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Optical Technician Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

KBR

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

KBR, Inc.

Optical Technician

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Optical Technician Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! Around here, we define the future. The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for ...

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Data Center Fiber Optic Technician - Second Shift

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Data Center Fiber Optic Technician - Ashburn, VA * 2nd Shift - 4pm-12am * Start - End of July - Dec 2026 * Must have prior experience working in a Data Center Environment We are seeking an ...

F2Onsite

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Data Center Fiber Optic Technician - First Shift

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Data Center Fiber Optic Technician - Ashburn, VA * 1st Shift 8-5pm * Start - End of July - Dec 2026 * Must have prior experience working in a Data Center Environment We are seeking an experienced ...

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All JobsOptical Technician JobsOptical Technician Jobs in Reston, VA

Optical Technician information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11

$22

$38

How much do optical technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical technician in Reston, VA is $22.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Optical Technicians?

Optical Technicians are skilled professionals who fabricate, assemble, or repair optical devices such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other optical instruments. They work with precision equipment to cut, grind, and polish lenses according to prescriptions provided by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Additionally, they may fit lenses into frames, perform quality checks, and ensure that finished products meet required specifications. Optical Technicians play an essential role in helping people achieve optimal vision through customized optical solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a solid understanding of optical science, lens fabrication, and equipment maintenance, often backed by a certificate or associate degree in opticianry or a related field. Familiarity with lensometers, edgers, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required, and certification from organizations like the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is advantageous. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and strong customer service skills help you excel in crafting precise eyewear and assisting clients effectively. These competencies ensure accurate prescriptions, high-quality products, and a positive patient experience in a technical and customer-focused environment.

What is an optical technician?

An optical technician is a professional who fabricates, repairs, and maintains optical devices such as lenses, glasses, and optical instruments. They often work in laboratories or manufacturing settings, using precision tools and following technical specifications, and may require certification or training in optics or related fields.

How much does an optical technician earn?

Optical technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on the work environment, such as retail, healthcare, or manufacturing, and may include benefits like health insurance and paid time off.

What is the difference between Optical Technician vs Optician?

AspectOptical TechnicianOptician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certification often preferredHigh school diploma, certification or license often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labsOptical retail stores, clinics, private practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssembling lenses, repairing glasses, maintaining optical equipmentFitting glasses, adjusting frames, helping customers select eyewear

Optical Technicians primarily focus on lens fabrication and equipment maintenance within labs, while Opticians work directly with customers to fit and sell eyewear. Both roles require technical knowledge, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

What Does an Optical Technician Do?

An optical technician, also known as an ophthalmic laboratory technician, fills prescriptions for eyeglass lenses and contact lenses. As an optical technician, you may work in a medical equipment laboratory or directly in an optometrist’s office. One of your job duties is utilizing manufacturing machinery, such as grinders and lensometers, to ensure each lens is curved to the correct prescription for individual patients. Optical technicians are different from opticians, but some offices use the terms interchangeably. A technician usually works closely with an optometrist, or eye doctor, to ensure that each set of lenses is created correctly. Other common responsibilities include fitting glasses frames to suit the patient’s face, checking the correct prescription is sent to the lab, and drafting records about each order that is filled. Some employers require optical technicians to perform administrative duties, such as updating patient records and verifying insurance policies.

What are some common challenges Optical Technicians face when working in a fast-paced laboratory setting?

Optical Technicians in busy laboratories often encounter challenges such as managing multiple orders with tight deadlines, ensuring precise measurements and lens fabrication, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Staying organized and maintaining attention to detail is crucial, as even minor errors can impact the quality of finished eyewear. Additionally, effective communication with optometrists, lab managers, and other team members is key to resolving issues quickly and maintaining workflow efficiency.

How much do ophthalmic technicians make a year?

Ophthalmic technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $36,000 to $45,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They work in eye care settings, assisting ophthalmologists with patient exams and using specialized tools. Salaries can increase with additional training or advanced roles.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians play a key role in manufacturing and repairing optical devices such as lenses and glasses, often working in laboratories or retail settings. The career typically requires technical training or certification and offers steady employment with opportunities for specialization. Job prospects are generally stable, especially with experience and additional skills in optical equipment and measurements.
More about Optical Technician jobs
What are popular job titles related to Optical Technician jobs in Reston, VA? For Optical Technician jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Technician jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Technician jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Optical Technician jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Optical Technician job openings:
Optical Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Technician job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,392 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Optical Technician

Optical Technician

KBR

Greenbelt, MD

$62K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 442 rated engineering

Job description

Title:

Optical Technician

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

Around here, we define the future.

The Optical Technician supports the development, integration, and testing of advanced optical systems for spaceflight, airborne, and ground-based applications. This role involves installing, aligning, calibrating, and verifying optical instruments, components, and precision assemblies used in spacecraft and scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform optical integration, alignment, testing, calibration, and verification of flight and non-flight hardware
  • Provide optical metrology support using instrumentation such as interferometers, theodolites, laser trackers, and coordinate measuring systems
  • Execute test plans, procedures, and support integration activities in laboratory, cleanroom, and field environments, including thermal-vacuum conditions
  • Operate, maintain, and calibrate optical and metrology equipment and support software tools
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, including procedures, reports, and test plans
  • Support laboratory operations, including equipment management, calibration tracking, and compliance with quality standards
  • Assist with assembly, inspection, cleaning, bonding, and handling of precision optical components
  • Support logistics and facility readiness for integration and testing activities
  • Travel to off-site facilities or launch sites as required

Required Skills & Experience

  • Experience with optical systems, metrology, and precision instrumentation
  • Familiarity with optical alignment, calibration, and testing techniques
  • Ability to work with metrology data and analysis software
  • Knowledge of laboratory practices, equipment calibration, and quality standards (e.g., ISO)
  • Strong documentation, reporting, and basic statistical analysis skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in technical environments

Preferred Skills

  • Solid understanding of the NASA flight hardware development process and methodology
  • Familiarity with optical ground support equipment and metrology software tools

Basic Compensation:

Jobs on this contract range from $62,400.00-$93,600.00. Pay range is specific to the Greenbelt, Maryland area.

The offered rate will be based on the position, contract affordability, the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and in consideration of internal parity.

Additional Compensation:

KBR may offer bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation to certain job titles or levels, per internal policy or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be in the form of sign on bonus, relocation benefits, short-term incentives, long-term incentives, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

KBR Benefits:

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Click here to learn more:KBR Benefits | KBR

#LI-EM2

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

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