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Optical Lab Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Lab information

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How much do optical lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical lab in Baltimore, MD is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.29 and $20.53 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 job categories do people searching Optical Lab jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Lab jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
Infographic showing various Optical Lab job openings in Baltimore, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,061 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Optical Project Engineer

CompQsoft, Inc.

Fort George G Meade, MD

$143K - $186K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

Job Title: Optical Project Engineer  

Location: Fort Meade MD

Clearance required by project: Active DOD Secret

Certification required by project: IAT Level 2 or willing to obtain within 3 Months of joining    

Requirements


Overview:  

COMPQSOFT Inc. is seeking an  Optical Proect 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 plans in evaluating engineering architecture, 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 (include, but not limited to) 

  • 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.

CompQsoft provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and in the working environment to all employees and applicants. CompQsoft does not take any non-merit factors like race, color, religion, sex (gender), mental/physical disability, and age into account for purposes of recruitment, hiring and developmentÂ