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Optical Lab Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$14.75 - $19/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

La Junta, CO · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Colorado Springs, CO

$17 - $22/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Colorado Springs, CO

$15.25 - $19.50/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

La Junta, CO

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Castle Rock, CO

$14.75 - $19/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Loveland, CO · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Optician

Fountain, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Opticians are responsible for selling eyewear and eyewear accessories to patients. They ensure ... Creates work orders for lab technicians, specifying information on lenses needed * Follows-up on ...

Lab & Safety Manager

Boulder, CO · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

The Lab & Safety Manager oversees the daily operations of a high-performance physics research ... They will partner closely with quantum and optical engineers to maintain a facility that meets the ...

We are seeking a Lab Safety Manager to oversee the daily operations of our high-performance physics ... You will partner closely with our Facilities Operations Manager, Quantum Engineers, and Optical ...

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Optical Lab information

See Colorado salary details

$12

$22

$59

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Colorado is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Optical Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of lens fabrication, optical measurements, and quality control, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training in optics. Familiarity with lens edgers, surfacing machines, and digital measurement systems is essential, and certifications from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong problem-solving skills help ensure precision and efficiency in daily tasks. These skills are critical for producing high-quality eyewear that meets both industry standards and customer needs.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the optical lab industry, high-paying roles such as senior lab managers or specialized opticians can reach six-figure salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or ownership of a lab. However, most positions in optical labs typically do not pay $500,000 annually, as such earnings are more common in executive or entrepreneurial roles across various industries.

What is the difference between Optical Lab vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical LabOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, training in lens fabricationHigh school diploma, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing setting, working with lens equipmentRetail or clinical setting, assisting with eyewear fitting
Job FocusFabricating and finishing lensesAssisting with eyewear adjustments and measurements

Optical Lab and Optical Technician roles are related but distinct. The Optical Lab primarily focuses on lens fabrication and finishing in a manufacturing environment, requiring specialized skills and equipment. In contrast, Optical Technicians often work directly with customers or in retail settings, assisting with eyewear fitting and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of optics but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an Optical Lab and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in an Optical Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining precise quality control, managing high volumes of orders, and adapting to rapidly evolving lens technologies. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact a patient's vision and satisfaction. To address these challenges, it’s important to follow strict standard operating procedures, utilize continuous training on new equipment, and foster strong communication with optometrists and sales teams to ensure accuracy and timely delivery.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs typically include specialized roles such as optometrists with advanced certifications or those working in private practices, hospitals, or specialized clinics. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and subspecialty areas like ocular disease or vision therapy, with some earning over $150,000 annually. Leadership positions such as clinic directors or optometry practice owners also tend to have higher compensation.

What is an optical lab?

An optical lab is a specialized facility where prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical devices are manufactured and assembled. These labs use advanced machinery and skilled technicians to cut, grind, and coat lenses according to a patient's prescription. Optical labs also fit lenses into frames, check for quality, and ensure that each pair of glasses meets the required standards for vision correction and safety.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical or industrial laboratories, with salaries reaching over $60,000 annually. Experience, certifications, and advanced technical skills can significantly increase earning potential in this role.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in handling optical equipment and understanding lens prescriptions are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Colorado as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,686 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology - 832

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer for Photonics and Optical Metrology in our Broomfield, CO location.
Our team is developing optics and integrated photonics technologies that will enable scaling of our trapped-ion quantum computers from our current 98-qubit Helios system to our future 1,000,000-qubit Lumos system (Quantinuum system roadmap link). The data, designs, and expertise from our group inform our next-generation systems, including Apollo and Lumos, from the overall architecture to the tiniest of details. We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Apply mechanical design tools, such OnShape and Ansys, to support development of prototype and production hardware for optical metrology setups
  • Design, model, and develop the mechanical systems for optical metrology to characterize advanced optical, micro-optic, and integrated photonic devices and systems
  • Maintain thorough, version-controlled CAD models and BOMs.
  • Partner with lab validation & integration teams to build and test prototype assemblies.
  • Collaborate and work witha diverse cross-disciplinary team, includingphotonics scientists, optical engineers, opto-mechanical engineers, machinists, atomic physicists, mechanical engineers, and fabrication experts to validate integrated photonic andtrapped-ion technologies
  • Contribute to design and trade studies and analyses.
  • Communicate design proposals and results through design reviews, documentation, and presentations.
  • Work in a research lab environment to collect and analyze data on system and device performance.

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • Minimum 3 years' experience (degree inclusive) in CAD systems, such as Onshape
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, optics, or related field
  • 5+ years' experience in scientific research and development or engineering roles
  • Experience with FEA (modal, structural, and thermal)
  • Experience in a hands-on environment, especially with free-space optics, imaging systems, motion control
  • Experience with control systems for data collection, signal processing, and analysis.
  • Experience with scientific coding and data analysis and familiarity with software tools like MATLAB, Python, etc
  • Experience with revision and release control
  • Experience with user interfaces and the automation of assembly and test processes
  • Experience in creating drawings and assembly processes for optical systems
  • Exposure to optical design and simulation, such as Zemax
  • Interest in learning more about optics, photonics, and quantum technology

$89,000 - $112,000 a year
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company's quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum's over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What's in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.