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Optical Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Lead Manufacturing Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$28.87 - $41.28/hr

Requires an associate's degree in a technical discipline and 8+ years of equivalent experience in the field or in a related area. * Experience using precision optical, mechanical, and electrical ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients Support compliance of ...

Optometrist - Part-Time

Madison, WI · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

We believe in recruiting top talent and cultivating a unique, sophisticated, and diverse group of experts, from our associates and opticians to our Field Leaders. SEE has quickly become the most ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Optometric Technician

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Because continuing our legacy of the highest optical standards helps us innovate the future in ... Maintain safe working environment for all associates, customers and patients * Support compliance ...

Warehouse Temp - Freight

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Freight team with an expected start date in late July/early August. In this role, you will be responsible for learning many ...

Part-time Warehouse Temp

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Small Parcel team this fall with an expected start date in late August/early September. In this role, you will be ...

Part-time Warehouse Temp

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Small Parcel team this fall with an expected start date in late August/early September. In this role, you will be ...

Warehouse Temp - Freight

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Freight team with an expected start date in late July/early August. In this role, you will be responsible for learning many ...

Warehouse Temp - Freight

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Freight team with an expected start date in late July/early August. In this role, you will be responsible for learning many ...

Warehouse Temp - Freight

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Freight team with an expected start date in late July/early August. In this role, you will be responsible for learning many ...

Warehouse Temp - Freight

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Freight team with an expected start date in late July/early August. In this role, you will be responsible for learning many ...

Part-time Warehouse Temp

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to temporarily join our Small Parcel team this fall with an expected start date in late August/early September. In this role, you will be ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$12

$17

$22

How much do optical associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical associate in Madison, WI is $17.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $19.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an optical associate, and how do they collaborate with optometrists and other team members?

Optical Associates are responsible for assisting customers with frame selection, explaining lens options, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and processing sales transactions. They work closely with optometrists by preparing patients for eye exams, managing patient records, and ensuring a seamless handoff between the exam and eyewear selection. Collaboration with lab technicians and other associates is also essential to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of eyewear orders. This team-oriented environment helps maintain a high level of customer service and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Optical Associate vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssociateOptical Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may enhance prospectsHigh school diploma; specialized training or certification often required
Work EnvironmentOptical retail stores, eyewear clinics, optical departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, optical labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, measuring for glasses, helping with frame selectionFabricating, repairing, and adjusting lenses and frames

Optical Associates typically work directly with customers in retail settings, focusing on sales and customer service, while Optical Technicians work behind the scenes in labs, handling lens fabrication and adjustments. Both roles require knowledge of eyewear and customer interaction, but differ mainly in technical versus sales responsibilities.

What is an optical associate?

Optical Associates are professionals who assist customers in optical stores or eye care clinics. They help clients select eyeglasses or contact lenses, perform basic vision screenings, and provide information about frame styles, lens options, and insurance coverage. Optical Associates also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, processing payments, and maintaining patient records. They play an important role in ensuring customers have a positive experience when purchasing eyewear and receiving eye care services.

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

To thrive as an Optical Associate, you need strong customer service skills, basic optical knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, lens measurement tools, and sometimes certification such as ABO-NCLE can be beneficial. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate optical dispensing, positive customer experiences, and efficient workflow in a retail or clinical eye care environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Optical jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Optical Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Optical Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,853 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Lead Manufacturing Technician-Madison,Wisconsin

Leonardo DRS

Mount Horeb, WI

$41.28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Leonardo DRS rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114911
DRS Daylight Solutions business provides industry-changing mid-infrared laser light technology for government and commercial markets, including: defense and security; life sciences; and industrial process control. As a mid-IR technology pioneer, Daylight Solutions has delivered more mid-IR systems to more applications world-wide than any other company.
Job Summary
As a Lead Manufacturing Technician, you will be responsible for the assembly, precise alignment, and testing of complex optical modules in a cleanroom environment. This role involves leadership responsibilities, including training new team members, diagnosing malfunctions, performing complex assemblies, and ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements.
Job Responsibilities
  • Assemble, align, and test complex optical modules requiring micron-level optical and mechanical tolerances.
  • Provide advanced technical support to engineers and scientists on complex components, devices, materials, products, processes, and equipment.
  • Interpret and work from complex wiring and assembly drawings, operation sheets, engineering specifications, sketches, and running sheets.
  • Perform complex electro-mechanical assembly, disassembly, rework, testing, and repair of various electronic products and mechanical assemblies.
  • Diagnose the cause of electrical, optical, or mechanical malfunctions or failures of operational equipment, and perform preventative and corrective maintenance.
  • Modify a variety of complex electrical prototypes to correct functional deviations.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory requirements applicable to the company in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
  • Interface with other departments (e.g., Engineering, Quality) to assure the efficient flow of information and materials.
  • Lead the training and mentorship of new team members.
  • Meet Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for production deadlines, product quality (pass/fail rates), raw material stock levels, and compliance outcomes.
  • Interpret and follow written documents such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety rules.
  • Support, communicate, reinforce, and defend the mission, values, and culture of the organization.

Qualifications
  • Requires an associate's degree in a technical discipline and 8+ years of equivalent experience in the field or in a related area.
  • Experience using precision optical, mechanical, and electrical measurement instrumentation (i.e., beam profile cameras, power meters, dial indicators, micrometers, calipers, and oscilloscopes).
  • Must demonstrate strong decision-making and leadership skills.
  • Experience handling small, delicate components, using Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) best practices.
  • Experience in the use of various computer applications, including Excel.
  • Must be experienced in the safe handling of chemicals.
  • Strong mechanical skills are required.
  • Experience cleaning optics is a plus.
  • Soldering and wire bonding experience is a plus.
  • Experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems is a plus.

The salary range for this position is $28.87 - $41.28/hour. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate's qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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