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Optical Laboratory Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

You will be a key contributor to E/O payloads, the Optical Engineering department, and the ... Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote ...

Eng Sr Prin - Sys

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Create and manage physics-based calibration models and budgets. * Collaborate with other ... Optics/physics training with an emphasis on laboratory or other high accuracy measurement ...

... Optical (AMO) physics , particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum ... Manage up to six direct reports, including expectations, performance, coaching, and career ...

... Optical (AMO) physics , particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum ... Manage up to six direct reports, including expectations, performance, coaching, and career ...

... Optical (AMO) physics , particularly those with experience in the coherent control of quantum ... Manage up to six direct reports, including expectations, performance, coaching, and career ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 3, 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 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 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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in Colorado?

For Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Optical Laboratory Manager jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Optical Laboratory Manager job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in CO?

For Optical Laboratory Manager jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,378 per year, or $43 per hour.

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the manufacturing area responsible for providing flight gratings.

  • Maintain the existing product line, including incorporating continuous improvement to the process.

  • Participate in design reviews, present findings, and provide input to ensure successful project outcomes.


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description


We are looking for an Engineering Manager to lead BAE Systems Space & Missions System (SMS) Grating Technology Center (GTC). You will be responsible for the maintenance, operation, and growth of the optical manufacturing product line. You will be a key contributor to E/O payloads, the Optical Engineering department, and the Engineering, Science, and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit comprises the technical talent and organizational leadership that enables the successful delivery of high-impact discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continual learning and strong execution.
What You'll Do:
  • Manage the manufacturing area responsible for providing flight gratings
  • Maintain the existing product line, including incorporating continuous improvement to the process
  • Collaborate with Optical Architects and Capture Managers to meet future and next generation payload designs
  • Own and implement the technology roadmap to increase the capabilities of manufacturing technology
  • Manage the GTC budget, schedule, and staff
  • Participate in design reviews, presenting findings, and provide input to ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Contribute to proposal development, respond to RFIs, and participate is program lifecycle reviews
  • Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
  • Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
  • May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
  • May access other facilities in various weather conditions.

Required Skills and Education
  • BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 8 or more years related experience.
  • Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
  • A current, active Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required.
  • 5 years or more of technical leadership
  • Cost and Schedule Management and Ownership
  • Basic understanding of all the following engineering disciplines: Mechanical/Mechanisms, Optical, Controls, Electrical, and Materials and Processes
  • Leadership skills to inspire and connect with team members, customers and subject matter experts to provide technical leadership and achieve mission success.
  • Interpersonal skills to foster relationships with Program Management, other program team leaders, and on-site customers as required.
  • Presentation skills to formally present information and communicate effectively with Program Management, Executive Leadership, and Customers.
#LI-GJ1
Preferred Skills and Education
  • Mastery of 2 of the following engineering disciplines: Mechanical/Mechanisms, Optical, Controls, Electrical, and Materials and Processes.
  • 5 years or more of payload hardware Assembly, Integration, and Test.
  • Experience mentoring engineers at all experience levels.
  • Track record of career growth for Engineers and Technicians.
  • Master of Business Administration.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US