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Optical Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

esr

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA

$17.25 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

Optician

Richmond, VA

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

Optician

Mechanicsville, VA

$17.25 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

Virginia Eye Institute

Optician

Midlothian, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

esr

Optician

Richmond, VA

$17 - $22/hr

We are searching for a full-time optician to join our busy practice. Job purpose * Responsible ... Responsible for keeping work station neat, clean and presentable as well as lab, equipment and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Jobs in Virginia

Optical Lab information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$21

$55

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Virginia is $21.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.48 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab jobs in Virginia? For Optical Lab jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,961 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Director, Network Architect - Optical

Director, Network Architect - Optical

Zayo Group, LLC

Ashburn, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Zayo provides mission-critical bandwidth to the world's most impactful companies, fueling the innovations that are transforming our society. Zayo's 141,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. Zayo's communications infrastructure solutions include dark fiber, private data networks, wavelengths, Ethernet, and dedicated Internet access. Zayo serves wireless and wireline carriers, media, tech, content, finance, healthcare and other large enterprises.
Location: This position can be remote, based in the US.
The Director, Network Architecture - Optical is responsible for defining and driving the strategic architecture, technical standards, and technology roadmap for Zayo's optical transport and wavelength networks across core, metro, and edge environments.
This role leads a team of senior and principal network architects responsible for evaluating, certifying, and evolving transport technologies supporting Zayo's optical service portfolio and fiber infrastructure. The Director will partner closely with Engineering, Planning, Operations, Product, Security, and executive leadership to ensure the network architecture aligns with business objectives, operational scalability, customer requirements, and long-term technology evolution.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in DWDM and transport technologies, strong leadership capabilities, strategic vendor engagement experience, and a proven track record leading large-scale network architecture initiatives within a carrier or service provider environment.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Architecture Leadership
  • Define and maintain the long-term architectural vision for Zayo's optical transport, wavelength, and transport infrastructure.
  • Lead development of multi-year technology roadmaps supporting scalability, resiliency, automation, service innovation, and operational efficiency.
  • Establish architectural standards, design principles, and technical governance across optical and transport domains.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, market trends, and vendor capabilities to guide strategic investment decisions.
  • Support integration efforts, providing strategic direction for combined network assets.

Optical & Transport Technology Leadership
  • Provide executive-level technical leadership across DWDM, ROADM, coherent optics, OTN, fiber optic cable, construction, and transport network evolution initiatives.
  • Drive architectural direction for core and metro optical transport networks including fixed-grid and flex-grid deployments.
  • Oversee technology evaluation, lab validation, certification strategy, and first office application activities for new platforms and services.
  • Lead lifecycle planning and modernization strategies for transport infrastructure and optical platforms.

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Lead and mentor a team of network architects focused on optical transport and wavelength technologies.
  • Partner closely with Network Engineering, Planning, Operations, Product, Security, and Automation teams to align architecture strategy with business priorities.
  • Support strategic customer opportunities by providing architectural guidance for complex transport and wavelength solutions.
  • Drive alignment between architecture standards and engineering implementation practices.

Vendor & Industry Engagement
  • Maintain strategic relationships with key technology suppliers including Ciena, Nokia, Infinera, and related ecosystem partners.
  • Influence vendor roadmaps and advocate for capabilities aligned to Zayo's network evolution strategy.
  • Participate in industry forums, standards discussions, and technology reviews to maintain awareness of emerging innovations and competitive trends.

Network Automation & Innovation
  • Promote automation-first architecture principles across transport provisioning, assurance, telemetry, and operational workflows.
  • Support adoption of software-driven networking, orchestration, and network intelligence capabilities.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities for operational simplification and improved network efficiency.

Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in telecommunications or service provider environments with deep focus on optical transport and network architecture.
  • Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience managing senior technical teams, architects, or strategic engineering organizations.
  • Expert-level knowledge of:
  • o DWDM and optical transport architectures
  • o ROADM technologies (fixed and flex-grid)
  • o Coherent optics and wavelength services
  • o OTN, Carrier Ethernet, SONET/SDH, and transport protocols
  • o Optical fiber engineering and transport design principles
  • o Core and metro transport network architectures
  • Experience working with optical transport vendors including Ciena, Nokia, and Infinera.
  • Strong understanding of network automation, network telemetry, and software-driven operational models.
  • Demonstrated success developing technology roadmaps and leading large-scale infrastructure evolution initiatives and forecasting and managing budgets on key initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, or Business Administration.
  • Experience supporting hyperscale, carrier, or large enterprise optical infrastructure environments.
  • Familiarity with IP/MPLS transport integration and packet-optical convergence strategies.
  • Experience with transport network security and resiliency frameworks.
  • Knowledge of automation and scripting technologies such as Python, APIs, or orchestration platforms.

Leadership Competencies
  • Strategic thinking and long-range technology planning
  • Executive communication and stakeholder management
  • Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
  • Vendor negotiation and partnership management
  • Technical mentorship and organizational influence
  • Innovation and continuous improvement mindset

#LI-MF1
#LI-Remote
Estimated base salary range: $126,600 - $194,700 USD/annually.
The base pay range shown is a guideline and reasonable estimate for this role. It takes into account the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions. Actual compensation offered may vary from the posted range based upon geographic location, work experience, skill level, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Non- sales roles may be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive plan. Sales roles may be eligible to participate in a sales incentive plan.
Additionally, this position may be eligible for certain benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, disability retirement plans, paid time off.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
Benefits, Rewards & Wellness
  • Excellent Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Retirement 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Generous paid time off policy including paid parental leave

Zayo is an equal opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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