1

Optical Laboratory Manager Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Technician

Memphis, TN ยท On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

To manage receiving inspection processof raw materialslike Steel, Castings etc. * To ... Have previous experience or knowledge about Hardness testing, Optical microscopy, Chemical analysis.

Be Seen First

Quality Technician

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$24.90/hr

Perform and maintain calibration of gauges, masters, and laboratory equipment according to QMS ... Operate precision measurement equipment, including Keyence Digital Microscope, optical comparator ...

Lab Tech (QC)

Chattanooga, TN

$18 - $22.75/hr

Job Summary The Laboratory Technician performs standard test methods to meet method and customer ... More than 50 years of experience in medical, aerospace, energy, automotive, fiber optics, and more ...

Lab Tech (QC)

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Job Summary The Laboratory Technician performs standard test methods to meet method and customer ... Manages and coordinates external calibration of electronic equipment in a timely manner * Obtains ...

Lab Tech (QC)

Chattanooga, TN ยท On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

Job Summary The Laboratory Technician performs standard test methods to meet method and customer ... More than 50 years of experience in medical, aerospace, energy, automotive, fiber optics, and more ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Laboratory Manager information

See Tennessee salary details

$71.7K

$77.1K

$81.2K

How much do optical laboratory manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical laboratory manager in Tennessee is $77,147.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $79,400.00 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory Manager job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,147 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Applied Scientist, Optical (contract)

Zetta Technologies

Nashville, TN โ€ข On-site, Remote

$12K/mo

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

At Zetta Technologies, our mission is to create the world's most resilient and sustainable optical communications network. Come work alongside industry-leading scientists and engineers to create the technology that will define the next generation of fiber optics.

We are prioritizing candidates in the DC Area and Nashville, but candidates from other locations will be considered.

Responsibilities

  • Validate key technologies involved in next generation fiber optic connections, technical roadmap planning, and key technical solution design and selection;
  • Research and development of optical interconnection related network control, management, monitoring, and other automation requirements, to improve network operation and maintenance efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or above, major in fiber optics communication, optical networking, optoelectronics, communication/electronic engineering
  • Solid theoretical understanding of fiber optic communication systems including propagation modeling, optical amplifiers, optical and optoelectronic devices
  • Experience with optical networking design software or fiber optic communication system analysis software, such as VPIphotonics/Optiwave, etc
  • Familiar with IEEE802.3, Optical Transport Networking ITU-T recommendations , and OIF standards
  • Interested/have experience with hardware design, such as PCB hardware design experience, and have the ability to select and design optical and electronic chips and devices
  • Working knowledge of computer networking the TCP/IP protocol stack, and those with some knowledge of software programming ability are preferred.

Salary

  • $12,500 / month, minimum three-month contract
Employment Type: CONTRACTOR