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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Envista

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$99.70 - $179.30/hr

Lead hands-on system design and rapid prototypingBuild and guide rapid prototypes to validate ... Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering ...

Cognex

Manager, DevOps Engineering

Wauwatosa, WI · Hybrid

$51.25 - $70.25/hr

Using advanced optics, image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID ... As a DevOps Engineering Manager, you will lead a team to design, implement, and optimize automated ...

Envista Holdings Corporation

System Architect

Madison, WI

$244K/yr

Lead hands-on system design and rapid prototyping * Build and guide rapid prototypes to validate ... Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or similar ...

Envista

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$244K/yr

Lead hands-on system design and rapid prototyping * Build and guide rapid prototypes to validate ... Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or similar ...

Vortex Optics

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team ... Aid engineers, as necessary in engineering and design of technical aspects of new products. * Test ...

Vortex Optics

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team ... Aid engineers, as necessary in engineering and design of technical aspects of new products. * Test ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Optical Design Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$80.2K

$141.2K

$189.3K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Wisconsin is $141,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,200.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

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

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What is an optical design engineer?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in WI? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $141,225 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

Sr Engineer Materials - Steel Systems

Harley-Davidson

Wauwatosa, WI • On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Auto req ID: 54008 
Title: Sr Engineer Materials - Steel Systems 
Job Function: Engineering 
Location: PDC
Workplace Category:Onsite 
Company: Harley-Davidson Motor Company 
Full or Part-Time: Full Time 
Shift: SHIFT1 

At Harley-Davidson, we are building more than machines. It’s our passion and commitment to continue the evolution of this storied brand, and heighten the desirability of the Harley-Davidson experience. To keep building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution, and emotion we need the best and brightest talent. We stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Are you ready to join us?

The Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Development Center (PDC) located in Wauwatosa, WI is home to the mantra – You dream it. We build it. Join our team as a  Sr Engineer Materials - Steel Systems.

Job Summary

The Senior Materials Engineer is responsible for supporting the Product Development Process by providing deep technical expertise in ferrous materials, with a primary focus on steels used in motorcycle components and systems. This role partners with product development, manufacturing, and suppliers to ensure robust material selection, processing, and performance. The engineer leads material-related problem solving, including failure analysis and root cause investigations, with an emphasis on durability, fatigue performance, and heat treatment control of steel components.

Job Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

  • The role requires strong applied knowledge of steel alloys, including how composition, microstructure, and processing influence mechanical properties and long-term durability. The engineer guides material selection and design decisions for critical components such as structural parts, powertrain elements, and fasteners.
  • A key expectation is expertise in ferrous manufacturing processes, including forgings, castings, and sheet metal, with an emphasis on how processing influences grain structure, residual stress, and defect formation. The engineer works closely with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure process capability, optimize performance, and reduce variability.
  • The position includes leadership of failure analysis and root cause investigations related to steel components. This involves metallurgical evaluation of fracture surfaces, microstructure, and material conditions, with clear documentation and actionable recommendations to improve design or process robustness.
  • The engineer applies deep knowledge of heat treatment processes such as carburizing, nitriding, induction hardening, and through-hardening, with an understanding of how these processes impact hardness, toughness, fatigue strength, and distortion. The role also includes supporting specifications and validation of heat treatment processes at suppliers.
  • In collaboration with design and validation teams, the engineer supports understanding of mechanical behavior, particularly fatigue and fracture performance under cyclic loading, and how material condition and manufacturing variability influence field performance.
  • The role requires strong cross-functional engagement, providing technical leadership to engineering teams, supporting supplier development, and ensuring alignment between design intent, material capability, and manufacturing processes.

Laboratory & Analytical Capability

  • The candidate should be proficient in metallurgical and analytical techniques used to evaluate ferrous materials, including hardness testing, optical emission spectroscopy, microscopy, and fractography. The ability to translate laboratory data into meaningful engineering conclusions is essential. Candidate must be willing to perform preventive maintenance on lab equipment, plan for ordering necessary lab equipment, and keep track of budget expenses. 

Leadership & Communication

  • This role serves as a technical leader in ferrous materials, providing guidance across engineering teams and mentoring others as needed. The candidate must communicate technical topics clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Education Requirements
Bachelor's Degree Required
Education Specifications

Position requires a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering, Metallurgy, or related field is required

Experience Requirements
  • A minimum of five years of experience in materials engineering is required, with demonstrated experience in steel materials, heat treatment processes, and durability or failure analysis in product development or manufacturing environments.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The pay range shown represents the national average pay range for this role. Your pay may be more or less than the stated range and is dependent on your geographic location and level of experience.

We offer an inclusive compensation package for all full-time salaried employees including, but not limited to, annual bonus programs, health insurance benefits, a 401k program, onsite fitness centers and employee stores, employee discounts on products and accessories, and more. Learn more about Harley-Davidson here. 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Direct Reports: Yes  
Travel Required: 0 - 10%  
Pay Range: $93,400 - $145,000 
Visa Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer  
Relocation: This position is eligible for domestic relocation assistance (within posted country)  

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