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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Eye to Eye Careers

Optometric Tech

East Orange, NJ

$17 - $21/hr

To advocate for eye-care professionals who need help finding placement in the optical industry ... Visual field, OCT, specular microscope, fundus photo, pachymetry, ultrasound A and B, ERG, Tear lab ...

Ciena

Senior Fiber Coupling Engineer

New Providence, NJ

$133K - $212K/yr

Knowledge of optical transceiver technology used in data centers. * Extensive in-the-lab DOE and hardware development experience. * Ability to perform as a lead engineer in complex development ...

Hamamatsu Corporation

Test Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

Our mission is to improve society through photonics technology. Role Overview: As a Test Engineer ... Familiarity with optical/laser systems and alignment * Lab experience (pathology, microscopy, or ...

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Optical Lab Tech information

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How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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 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 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 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 much do optical lab technicians earn?

Optical lab technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced equipment knowledge, and working in high-demand areas or for larger optical companies.

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.

Is optical lab technician a good career?

Optical lab technicians play a key role in manufacturing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, requiring skills in precision, attention to detail, and knowledge of optical equipment. The profession offers steady employment opportunities, with potential for advancement through certifications and experience. It typically involves working in a controlled environment with standard daytime hours.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,614 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

R&D Engineer

Scismic

Somerset, NJ

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Scismic is supporting the growth of the most respected legacies in American industry, known for pioneering breakthroughs in optical technologies!

With a proven history of industry firsts-including application-specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium-doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, and fiber gratings - Company is commited to delivering cutting-edge optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the high performance optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices. Their mission is to advance communication technology while providing exceptional service that drives value for customers, employees, and shareholders.

They are currently seeking an R&D Engineer to join their R&D facility in Somerset NJ, to join a team that designs, fabricates, tests and prototypes innovative technology that serves the medical, industrial, aerospace, and telecommunications fields. The ideal candidate will advance their high power fiber laser portfolio, requiring the ability to identify and solve technical problems, both independently and as part of a team, in developing new products and new manufacturing processes. Significant aspects of the position include conducting experiments, analyzing data, improving and designing equipment and advanced prototypes, and interfacing with manufacturing. 

This role has the potential to grow into an independent research and development program. 
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Conduct research, propose experiments, and analyze data to validate hypotheses and improve understanding, particularly for troubleshooting performance and quality as well as equipment and materials issues related to high power fiber lasers and telecommunications components
  • Innovate the next generation of optical component technology to improve performance and manufacturing processes
  • Interface with teams developing fiber laser components such as optical fibers, fiber Bragg gratings, and fiber coatings to ensure complete design solutions for fiber laser systems
  • Characterize glass, fibers, and coatings, and devise methods to identify and solve technical problems 
  • Assist in establishing and executing an R&D program to support their manufacturing sites, and provide input to the long-term technology roadmap
  • Provide technical support to the marketing and sales team and assist in understanding new business opportunities 
  • Perform other related duties as required by management  
Key qualifications include:
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Engineering, Optics, Physics, Physical Chemistry, or related field 
  • Experience in handling, characterizing and performing data analysis on optical fibers 
  • Experience with high-power fiber lasers and components such as pump and pump-signal combiners and fiber Bragg gratings, is highly desired 
  • Expertise in material properties of glass and polymers, mechanical design, and fabrication techniques is highly desired 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preferably as demonstrated by past publications or presentations 
  • 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 simulation 
  • Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work effectively with minimal supervision 
  • Maintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary information 
  • Strict adherence to Company safety policies and procedures 
  • Conform to all aspects of the company "Standards of Conduct" 
$100,000 - $120,000 a year
The salary range for this role is from $100K to $120K, depending on experience. 

Working at the company means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to their dynamic work environment, their offer competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including medical, dental, tuition reimbursement and a matching 401(k) plan. 

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
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