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Optical Laboratory Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Quantinuum

Optics Engineer - 888

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Package completed optical assemblies and ensure products meet commercial manufacturing quality requirements. * Follow laboratory safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and quality standards during ...

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Optical Laboratory information

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$12

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$59

How much do optical laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical laboratory in Colorado is $22.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Laboratory vs Optician?

AspectOptical LaboratoryOptician
CredentialsMay require certifications in lab work or optical technologyOften requires state licensing or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, working with lenses and equipmentRetail or clinical setting, interacting with customers
Job FocusFabricating and assembling lenses and optical componentsFitting, adjusting, and dispensing eyewear to patients
Industry UsageManufacturing and production of optical productsCustomer service and eyewear sales

While both roles are essential in the optical industry, an Optical Laboratory primarily focuses on fabricating lenses and optical components in a lab setting, whereas an Optician interacts directly with customers to fit and dispense eyewear. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the optical field.

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

Professionals working in an Optical Laboratory often encounter challenges such as maintaining high precision in lens fabrication, managing a fast-paced workflow with tight deadlines, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards. Effective communication with team members and attention to detail are crucial for minimizing errors during the lens grinding, coating, and fitting processes. Regular training, organization, and the use of updated technology can help address these challenges and contribute to a productive and error-free work environment.

What is an optical laboratory?

An optical laboratory is a specialized facility where eyeglass lenses and other optical devices are created, customized, and assembled according to prescriptions from eye care professionals. Technicians in optical labs use advanced equipment to cut, grind, polish, and fit lenses into eyeglass frames, ensuring that each pair meets the precise vision needs of the customer. Optical labs may also produce contact lenses, safety glasses, and specialty optics for various industries. The work in an optical laboratory requires attention to detail and knowledge of optical materials and technologies.

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

To thrive in an Optical Laboratory role, you need a solid understanding of optics, precision measurement, and lens fabrication, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with lens edging machines, lensometers, and laboratory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the accurate production of optical products and maintaining high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado? For Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Laboratory jobs in Colorado are:
Optical Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,686 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Optics Engineer - 888

Quantinuum

Broomfield, CO • On-site

$80K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an Optics Engineer in our Broomfield, CO location to join our engineering and manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, assembling, aligning, integrating, characterizing, and testing optical systems used in Quantinuum's quantum computers. This role supports research and development, prototype builds, optical characterization, system integration, documentation development, and production readiness activities. You will ensure that optical systems meet technical specifications, performance requirements, and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in optical system design and integration, laser characterization, optical metrology, precision alignment, and opto-mechanical assembly.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit a pre-employment drug test
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, build, assemble, align, and characterize complex, high-precision optical subassemblies and optical systems.
  • Integrate prototype and proof-of-concept systems involving lasers, optics, fiber optics, electronics, software, and precision mechanical assemblies.
  • Perform optical characterization and metrology, including measurements of optical power, phase, frequency, polarization, stability, and noise.
  • Troubleshoot optical and opto-mechanical systems and perform root cause failure analysis to support product improvements and manufacturing readiness.
  • Develop, execute, and document optical test plans, characterization procedures, and engineering work instructions.
  • Collect, analyze, graph, interpret, and present experimental and production data to support engineering decisions.
  • Collaborate with Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering teams and Scientists to develop, validate, and transition new optical technologies into production.
  • Support prototype development, sustaining engineering activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain detailed engineering documentation, test reports, and design records in accordance with production standards.
  • Package completed optical assemblies and ensure products meet commercial manufacturing quality requirements.
  • Follow laboratory safety procedures, equipment guidelines, and quality standards during all engineering activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Bachelor's degree minimum
  • 1+ years of experience in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
  • 1+ years of hands-on experience with optical systems, laser systems, and optical laboratory environments.
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status.
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • Strong knowledge of optical and electrical laboratory equipment, including lasers, fiber optic components, acousto-optic and electro-optic modulators, precision optical instrumentation, and test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, phase noise analyzers, and frequency counters.
  • Experience designing, integrating, aligning, and testing free-space and fiber-coupled optical or electro-optical systems, including optical subassemblies, fiber fusion splicing, optical fiber handling, and precision opto-mechanical assembly.
  • Broad understanding of optical engineering principles, including optical frequency noise reduction, active optics, and closed-loop control techniques, with demonstrated application to complex engineering challenges.
  • Experience using optical design and mechanical CAD software such as Zemax, SolidWorks, or equivalent tools.
  • Experience creating and maintaining engineering documentation, including work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, engineering change documentation, and configuration management records.
  • Experience working from engineering drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly documentation.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and technicians to support research and development, prototype builds, manufacturing readiness, and continuous production improvements.
  • Knowledge of product lifecycle management (PLM) and engineering change processes.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex optical and electro-optical systems.
  • Knowledge of sustaining engineering, continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 5S principles.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research and manufacturing environment.

$80,800 - $101,000 a year
Compensation & Benefits
The pay range for this role is $80,800 - $101,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
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.

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