Multi-Skilled Optical Lab Technician - Caledonian Lab

Duncan and Todd Opticians; Aberdeen City; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Caledonian Optical in Dyce, Aberdeen, is seeking a Multi-Skilled Optical Lab Technician to support diverse lens manufacturing tasks at Kirkhill Lab. The role includes training on-site and handling advanced coating and inspection processes.

The position operates a late shift from 2pm to 10pm, with opportunities to learn new processes and upskill within a state-of-the-art optical laboratory serving UK independent opticians.

Qualifications

• Experience in manufacturing processes, ideally in optical production.
• Proficient in troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of lab equipment.
• Strong organizational and proactive communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and upskill to new processes/equipment.
• Able to work with production software and office systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intermediate-level lens inspection and understand prescriptions and powers.
• Manage resin and lacquer systems (topping up, viscosity checks, emptying, refilling).
• Operate hard coating and AR coating machines, including error resolution.
• Operate and calibrate surface lab equipment to produce advanced prescription lenses.
• Manufacture complex and specialized lens prescriptions.
• Book in new jobs and maintain accurate order tracking using internal system.
• Understand product lead times and ensure stock levels support production demands.
• Liaise with suppliers as required to manage incoming stock and special orders.
• Calibrate and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Use the Innovations system for tracking and workflow.
• Perform scheduled machine maintenance and respond to performance issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely written and digital production records.
• Promote a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

Skills

Optical production

Troubleshooting

Calibration

Organizational skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Lean / 5S

Safety protocols

Computer systems

Tools

Innovations system

Lab equipment

Job description

Multi-Skilled Optical Lab Technician - Caledonian Lab

About Caledonian Optical: Caledonian Optical is an independent UK-based laboratory specializing in the manufacture and supply of high-quality freeform lenses, as well as glazing and anti-reflection coating services. Located in Dyce, Aberdeen, our state-of-the-art facility is at the forefront of ophthalmic technology, providing innovative lens solutions to independent opticians across the UK.

Job Overview: Multi-Skilled Optical Lab Technician is responsible for executing a wide range of lens manufacturing tasks, from routine to advanced across multiple work centres. Full training will be provided but some Optical or Technical based skills would be desirable. This role will be based in the Kirkhill Lab working a late shift - 2pm - 10pm.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Lens Production:

• Conduct intermediate-level lens inspection and understand lens prescriptions and powers.
• Manage resin and lacquer systems (topping up, viscosity checks, emptying, refilling).
• Operate and maintain Hard Coating and AR Coating machines, including error resolution.
• Operate and calibrate surface lab equipment to produce advanced prescription lenses.
• Manufacture complex and specialized lens prescriptions.
• Identify and resolve Re-calculate orders when required, ensuring prescriptions and lens details are accurate.
• Book in new jobs and maintain accurate order tracking using internal system Order and maintain appropriate levels of frame inventory.
• Understand product lead times and ensure stock levels support production demands.
• Liaise with suppliers as required to manage incoming stock and special orders.

Technical Proficiency & System Knowledge

• Calibrate and troubleshoot production equipment.
• Use the Innovations system for tracking and workflow.
• Perform scheduled machine maintenance and respond to performance issues.

Quality & Documentation

• Ensure all products meet Caledonian Optical’s quality standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely written and digital production records.
• Identify and resolve production inefficiencies or quality issues.

Cross-Functional Support & Safety:

• Provide coverage across various tasks within a department and support cross-training in others.
• Promote and maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
• Follow and enforce safety protocols, reporting issues to leadership.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and lean practices such as 5S.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience of manufacturing processes, ideally in optical production.
• Proficient in troubleshooting, maintenance, and calibration of manufacturing related equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with a professional and proactive approach.
• Willingness to learn and upskill to new processes/ equipment.
• Clear and effective communicator with team members and leadership.
• Comfortable working with general office and production computer systems.
• Able to maintain performance under minimal supervision and take initiative.