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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

Milwaukee, WI Β· On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Architect, design, and validate analog and digital electronic systems for embedded products and ... Preferred Qualifications Experience with sensing technologies such as magnetic, optical, flow ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Milwaukee, WI Β· On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Architect, design, and validate analog and digital electronic systems for embedded products and ... Experience with sensing technologies such as magnetic, optical, flow measurement, or other sensor ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Milwaukee, WI Β· On-site

$105K - $137K/yr

Architect, design, and validate analog and digital electronic systems for embedded products and ... Experience with sensing technologies such as magnetic, optical, flow measurement, or other sensor ...

WI Β· On-site

$32.75 - $45/hr

The engineer will interface daily with design-and-build engineers to make welding improvements and ... Experience with root cause analysis and corrective actions including, but not limited to, optical ...

New

WI Β· On-site

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our ... Minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting semiconductor, optical coating, thin-film ...

WI Β· On-site

We design, develop, manufacture, and service highly complex, cutting-edge machines used by our ... Minimum of five (5) years of experience supporting semiconductor, optical coating, thin-film ...

WI Β· On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Architect, design, & deploy highly redundant data centers for mission critical operations * Lead ... optical modules, RDMA * AI native engineer that is an expert at deploying & looping AI agents ...

WI Β· On-site

Je werkt nauw samen met verschillende teams zoals design/ product management/ optical engineering/ thermal en IP-testing/ electronics. Je werkt zelfstandig aan de ontwikkeling van producten en ...

... transmission line design for new lines, relocations, upgrades, and fiber optic additions ... Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ...

WI Β· On-site

$115K - $180K/yr

Lead mechanical system integration, alignment procedures, and cross‑team coordination with electrical, controls, and optics engineers * Drive mechanical design of frames, stages, and assemblies ...

System Architect

Madison, WI Β· 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 ...

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 ...

WI Β· On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Lead the design, implementation and troubleshooting of large-scale, complex wired and wireless ... Wave Division Multiplexing and Fiber Optics * DNS, DHCP, SNMP, IP helpers, ARP, CDP, LLDP * BGP ...

Quality Engineer

Hudson, WI Β· On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

... Optical Connectivity business through New Product Introduction (NPI) and volume production. In this ... By incorporating quality into the design of products, processes, and predicting potential quality ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 14, 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 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 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 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 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.

Are optical design engineers in high demand?

Optical design engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, consumer electronics, and aerospace that rely on advanced optical systems. Their expertise in lens design, optical simulations, and proficiency with tools like Zemax or Code V makes them valuable in developing innovative optical solutions, especially as technology continues to advance.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and ensure designs meet performance specifications, often collaborating with manufacturing and testing teams. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

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:

Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,225 per year, or $67.9 per hour.

R&D Process Development Engineer

Eau Claire, WI β€’ On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

TTM Technologies, Inc. - Publicly Traded US Company, NASDAQ (TTMI) - Top-5 Global Printed Circuit Board Manufacturer
About TTM
TTM Technologies, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of technology products, including mission systems, radio frequency ("RF") components, RF microwave/microelectronic assemblies, and technologically advanced printed circuit boards ("PCB"s). TTM stands for time-to-market, representing how TTM's time-critical, one-stop design, engineering and manufacturing services enable customers to reduce the time required to develop new products and bring them to market.
Additional information can be found at www.ttm.com
TTM Technologies is a leading manufacturer of high-reliability printed circuit boards serving the aerospace, defense, medical device, telecommunications, automotive, and industrial electronics markets. Our manufacturing capabilities span rigid, flex, rigid-flex, HDI, RF/microwave, and advanced multilayer constructions. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of PCB technology through disciplined process development, continuous improvement, and an unwavering dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
POSITION SUMMARY
The R&D Process Development Engineer is a highly technical individual contributor responsible for developing, characterizing, optimizing, and scaling advanced manufacturing processes associated with Semi-Additive Plating (SAP) build up technology. Familiarity with Semi-Conductor or Fan-Out Wafer Level Packaging FOWLP process techniques is a plus as line and space characteristics are approaching historic Integrated Circuit sizes. Need for R&D engineering across four critical PCB fabrication disciplines: Mechanical Processing, Lithography, Electroplating, and Etching. This role sits at the intersection of materials science, chemistry, precision engineering, and manufacturing - requiring both deep scientific rigor and practical manufacturing instincts.
This individual is expected to be the recognized technical authority within their focus areas - able to think outside of the standard and come up with solutions to complex problems, evaluate and set up new equipment and derive processes around those tools to achieve intended results.
This role requires someone equally comfortable running-controlled experiments in a laboratory and developing processes on small scale production manufacturing equipment- someone who bridges the gap between science and production with clarity, confidence, and technical credibility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Semi-Additive (SAP) Build-up Process Development Equipment definition, purchase, setup and qualification for R&D. Develop technology that can be scaled to provide solutions to customers across TTM's markets.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
  • Required: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • Preferred: Master or PhD of Science in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering with a focus on electronic materials or manufacturing.

Experience
  • Required: 3-8 years of hands-on process engineering experience in PCB manufacturing, or a closely related wet chemistry/precision manufacturing environment.
  • Required: Direct, hands-on experience with at least two of the four focus areas: Mechanical, Lithography, Electroplating, or Etching.
  • Preferred: Experience in semiconductor fab or FOWLP,

Technical Knowledge
  • SAP: Fundamentals of SAP Build up or FOWLP technology including hands on experience.
  • General: SPC, Design of Experiments (DoE), Cpk/Ppk analysis, failure analysis methodologies (SEM/EDS, optical microscopy, ICP-MS, XRF, FTIR), IPC standards (IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, IPC-TM-650, IPC-4552), ERP/MES systems, CAM software (Genesis, CAM350), SEMI Standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Primary Setting: PCB manufacturing facility - process engineering laboratory and production floor.
  • Chemical Exposure: Regular work with hazardous chemicals including strong acids (Hβ‚‚SOβ‚„, HCl, HNO₃, HF), alkalis, copper sulfate, formaldehyde, photoresist chemicals, etchants, and plating bath additives.
  • PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses/face shield, lab coat, acid-resistant apron, and additional PPE as required by SDS and EHS protocols.
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods; lift and carry up to 35 lbs; visual acuity for microscopic examination and precision measurement.
  • Travel: Occasional travel to customer sites, equipment vendors, chemical suppliers, and industry conferences (10-20%).

#LI-CG1
#COMBU
Compensation and Benefits:
TTM offers a variety of health and well-being benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, 401K, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, accident benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, paid vacation & holidays. Benefits are available 1st of the month following date of hire.
Compensation for roles at TTM Technologies varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. As required by local law, TTM provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in New York, California and Colorado. For California-based roles, compensation ranges are based upon specific physical locations.
Export Statement:
Must comply with TTM Export Control Policies and Procedures and all applicable laws including ITAR, EAR and OFAC including but not limited to: a) being able to identify ITAR product on the manufacturing floor and understand that access to these products and related technical data is restricted to only US Citizens and US Permanent Residents; b) recognition of Foreign Person visitors by badge differentiation; c) understand and follow authorization procedures for bringing foreign visitors into facilities (VAL); d) understand the Export and ITAR requirements for shipments leaving the US; e) manage vendor approvals for ITAR manufacturing and services.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.