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Optical Lab Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior DevOps Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

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

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

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

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$143K - $214K/yr

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

Principal FPGA Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$142K - $174K/yr

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

Principal FPGA Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$142K - $174K/yr

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

Sr. FPGA Engineer II

Chantilly, VA

$133K - $171K/yr

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

Senior DevOps Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

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

Senior DevOps Engineer II

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$133K - $171K/yr

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

Showing results 21-40

Optical Lab information

See Washington salary details

$13

$24

$63

How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical lab technician?

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 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.

How to work at an optical lab?

To work at an optical lab, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require training in lens fabrication, edging, and inspection. Familiarity with optical tools and safety procedures is important, and some positions may require certification or on-the-job training. Attention to detail and manual dexterity are essential skills for this role.

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 cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Lab jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Optical Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,363 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

IP and Optical Test Engineers with Security Clearance

By Light Professional IT Services

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$143K - $185K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. Position Overview By Light is seeking IP and Optical Network Test Engineers to support a future contract award on the SETI Small Business contract vehicle. Our IP and Optical Network Engineers assess, test, and recommend solutions and technologies to improve all aspects of DISN Transport systems. These technologies include network devices (Optical Transport Systems, Optical Line Systems, Optical Transponders, routers, switches, firewalls, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and services Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA), Access Control List (ACL), secure remote access (i.e Secure shell, Secure VPN, IPSec), and IPv6 capable devices. Network Test Engineers are responsible for all DISN aspects regarding the design review/recommendation, lab testing, evaluation/certification, and implementation/deployment as well as provide Tier 3 support for the DoD's NIPRNet and SIPRNet backbone networks. Responsibilities * Provide technical expertise in design review, lab testing & test report, implementation plan and deployment of new advanced large-scale complex DoD networks. * Implement MPLS services offerings on the DISN network. MPLS services include L3VPN, L2VPN, VPLS (Virtual Private LAN service) and CsC (Carrier Supporting Carrier). Platforms tested include Juniper MX Series, Cisco ASR Series routers.
* Provide expertise in order to certify and support Optical systems to include optical switches, amplifiers, regenerators, Optical Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), Optical Transport Networking (OTN), Optical Transport Unit (OTU) frames, OTN-based backbones, optical light paths, optical spectrum sharing, optical virtual private networks (O-VPNs), wavelength-based private services, Packet-Optical Transport System (P-OTS), Ethernet, Flexible Ethernet (FlexE), Carrier Ethernet.
* Provide technical security expertise in design, test, evaluation and deployment of advanced large-scale complex DoD networks. Review security requirements set by DoD agencies for the NIPRNET/SIPRNET network protection; Assess and analyze current NIPRNET/SIPRNET network architecture; Propose and analyze potential solutions. * Conducting audits, risk assessment, threat analysis, contingency planning and implementing security standards and methods.
* Reviews security threats to the current DoD NIPRNet/Internet gateway IA infrastructure, architecture, and technology and determines/implements effective countermeasures IAW established policies/regulations/directives.
* Delivers Router and Firewall Test Plans, Test Reports, as well as Implementation Plans to provide direction for deployment in the production environment. Prepare field recommendations and Configuration Guides.
* Provide Tier III engineering support to field operations personnel and deliver Field Support Lessons Learned reports.
* Conduct market research to find products to meet requirements. Required Experience/Qualifications * BS in Networking, Telecommunications, or related area required.
* DoD 8570-01-M IAT Level I or higher to include one of the following: A+ CE, CCNA-Security, CND, Network+ CE, SSCP Security+, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, or CISSP.
* Extensive experience in IP or Optical Networking.
* Expertise in large-scale IP/Optical & Testing with backbone routers running ISIS, BGP/MP-BGP (multi AS), MPLS routing protocols, switches and testing gear including traffic generators from IXIA and Spirent Test Center Preferred Experience/Qualifications * Professional Networking Certifications such as Cisco CCNA, Juniper JNCIE or Ciena OC-P are highly preferred.
* Hardware certification testing, JUNOS/IOS-XR/Ciena operating system regression testing.
* DISN IP or Optical Design Experience
* Network test equipment/Traffic Generator such as IXIA and Spirent Test Center.
* Firewalls (Juniper/Netscreen, Cisco ASA/PIX, CyberGuard, SideWinder), VPN products (IPSec, SSL VPN).
* IDS/IPS (Arbor Peakflow DoS & Traffic, Top Layer, ForeScout).
* F5 Big-IP load balancer, BlueCoat Web Proxy.
* Unix (SUN/HP/BSD) Servers/Workstations, Linux, PC Servers/Workstations
* VMWare ESXi server.
* JunOS, Cisco IOS & IOS-XR, UNIX (Sun Solaris, BSD, HPUX, SCO), VMWare, Linux, FreeBSD, Microsoft OS Servers and Workstations.
* Certificate Authority Server, ACE/SecureID Server, TACACS+, RADIUS, MS Exchange, Sendmail, Apache web server, PKI, WINS, DHCP, DNS, FTP/SFTP/TFTP, SSH, NTP, Netflow/Cflowd servers.
* Possess excellent interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact with management and staff at all levels.
* Candidate should also have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Salary Range Based on the roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for this position is: $100,000 - $200,000. The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.