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Optical Laboratory Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Laboratory Technician

Newington, NH · On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

The Optical Laboratory Technician position is an integral part of the program team serving as the ... The position works closely with Engineers, Program Managers, Production, and Quality Engineers, to ...

Optical Lab Technician

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials * Consistently adhere to hourly deadlines for finishing jobs * Prescription Management: Correctly read and ...

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Optical Lab Technician

Saraland, AL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Identify and work with basic optical laboratory equipment, tools, supplies, and materials ... Time management skills - ability to prioritize and work quickly and efficiently when there are ...

Optical/Office Manager

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Manage inventory, including ordering eyewear and contact lenses, conducting regular stock checks ... Preparing work orders for the optical laboratory. * Experience in optical desired.

Ensuring adherence to optical, FDA, and HIPPA regulations and managing laboratory equipment/quality control protocols. * Operational Management: Monitoring inventory control, staff scheduling, and ...

Ensuring adherence to optical, FDA, and HIPPA regulations and managing laboratory equipment/quality control protocols. * Operational Management: Monitoring inventory control, staff scheduling, and ...

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Optical Laboratory Manager information

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$79K

$85K

$89.5K

How much do optical laboratory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical laboratory manager in the United States is $85,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

Optical Laboratory Managers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many employers preferring postsecondary education or specialized training in optics or laboratory technology. Relevant experience in optical manufacturing or lab operations, along with strong organizational and technical skills, is essential; certifications such as Certified Optical Laboratory Technician (COLT) can also enhance qualifications.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Laboratory Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Optical Laboratory Managers often face challenges such as maintaining high production quality while meeting tight deadlines, managing inventory of lenses and frames, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. Effective communication with team members and cross-functional departments, such as customer service and sales, is essential to address these issues promptly. Implementing robust quality control procedures and ongoing staff training can help maintain accuracy and efficiency, while adopting inventory management systems can minimize shortages or overstock situations.

What is the highest paying lab technician job?

The highest paying lab technician roles are often in specialized fields such as clinical laboratory directors, research scientists, or quality assurance managers, with salaries exceeding $70,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and management responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in laboratory settings.

What does an Optical Laboratory Manager do?

An Optical Laboratory Manager oversees the daily operations of an optical lab where eyeglasses, lenses, and other optical products are manufactured and assembled. They are responsible for supervising staff, ensuring quality control, maintaining equipment, and managing inventory. Additionally, they implement safety standards, handle scheduling, and coordinate with optometrists and optical dispensaries to fulfill orders accurately and efficiently. Their role is crucial in ensuring timely delivery of high-quality optical products to customers.

What is the difference between Optical Laboratory Manager vs Optical Lab Technician?

AspectOptical Laboratory ManagerOptical Lab Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer certifications in optical technologyHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervises lab operations, manages staff, oversees quality controlPerforms lens fabrication, assembly, and quality checks
Industry UsageUsed in optical labs, eyewear manufacturing, and retail optical stores

The Optical Laboratory Manager oversees the entire lab operations, staff, and quality control, requiring some managerial skills. In contrast, the Optical Lab Technician focuses on the hands-on fabrication and assembly of lenses. Both roles are essential in optical labs but differ mainly in responsibilities and scope.

What does an optical lab manager do?

An optical lab manager oversees the daily operations of an optical laboratory, including managing staff, ensuring quality control, and maintaining production schedules for eyeglasses and lenses. They coordinate with optometrists and technicians, ensure compliance with safety standards, and may use specialized equipment and software to produce accurate optical products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Laboratory Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Laboratory Manager, you typically need a solid understanding of optical science, laboratory operations, lens fabrication processes, and a relevant degree or certification in opticianry or optical technology. Familiarity with laboratory management software, lens edging and surfacing equipment, and quality control systems is crucial. Excellent leadership, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help manage teams and ensure smooth workflow. These skills are vital for maintaining high-quality standards, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a competitive optical environment.

What does a laboratory manager do?

An optical laboratory manager oversees the daily operations of an optical lab, including supervising staff, ensuring quality control of lenses and frames, managing inventory, and maintaining safety standards. They coordinate with opticians and technicians, often use specialized equipment, and may require certifications in optical technology or management. Their role ensures efficient production and high-quality optical products.

What Does an Optical Laboratory Manager Do?

As an optical laboratory manager, your responsibilities include handling all optical laboratory duties for one or many practices. This includes inspecting lenses and invoices to ensure billing is accurate, coordinating scheduling with patients, and managing digital tracers, stock lenses, and lens turnaround time. You work closely with the lens vendor rep for staff training and marketing, and integrate lab management software. Other duties include crafting eyewear by edging lenses to the correct prescription, mounting lenses in frames, inspecting to ensure conformance to ANSI specifications, and working directly with patients to troubleshoot problems. You make recommendations to your manager on new operations and technologies that help increase efficiency and cost savings, assist with laboratory training, and organize expenses reports. You are also expected to handle equipment maintenance as needed.

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Optical Laboratory Technician

Optical Laboratory Technician

Wilcox Industries

Newington, NH • On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Wilcox develops innovative, world class electro-mechanical combat systems for today's warfighters and law enforcement officers. The Optical Laboratory Technician position is an integral part of the program team serving as the technical authority for optical product testing while working to deliver best in class product. The position works closely with Engineers, Program Managers, Production, and Quality Engineers, to ensure the team is delivering a product that our customers can trust their lives with. This position designs and performs a wide range of tests and experiments for optical and laser-based products. This position also serves in laser safety, helping keep Wilcox Industries in compliance with Laser Safety Guidelines and Practices.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Supports the Engineering, Quality, and Production teams by designing, breadboarding, and performing both standard and non-standard testing and evaluation set-ups.
  • Tests components, modules, and systems for existing devices and devices under development.
  • Provides timely, detailed test reports documenting experimental setups and results.
  • Collaborates with program/product teams as well as Quality and Production to develop and document optical and laser test procedures for inspection and production lines.
  • Shares knowledge and experience of optical and laser-based products and experience with colleagues, both Technicians and Engineers.
  • Stays current on developments in optical and laser technology.
  • Working with the EHS Manager, creates educational material regarding the safe practices for operating laser products and instruments and coordinates laser safety training.
  • Provides live instruction of operating laser products and instruments to team members.
  • Performs laser safety calculations and evaluations of laser instruments and laser products.
  • Ensures that all laser-based devices and testing stations are properly identified with appropriate warning signage.
  • Designs and implements laser testing stations that protect employees from accidental exposure including the identification of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to employees that work with or may be exposed laser radiation.
  • Stays current on Laser Safety related issues and standards.
  • Performs other duties as directed.
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
  • Associate's degree in engineering discipline or equivalent degree.
  • 3-5 years of Engineering and manufacturing experience.
  • Theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience with a variety of optical and laser devices.
  • Laser safety training and/or previous LSO certification.
  • Familiarity with ANSI 136.1 - 2022.
Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Regular on-site attendance is a necessary function of this position
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently while also mentoring and guiding team members.
  • Ability to design and present training to employees.
  • Demonstrates the ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.
  • Fosters a collaborative environment, helping to raise the technical skill of the team.
  • Demonstrates interpersonal tact when working with others.
  • Designs and constructs relevant experiments and test stations.
  • Creates readable reports and documentation.
  • Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality work.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite.
  • Wilcox is a U.S government defense contractor, and this position requires access to export-controlled technology. Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access U.S. government-controlled technology prior to beginning work.
Preferred Skills/Abilities:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline or equivalent degree.
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear; use hands and fingers to handle and touch objects, tools, or controls to work in a production environment. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus to work. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift 25 pounds at times.
  • Ability to perform physical tests and handle tools/equipment used for prototyping.

Wilcox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
Wilcox provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.