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Optical Laboratory Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Atom Computing

Principal Optical Engineer

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design ... laboratory environment * Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to ...

Ursa Major

Research Lab Technician

Berthoud, CO

$26.50 - $33.20/hr

... optic lines for new experiments. * Assist in establishing experimental procedures and conduct ... Maintain detailed laboratory notation, adhere to analytical data management and governance best ...

Ursa Major

Research Lab Technician

Berthoud, CO · On-site

$26.50 - $33.20/hr

... optic lines for new experiments. * Assist in establishing experimental procedures and conduct ... Maintain detailed laboratory notation, adhere to analytical data management and governance best ...

Ursa Major

Research Lab Technician

Berthoud, CO

$26.50 - $33.20/hr

... optic lines for new experiments. * Assist in establishing experimental procedures and conduct ... Maintain detailed laboratory notation, adhere to analytical data management and governance best ...

Xcimer Energy

Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation * Work ... Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems

Xcimer Energy

Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation * Work ... Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro optical systems

Medium

Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation * Work ... Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro‑optical ...

Xcimer-Energy

Principal Adaptive Optics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$190 - $220/hr

Define laboratory and in situ test plans to validate performance and closed loop operation * Work ... Proven ability to work directly with external vendors on custom optical and electro‑optical ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Boulder, CO · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This career offers a unique challenge: managing the complex intersection of optical physics ... Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote ...

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All JobsOptical Laboratory JobsOptical Laboratory Manager JobsOptical Laboratory Manager Jobs in Colorado

Optical Laboratory Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$83.1K

$89.4K

$94.1K

How much do optical laboratory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical laboratory manager in Colorado is $89,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $92,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,378 per year, or $43 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

Atom Computing

Boulder, CO

$160K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will empower customers to achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join a world-class team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state-of-the-art in quantum computing.

We are seeking a Principal Optical Engineer. As a technical lead, you will define and implement rigorous standards for optical engineering, ensuring design integrity through detailed modeling and analysis. You will collaborate closely with physicists and subject matter experts to architect the optical assemblies and modules essential for our next-generation neutral atom quantum computers. This position reports directly to the VP, Optical Engineering and requires being on-site at our Boulder, CO facility 4-5 days per week.

Job Responsibilities
  • Initiate and lead the design and specification of complex, next-generation optical systems and subsystems from the component level up to the system level
  • Collaborate with technical leaders across engineering domains to understand key product use cases to inform next generation hardware development lifecycle
  • Work with physicists and subject matter experts to develop requirements and system architecture for optical assemblies, subsystems, and modules to support next generation neutral atom computers
  • Establish and enforce best practices for optical design, performing critical design reviews, detailed tolerance analysis, and advanced stray light modeling to ensure suitability of design solutions
  • Define and standardize precision alignment procedures for all optical designs and subsystems, ensuring robust and repeatable assembly
  • Provide high-level leadership and oversight for hands-on assembly and precision alignment of finalized optical designs
  • Mentor junior team members and generate internal training documents and procedures
  • Contribute as a subject matter expert to technical writing, grant proposals, and presentations
  • Generate new intellectual property and inventions
  • Develop complex optical components and devices with external vendors including managing the design process and defining deliverables
  • External speaking and/or customer engagements
  • Troubleshoot technical issues at Atom and off-site customer facilities
  • Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Experience & Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences, Optical Engineering or related field. Advanced degree a plus
  • 10+ years optical design experience
  • 7+ years of hands-on optics assembly experience in a laboratory environment
  • Experience bringing a complex optical system from conception to productization
Qualifications
  • Deep expertise and demonstrated leadership in the design of high-numerical-aperture imaging systems and complex laser distribution networks
  • Proven track record of driving complex technical initiatives from conception through deployment, and the ability to mentor and scale the engineering team's capabilities
  • Proficiency with Zemax, FRED, or equivalent ray-tracing software
  • Experience with structural-thermal-optical-performance (STOP) analysis
  • Experience with Onshape, Solidworks, or equivalent 3D CAD
  • Deep experience and knowledge of free-space optics, fiber optics, lasers, optical metrology/characterization, polarization, and detection
  • Experience with high-power lasers and optical design toward high-power systems.
  • Creative, critical thinker with ability to strategize and solve complex problems in a dynamic environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to teamwork
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with neutral atom quantum computing
  • Industry/Professional experience in commercial product development and deployment to a customer site

Atom Computing provides a wide variety of perks and benefits, including fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their dependents. Additionally, unlimited paid time off, 401K company matching, short- and long-term disability, FSA, dependent care benefits, and life insurance.  We also offer drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices, every day!

The base salary range for this position is between $160,000-185,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.