ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will ... Experience in optical lab or production environments with strong attention to detail * Proficiency ...

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab ... lab tech (will train the appropriate candidate with potential to become a lab technician ...

Apply Early

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab ... lab tech (will train the appropriate candidate with potential to become a lab technician ...

Apply Early

Sore Enterprises Inc

Dispensing Optician

Oakland, CA

$22 - $25.50/hr

... Lab Technician (google map) Optical department is seeking an experienced Dispenser and/or Lab ... lab tech (will train the appropriate candidate with potential to become a lab technician ...

Apply Early

Shopko Optical

Optician PT

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Apply Early

Luminit

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Optical-bench literacy and a track record of careful, resourceful lab work are essential. Key ... technologies.

Apply Early

Luminit

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Optical-bench literacy and a track record of careful, resourceful lab work are essential. Key ... technologies.

Apply Early

Luminit Inc.

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Optical-bench literacy and a track record of careful, resourceful lab work are essential. Key ... This position may involve access to information or technology subject to U.S. export control ...

Shoptikal, LLC

PT Optical Sales Associate

Onalaska, WI · On-site

$14.75 - $18.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Apply Early

Shoptikal, LLC

PT Optical Sales Associate

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

It all starts in our centers, where our dedicated team members combine state-of-the-art technology ... Prepare work orders for Optical Lab. Process medical billing information. Maintain frame inventory.

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab Tech Jobs

Optical Lab Tech information

See salary details

$11

$21

$56

How much do optical lab tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab tech in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 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.
More about Optical Lab Tech jobs
What cities are hiring for Optical Lab Tech jobs? Cities with the most Optical Lab Tech job openings:
What states have the most Optical Lab Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Optical Lab Tech jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab Tech jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab Tech jobs are:
Optical Lab Tech jobs near you

Optical Test Engineer

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA • On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER
Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.
Scaling advanced photonics demands test and measurement systems as sophisticated as the devices themselves. We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design, build, and validate the optical test infrastructure that ensures our products meet rigorous performance, yield, and reliability standards-from wafer-level characterization through integrated module validation. You will be the critical link between design intent and production reality, turning data into actionable insight across every stage of our manufacturing pipeline.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Partner with PIC design, electrical, mechanical and test teams to define requirements for production and develop test approaches for complex hardware
  • Design, build, and validate optical test systems including imaging, microscopy, polarimetry, profilometry, and interferometry
  • Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance
  • Assist with validation activities, including performance characterization at the wafer-, die-, and integrated module level
  • Work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to identify drivers of performance, yield, reliability, and quality issues
  • Review designs for manufacturability; drive integration build flow, test operations, and execution readiness

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, lasers, or test
  • Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g., power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzers)
  • 1+ years of programming experience (e.g., C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • Experience in optical lab or production environments with strong attention to detail
  • Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax)
  • Experience integrating and testing electrical and/or avionics systems
  • Experience with documentation practices and configuration management
  • Hands-on experience with electro-optic wafer- and die-level test systems
  • Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
  • Experience writing test plans and procedures, and delivering go/no-go decisions with clear rationale
  • CAD proficiency (NX preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Optical Test Engineer: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.
In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:
  • Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
  • 401(k) retirement plan access.
  • Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.

Apply