ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Lab Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$130K - $168K/yr

... from the lab to the field. * Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection, recognition ...

Rocket Lab

Senior DevOps Engineer I

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

SENIOR DEVOPS ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense (DoD ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

... the lab to the field. Responsibilities * Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

... the lab to the field. Responsibilities * Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

... the lab to the field. Responsibilities * Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts. * Perform DRI (detection ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsOptical Lab JobsOptical Lab Jobs in Washington

Optical Lab information

See Washington salary details

$13

$24

$63

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Washington is $24.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $23.41 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Lab jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Optical Lab jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Lab jobs in Washington? For Optical Lab jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Lab jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Optical Lab job openings:
Optical Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,363 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Optical Project Engineer

Optical Project Engineer

CompQsoft, Inc.

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$143K - $186K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description

Title: Optical Project Engineer 

Location: Fort Meade, MD (Hybrid) 

Clearance required:  Secret Clearance

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 

Requirements

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an Optical Project Engineer to augment our DISA test team at Fort Meade, MD. The candidate will function as a subject matter expert (SME) in testing existing and new optical network equipment for the DOD's transport network. The candidate will work developing test cases, test reports and implementation plan in evaluating engineering architectures, new technologies and approaches to unique engineering problems. Candidate will also function as a Tier III Optical engineer assisting Tier II engineers and vendors to provide solutions to resolve real world Optical network issues.

Responsibilities/Duties/Tasks:

Optical testing:

- Analyze new/old optical transport equipment functionality and interoperability amongst various transport networks (Optical Transport Networks (OTN), Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), Ethernet) and cryptographic equipment.

- Operate various Bit Error Rate Test (BERT) test equipment in support of equipment testing.

- Develop test cases, test reports and implementation plans based on equipment testing.

- Perform interoperability testing between different vendors OTN equipment.

- Perform interoperability testing between edge devices and OTN equipment.

- Determine and provide Recommendations with supporting documentation for new equipment to be deployed /not deployed in the operational network.

- Brief the group leads on project status.

Tier III Support: 

- Work with DISA Tier II optical engineers to identify, track, and develop solutions to complex network problems.

- Mock-up equipment problems in the Test Lab to reproduce the problem and work toward a solution.

Engineering support:

- Analyze new Optical transport equipment. 

- Determine/identify functional capabilities of new equipment.

- Provide SME support in identifying equipment capabilities.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree is preferred

- Security+ certification or equivalent 8570 IAT II certification.(Should be able to obtain within 3 months from joining)

- 5 + years of Optical systems engineering experience configuring, testing, designing, implementing, or troubleshooting telecommunication networks.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills are required to collaborate test plans and reports with Government and equipment vendors.

- Able to work with strict deadlines.

- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft office suite to include Word, Excel, and Visio technical drawing program.

- Ability to work along with no or little assistance to complete equipment testing.

- Ability to work in a group to achieve the common goal to resolve complex network issues.

- Extensive knowledge of Dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) technologies.

- Experience with SONET, DWDM, Time-division multiplexing (TDM) and Ethernet technologies.

Apply