requires completing a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or a specialized certification program that can last from a few months to a year. Some employers prefer candidates with technical training or certification in optical technology, which can take additional months to complete.

Is an optical lab technician a good career?

An optical lab technician is a skilled role that involves fabricating and repairing eyeglasses and lenses, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of optical equipment. The career offers steady employment opportunities, with potential for advancement through certifications and experience, and typically involves working in a laboratory or optical shop environment.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab Tech jobs in New York?

For Optical Lab Tech jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs in New York look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs in New York are:

Optical Lab Tech jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,614 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Koch Industries

Bridgewater, NJ • On-site

$160K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead technology development activities for co-packaged optics (CPO) and optical packaging solutions.

  • Define and execute R&D activities related to packaging solutions, including die attach, adhesive selection, wire bonding, fiber attach, alignment, and material qualification.

  • Plan and conduct feasibility studies, design-of-experiments, pilot builds, and reliability testing.

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 546 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Role
Experienced senior-level optical engineer to lead technology development for co-packaged optics (CPO). The role combines hands-on optical and SiPh device packaging engineering with project/technical management, vendor collaboration, cross-functional and global team leadership, and R&D to bring manufacturable CPO solutions to production. Candidate must have deep process engineering experience in SiPh packaging, semiconductor laser/device packaging, optical fiber handling, and/or semiconductor wafer processes.
Our Team
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
What You Will Do
  • Lead technology development activities for CPO and associated optical packaging solutions.
  • Define and execute packaging solutions R&D: die attach, adhesive selection, wire bonding, fiber attach, alignment, thermal and stress considerations, and material qualification.
  • Plan and run feasibility studies, design-of-experiments (DOE), pilot builds, and reliability testing.
  • Project and technical management (planning, schedules, budgets, risk management, vendor coordination).
  • Manage and lead cross-functional teams (design, manufacturing, reliability, supply chain, quality) and collaborate with global sites/vendors.
  • Hands-on lab/bench work: prototyping, process setup, process optimization, optical fiber handling, optical alignments, test automation, and test integration.
  • Identify process/packaging yield drivers, implement corrective actions, and scale technologies toward production.
  • Prepare technical documents, reports, presentations, and interact with external partners and suppliers.
  • Mentor junior engineers and build team capabilities.

Core Competencies & Behavioral Skills
  • Leadership: able to lead technical teams and mentor others.
  • Communication: clear technical writing, presentation, and stakeholder management.
  • Problem solving: structured problem solving and root-cause investigation.
  • Collaboration: successful cross-functional and global team player.
  • Planning & Execution: organizes complex programs, meets milestones, manages risks.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Master's degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
  • Minimum 10 years of industry experience in optical packaging, SiPh packaging, or semiconductor laser/device packaging with strong process engineering background.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience in optical device packaging: die attach, adhesives, wire bonding, optical fiber management, optical alignment, materials selection.
  • Strong knowledge of semiconductor wafer processes and interactions with packaging (e.g., thermal budgets, contamination control).
  • Proven track record leading technology development projects and cross-functional/global teams.
  • Excellent communication and people management skills; experience managing vendors and supplier qualification.
  • Willingness and ability to travel as required (domestic and international travel).
  • SiPh (silicon photonics) packaging and integration processes.
  • Experience in process development and optimization related to optical devices.
  • Optical fiber knowledge: theory, handling, cleaving, splicing, ferrule/array assembly, fiber pigtail techniques.
  • Die attach processes, bonding materials (solders, adhesives), curing processes, and reliability implications.
  • Thermal analysis and mechanical/stress analysis for packages.
  • Materials science for packaging: coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch mitigation, adhesives, and underfills.
  • Wire bonding and alternative electrical interconnects; knowledge of flip-chip and other interconnect technologies.
  • Test/measurement for optical devices: insertion loss, return loss, optical alignment tolerances.
  • Familiarity with reliability testing standards (thermal cycling, HTOL, moisture, mechanical shock/vibration).

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Prior CPO development experience and understanding of system-level integration.
  • Experience with design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) in optical packaging and optical devices.
  • Background in automation for assembly/align/test, process control, and statistics (SPC).
  • Multi-site/global program management experience.
  • Experience with supplier development and contract/manufacturing scale-up.

For this role, we anticipate paying $160,000 - $220,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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