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Optical Lab Tech Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Design Engineer - Senior

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Uster Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of complex electro-mechanical ... This role blends deep technical design with hands-on lab work , supporting both new product ...

Electrical Design Engineer - Senior

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Uster Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of complex electro-mechanical ... This role blends deep technical design with hands-on lab work , supporting both new product ...

This role blends deep technical design with hands-on lab work , supporting both new product ... Develop interface electronics for motion control, sensors, optical systems, and communications

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

We've got a vision for pairing state-of-the-art technology with a truly personal approach to eye ... Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Lab Tech information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$19

$51

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in Tennessee is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.

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 cities in Tennessee are hiring for Optical Lab Tech jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Optical Lab Tech job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab Tech job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Locum Tenens, 17% As Needed, 58% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,160 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer - Senior

Uster

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Uster Technologies, Inc. is a developer and manufacturer of complex electro-mechanical instrumentation for the textile industry. The Senior Electrical Engineer works in the Research and Development of instrumentation including architectural definition, circuit design, and PCB layout. Uster Technologies is the industry leader of textile instrumentation and is a subsidiary of Toyota Industries Corporation with technology centers in US, Switzerland, Israel, and China.
We're seeking a self-directed electrical engineer who can lead the full design cycle, from schematic to implementation, across complex mixed-signal systems. This role blends deep technical design with hands-on lab work, supporting both new product development and legacy systems in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment.
What You'll Do
  • Design, simulate, and test analog and digital circuits using microcontrollers, FPGAs, DSPs, op-amps, A/D converters, filters, and power supplies (linear and DC/DC switching)
  • Develop interface electronics for motion control, sensors, optical systems, and communications
  • Capture schematics and drive multilayer PCB layout using Altium (or similar)
  • Execute board bring-up, debugging, prototyping, verification testing, and performance characterization
  • Provide design support for existing systems and legacy PCBs
  • Communicate hardware changes with service and manufacturing teams
  • Participate in evaluating emerging technologies to inform future product directions
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical and software engineers on tightly integrated electro-mechanical and electro-optical systems

Requirements
What We're Looking For
  • B.S.E.E. or higher with 5+ years in analog/digital circuit design
  • Strong hands-on experience with lab instrumentation and debugging techniques
  • Proficiency with Altium Designer and SPICE simulation tools
  • Familiarity with standard digital interfaces: IยฒC, SPI, UART, USB, Ethernet
  • Ability to manage and document work independently while contributing within a structured, team-based environment
  • Bonus: experience communicating with service technicians or customers on hardware issues

Benefits
Life in Knoxville
Knoxville offers more than just a lower cost of living. It is a city with character. Mountains, music, lakes, local food, and space to think. Whether you're into outdoor weekends or quiet neighborhoods, it's a place people often discover they don't want to leave.
Benefits include: competitive salary plus incentive pay; excellent 401(k) with company match; medical, dental and disability insurances; paid time off and holidays; flexible business casual environment; and special summer hours. Please visit our website at www.uster.com.
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Relocation assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance