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Optical Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QinetiQ US

Principal Optical Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Maintain and utilize an optical laboratory to support development, testing, and prototyping efforts, including equipment such as integrating spheres, collimators, optical alignment stations for ...

imatters

Optical Lab Supervisor

Ogden, UT · On-site

Driving efficiency, workflow optimization, and performance monitoring of laboratory technicians. * Quality Assurance: Ensuring adherence to optical, FDA, and HIPPA regulations and managing laboratory ...

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Optical Laboratory information

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$11

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$56

How much do optical laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians in optical laboratories are often those with specialized skills, extensive experience, or advanced certifications, earning salaries that can exceed $50,000 to $70,000 annually. Factors such as location, employer, and level of expertise influence salary levels for optical lab technicians.

What is the highest paid optometry job?

The highest paid optometry jobs are typically in specialized fields such as ocular disease, vision therapy, or surgical co-management, often requiring additional certifications and experience. These roles may involve working in private practices, hospitals, or specialized clinics and can offer higher salaries compared to general optometry positions.

What do optical lab technicians do?

Optical lab technicians prepare and produce eyeglasses and contact lenses by interpreting prescriptions, cutting and shaping lenses, and assembling frames. They use specialized tools and equipment, such as lensometers and grinding machines, and must follow safety and quality standards to ensure accurate and durable eyewear products.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical laboratory technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in handling optical equipment and understanding lens prescriptions are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

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.
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Optical Laboratory jobs near you
Electro-Optical Engineer - Optical Payload I&T - TeraWave

Electro-Optical Engineer - Optical Payload I&T - TeraWave

Blue Origin

Seattle, WA • On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Blue Origin rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 60 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

-

The Emerging Systems business unit at Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

At Blue Origin, we are seeking an experienced Electro-Optical Engineer to join our Optical Payload Integration and Test team. In this role, you willbe responsible forbuilding andmaintainingoptical laboratory infrastructure, performingintegrationand testing of optical communication terminals, conducting precise subsystem testing of PAT actuators and sensors, executing factory acceptance tests, and performing verification and validation activities to ensure system performance meets requirements. The ideal candidate combines hands-on optical laboratory experience with strong integration skills to support the transition of ourcutting-edgeoptical communication systems from development to production.

Special Mentions:

  • Relocationassistancemay be available for this position

  • Travel expectations: Up to 50% travel may berequiredto support testing and integration activities at various Blue Origin facilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design, build, andmaintainoptical lab infrastructure for Optical Communication Terminal development

  • Perform Unit, Integration, and System level testing and characterization of optical payload and PAT (Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking) system

  • Establish procedures tointegrate optical and mechanical subassemblies

  • Develop and execute Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) protocols

  • Conduct Verification and Validation testing to ensure system performance meets requirements

  • Document test results and prepare technical reports

  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for optical, mechanical, and electrical issues during integration

  • Support the transition from development to production phases

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve integration challenges

  • Maintain calibration and operational status of optical test equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,Physicsor related field

  • 5+ years of experience in optical system integration and testing

  • Demonstratedtrack recordof successful optical alignment techniques and equipment usage

  • Proven experience with optical communication systems and components

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of diode lasers, optical fiber amplifiers, optical fibers, thin-film coatings,polarizationand radiation detectors technologies.

  • Strongproficiencywith test equipment such as power meters, wavefront sensors, and interferometers

  • Advanced understanding of opto-mechanical interfaces and tolerancing

  • Experience leading laboratory test automation efforts using software like LabVIEW or Python

  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications

  • History of technical problem-solving in electro-optical integration challenges

  • Experience mentoring junior engineers in laboratory techniques and procedures

  • Strong documentation and technical writing skills

  • Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Optical Engineering or related field

  • 7+ years of experience in aerospace or defense optical systems integration

  • Experience with free-space optical communications systems

  • Knowledge of PAT systems for optical communications

  • Experience with environmental testing of optical systems

  • Demonstratedexpertisein space qualification requirements for optical payloads

  • Experience with optical modeling software (e.g.,Zemax, Code V)

  • Knowledge of laser safety protocols and regulations

  • Experience with clean room operations and procedures

  • Six Sigma or similar quality control certification

  • Experience with configuration management and version control systems

  • History of successful technical leadership on complex integration projects

Why Blue Origin:
At Blue Origin, we are driven by our company motto, GradatimFerociter, meaning "Step by Step,Ferociously." We believe that humanity's future is in space, andwe'recommitted to developing the technologies that will make that vision a reality. As an Electro-Optical Engineer on our OpticalPayloadI&T team, you'll be at the forefront of developing critical technologies for space communications and infrastructure, directly contributing to Blue Origin's mission of enabling a future where millions of people are living and working in space for the benefit of Earth.

We are building a team of passionate builders. Job descriptions are not perfect checklists. If you are excited about this mission but your experiencedoesn'talign perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.


Compensation Range for:

WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)

  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000

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