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Optical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WOLFE EYE CLINIC MASTER

Optician

Story City, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Maintaining organization of the optical area. * Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders. * Checking completed orders for accuracy. * Ordering contact lens materials. * Educating ...

Wolfe Eye Clinic

Optician

Story City, IA

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Maintaining organization of the optical area. * Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders. * Checking completed orders for accuracy. * Ordering contact lens materials. * Educating ...

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$84.90K - $115.60K/yr

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$84.90K - $115.60K/yr

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Traffic Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$84.90K - $115.60K/yr

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices ... Required: * MSc. in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline * At least two years of ...

Walmart

Manager - Optical Center

Eddyville, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Fairfield, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Eddyville, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Sigourney, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Centerville, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Licensed Optical Manager

Ottumwa, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Manager - Optical Center

Bloomfield, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Ottumwa, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Licensed Optical Manager

Sigourney, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Licensed Optical Manager

Centerville, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

Walmart

Optical Center Manager

Bloomfield, IA

$27 - $37/hr

... Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Optical Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$78K

$134.9K

$158.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Iowa is $134,889.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,200.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Optical Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

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

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in IA? For Optical Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,889 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Optician

WOLFE EYE CLINIC MASTER

Story City, IA • On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Optician
In medical practice since 1919, Wolfe Eye Clinic is a multi-specialty clinic providing surgical services and vision care throughout Iowa. At Wolfe Eye Clinic, we create Better Vision for a Better Life.
Wolfe Family Vision Center in Story City has an immediate opening for a part-time optician.
Schedule:
  • Monday 8am - 5pm
  • Tuesday 9am - 5pm
  • Thursday 8am-5pm
  • Schedule may vary as needed.

Responsibilities include:
  • Assisting patients with frame selection.
  • Fitting and ordering appropriate spectacle lens materials.
  • Dispensing, adjusting, and fixing glasses for patients.
  • Maintaining organization of the optical area.
  • Communicating with optical laboratories regarding orders.
  • Checking completed orders for accuracy.
  • Ordering contact lens materials.
  • Educating patients on contact lenses.
  • Utilizing software for ordering, inventorying, and reconciling invoices.
  • Filing vision insurance claims.
  • Scheduling appointments.
  • Performing other duties as needed.

Qualifications include:
  • Ability to demonstrate strong patient service skills.
  • Ability to portray a professional attitude and appearance.
  • Ability to demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred (but not required) qualifications are:
  • Previous optical experience preferred, but willing to train the right candidate.

If you are interested in being part of a quality-driven organization while receiving a competitive wage, please apply.
EOE

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