Optical Coating Technician - Caledonian Lab

Duncan and Todd Opticians; Aberdeen City; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Caledonian Optical, an independent UK-based laboratory in Dyce, Aberdeen, is seeking an Optical Coating Technician Level 1. This entry-level position focuses on routine production tasks with on-the-job training to develop coating and lens-handling skills.

You will assist with lens preparation, post-coating handling, inspections, and documentation in a controlled manufacturing setting, with a strong emphasis on quality and safety.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Basic understanding of frames and lenses is beneficial.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• May require vision and/or colour hue recognition testing for specific roles.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and cleanliness in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Clip lenses in preparation for hard coating (HC), ensuring coating type, lens index, and batch paperwork align with production specifications.
• Work in a cleanroom environment with awareness of contamination risks.
• Clean clips and rings to maintain lens integrity and cleanliness.
• Remove AR coated lenses from coating runs and sort according to batch paperwork.
• Perform cosmetic inspections of lenses and document production activities.
• Follow safety guidelines and support overall production flow.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Vision/color hue testing awareness

Job description

Optical Coating 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:
As a Coating Technician Level 1, you will begin your career in optical manufacturing in an entry-level role focused on routine production tasks under close supervision. You will support the production of high-quality lenses by performing basic operations such as lens preparation, sorting, cosmetic inspection, and cleaning. This position is ideal for those looking to start in a hands‑on manufacturing environment, with training provided to develop your skills and knowledge of optical processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Clip lenses in preparation for hard coating (HC), ensuring coating type, lens index, and batch paperwork align with production specifications.
• Work in a cleanroom environment with awareness of contamination risks.
• Clean clips and rings to maintain lens integrity and cleanliness.

Post-Coating Processing:

• Remove anti-reflective (AR) coated lenses from coating runs.
• Sort and tray lenses accurately according to batch paperwork.
• Understand the importance of handling lenses carefully to avoid scratches or defects.

Inspection & Documentation:

• Perform cosmetic inspections of lenses.
• Identify visible lens flaws and refer any issues to the appropriate team members.
• Maintain accurate written and/or computer-based production documentation.

Workplace Organisation & Safety:

• Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.
• Follow all safety guidelines and report any safety concerns to supervisors.
• Work within a designated production area, with potential cross‑training in additional departments.
• Perform other tasks as directed to support the overall production flow.

Qualifications and Skills

• No prior experience required; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Basic understanding of frames and lenses is beneficial.
• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• May require vision and/or colour hue recognition testing (especially for specific roles like tinting).
• Commitment to quality, safety, and cleanliness in a manufacturing environment.