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Optical Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ravee Optics Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Dayton, OH · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization. * Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools. * Track ...

Optikos

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers, detectors, etc.). * Support the assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting of optical prototypes.

Three Rivers Optical

Finishing Optician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

About the Company IDOC Labs is an optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent practices since 1969 with cutting ...

Three Rivers Optical

Finishing Optician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16 - $20.75/hr

... an optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent practices since 1969 with cutting-edge digital freeform ...

Optikos, LLC.

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers, detectors, etc.). * Support the assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting of optical prototypes.

Three Rivers Optical

Finishing Optician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Description About the Company IDOC Labs is an optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent practices since 1969 ...

Optikos Corporation

Optical Engineer

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$80K - $105K/yr

Perform laboratory testing and characterization of optical components (lenses, filters, lasers, detectors, etc.). * Support the assembly, alignment, and troubleshooting of optical prototypes.

Three Rivers Optical

Finishing Optician

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Job Type Full-time Description About the Company IDOC Labs is an optical laboratory network, built exclusively for independent eye care practices. Three Rivers Optical has been serving independent ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Laboratory Optical Characterization * Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Laboratory Optical Characterization * Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Laboratory Optical Characterization * Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators ...

QinetiQ

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA

$164K - $213K/yr

Laboratory Optical Characterization * Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators ...

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$164K - $213K/yr

Laboratory Optical Characterization * Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators ...

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Optical Laboratory information

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How much do optical laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical laboratory in the United States is $21.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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.

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What cities are hiring for Optical Laboratory jobs?

Cities with the most Optical Laboratory job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Laboratory jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Laboratory jobs are:

What states have the most Optical Laboratory jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Optical Laboratory jobs are:

Optical Laboratory jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Laboratory job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,349 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Senior Optical Engineer

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

.

Position Overview

Ravee is seeking an experienced Senior Optical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for commercial, aerospace, and defense applications. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing innovative optical solutions spanning imaging systems, laser-based systems, precision optics, and emerging photonic technologies.

This position offers the opportunity to work across the full product lifecycle from concept development and system architecture through prototype development, testing, and product transition while collaborating with a multidisciplinary engineering team to solve challenging optical system problems.

Primary responsibilities are to be performed in Dayton, OH. May consider hybrid position for qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the architecture, design, analysis, and optimization of complex optical systems and subsystems.
  • Develop system-level optical requirements, functional performance budgets, and design trade studies.
  • Perform optical modeling, tolerance analysis, stray light analysis, and performance optimization using industry-standard tools.
  • Design and specify optical components and systems, including lens assemblies, beam expanders, fiber collimators, and illumination systems.
  • Support prototype development, optical alignment, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams throughout product development.
  • Support technology roadmap development, customer engagements, technical proposals, and intellectual property generation.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership on multidisciplinary projects.

Required Qualifications

  • B.S. or M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related technical discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience designing and developing advanced optical or electro-optical systems.
  • Strong understanding of geometric optics, physical optics, optical tolerancing, polarization, and imaging system performance.
  • Experience with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, or equivalent.
  • Experience with optical laboratory equipment, alignment techniques, and system characterization.
  • Programming or scripting experience using MATLAB, Python, or similar engineering tools.
  • Track record of excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work in multidisciplinary and hybrid teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:

  • Free-Space Optical Communications (FSOC)
  • Laser systems and photonics
  • Space-based or airborne optical systems
  • Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems
  • Precision optical instrumentation
  • Optical sensing and spectroscopy
  • Fiber-optic systems
  • Adaptive optics or beam control
  • Optical coatings and advanced optical materials
  • SWIR, MWIR, or LWIR optical systems
  • Metasurfaces, diffractive optics, or metaoptics
  • Optical manufacturing, assembly, and qualification
  • Systems engineering for aerospace or defense applications
  • Experience with environmental qualification or flight hardware
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and equity participation
  • Opportunity to develop next-generation optical technologies with real-world impact
  • Collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering environment
  • Technical leadership opportunities and significant system ownership
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Professional development and career growth in a rapidly expanding deep-tech company
  • Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge commercial, aerospace, and defense optical systems