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Optical Lab Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

... 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

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

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

Rocket Lab Corporation

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 ...

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$13

$24

$63

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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 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 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 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.
Principal Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer

QinetiQ

Lorton, VA

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).
QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.
Why Join QinetiQ US?
If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.
Position Overview
QinetiQ US is seeking an experienced Principal Optical Engineer with strong laboratory and prototype integration experience to support system integration on multiple defense-oriented programs through the full product life cycle, from the lab to the field.
Responsibilities
  • Provide optical subject matter expertise in support of developmental, prototype, and transition to manufacturing efforts.
  • Perform DRI (detection, recognition, identification) range analysis of electro-optical/ infrared (EOIR) systems.
  • Work with multidisciplinary engineering teams to integrate optical and sensor components, supporting the entire product lifecycle from conceptualization to manufacturing and sustainment.
  • Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for centration and tip/tilt, and more.
  • Build and align benchtop prototypes, conduct experiments, and validate performance against design requirements. Verify optical designs and test delivered optical assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements.
  • Characterize performance of EOIR sensors, typically broadband focal plane array type visible, near infrared (NIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR) and longwave infrared (LWIR) sensors, but also others as needed.
  • Use laser sources and other methods to perform precise alignment of optical components and telescope systems. Work with visible and invisible pulsed and continuous laser sources.
  • Define optical and sensor component and system specifications and select optical components including lasers, sensors, displays, optical stabilization systems, and lenses to meet program requirements.
  • Design, simulate, tolerance, and optimize optical systems, components, and lens layouts using Zemax to generate baseline reference designs for further design and fabrication by external vendors. Simulate laser parameters with Excel or Zemax.
  • Interpret stray light analysis and generate specific design recommendations for baffles, coatings, stops, etc., to minimize stray light in systems.
  • Generate technical documentation and reports and convey or present the information to management and the customer.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering or related field
  • 15+ years of experience in optical design and related fields relevant to the position responsibilities, including strong prior experience working in the defense or aerospace industry
  • Experience in laboratory environments including expertise with opto-mechanical assembly, alignment tools, optical bore sighting, laboratory testing
  • Design experience incorporating HD visible sensors, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR sensors with optical assemblies (including fixed focus and zoom configurations) and into higher-level systems
  • Experience modeling visible, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR sensor systems to predict system performance for detection, recognition and identification of objects
  • Knowledgeable in techniques and specifications for Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Fast Steering Mirrors (FSM)
  • Experience in specifying displays, especially near-eye displays for systems such as sights, binoculars, and AR/VR systems
  • Experience designing and modeling lenses and other optical components in Zemax
  • A solid knowledge of relevant optical component suppliers
  • Up 10% travel to support project needs, including to QinetiQ sites, customer sites, military installations, and other locations
  • Must have active Secret or higher level clearance #QinetiQClearedJob

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience modeling sensor systems in NVIPM (Night Vision Integrated Performance Model)
  • Experience mentoring junior optical engineers
  • Experience with hyperspectral systems
  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills
  • Experience with laser designators, laser range finders, laser dazzlers, and other tactical laser systems, and methods of beam steering

Company EEO Statement
Accessibility/Accommodation:
If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.
QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

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