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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Develop fundamental understanding of Coherent products to enable role as technology expert ... College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications ...

Signal Integrity Lab Technician

Yocumtown, PA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, or related field; or ...

Signal Integrity Lab Technician

Yocumtown, PA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

... Optics, and Commercial electronics markets. Amphenol Corporation is one of the world's largest ... Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, or related field; or ...

... leading optical technologies within data centers with unprecedented speed, capacity, and ... Post-silicon validation experience and correlation of lab measurements with pre-silicon models Why ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Lab Tech information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$11

$21

$56

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Pennsylvania is $21.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $20.72 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 Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,458 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Optical Design Staff Engineer

Coherent

Saxonburg, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Functions:

  • Support activities of the optical design. Responsible for ensuring we have the right software tools to support our customers design needs and that optical design group is proficient in using these tools. Standardize ISO work procedures within optical design group.ย 
  • Take responsibility for risk assessment of projects being undertaken. Ensure that quality of all groups output meets requirements and expectations of Coherent customers.ย 
  • Utilize optical design programs to provide component and subassembly optical designs. Ensure design specification can be met based on tolerances achievable using standard manufacturing procedures.
  • Provide technical support to customers identifying and/or designing the best products to support their application.
  • Develop fundamental understanding of Coherent products to enable role as technology expert. Interface directly with customer engineering groups.ย 
  • Provide optical testing support for nonstandard products.
  • Act as project manager for custom projects managing entire project responsibility for cost, quality and delivery.ย 
  • Lead the development of new optical and electro-optical products. Build and qualify prototypes to meet customer and market requirements.
  • Utilize Coherent Gate Review Process to ensure buy-in on technical and market strategy.
  • Utilize DFMEA design reviews to ensure robustness of designs.

Job Requirements:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • 4 year Science or Engineering Degree, BS minimum requirement.ย  Post Graduate Engineering or Science Degree - MSc or PhD
  • College science lab and engineering project experience, 5 years product design and applications experience.ย 
  • High organization skills, motivation, good inter-personal skills for interfacing with customers and other departments
  • Strong physics understanding, therefore, able to do theoretical analysis, both optical and electrical.ย 
  • Lens design capability using CODE V, OSLO PRO, ZEMAX, and/or FRED or equivalent lens design program is desirable.
  • Computer programming in C or C++ is also desirable.
  • Concise report writing is also required to aid in communicating complex optical issues.

Responsibilities:ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 

  • Responsible for all operations of optical design group which includes work distribution, organization, documentation, software selection, training, risk assessment design quality for the entire group.ย 
  • Often involved with proprietary information belonging to COHERENT and its customers. Involved with assessing technical feasibility towards setting strategic direction of IR Engineering and NPI activities.
  • Contact with outside customers, by traveling overseas and domestically and by phone and written communications, regarding optical design and electro-optic design and support during the quotation, ordering, and post order support stages.ย 
  • Extensive interfacing with the sales department during the quotation of special optics and electro-optics. ย 
  • Strong interfacing with manufacturing and QA departments to solve design and manufacturing issues.
  • Support documentation and filing of COHERENT Patents and Trade Secrets.
  • Training and mentoring other COHERENT employees.
  • Transfer of new products manufacturing and testing from prototype to production.
  • Engineer must possess ability for self monitoring and error checking so that errors are kept to a minimum.ย 

Job Conditions:

  • Office, general laboratory, high power laser operation, high electrical voltage operation.
  • All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Cultureย Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


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Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


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If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


ย #IND

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.