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Optical Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

ITW Miller

Sr. Optical Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Senior Optical Engineer to drive the design, development, validation, and optimization of next-generation, high-power fiber laser systems. In this role, you will ...

BARCO

WI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

As a senior engineer, you will use your optical engineering skills to develop advanced projection systems with DLP technology and solid‑state light sources (laser, LED, phosphor) that lead the ...

3M Consultancy

Optical Network Engineer

Reedsville, WI · On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

Network Solutions Engineer (Optical) Duration: Full-Time. NEED TS/SCI Clearance. Responsibilities You will be responsible for generation, co-ordination, and execution of internal and carrier test ...

3M Consultancy

Optical Network Engineer

Reedsville, WI · On-site

$129K - $168K/yr

Network Solutions Engineer (Optical) Duration: Full-Time. NEED TS/SCI Clearance. Responsibilities You will be responsible for generation, co-ordination, and execution of internal and carrier test ...

Socket.dev

WI · On-site

$110 - $190/hr

This is a hands-on engineering position at the intersection of high-power microwave engineering, optical beam propagation, and fusion system integration. You will work alongside highly motivated ...

Warby Parker

Optical Supervisor - Hilldale

Madison, WI · On-site

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Warby Parker

Optical Supervisor - Hilldale

Madison, WI · On-site

Warby Parker is searching for an Optical Supervisor to join our growing team of in-house optical professionals. In this role, you'll rely on your optical prowess, friendly demeanor, and product ...

Shopko Optical

General Manager - Bench

Appleton, WI · On-site

Shopko Optical is seeking a General Manager - Bench to lead our teams within the Appleton, WI area. Effectively lead the optical team to maximize sales, profit and customer service objectives.

Shopko Optical

General Manager - Bench

Green Bay, WI · On-site

Shopko Optical is seeking a General Manager - Bench to lead our teams within the Green Bay, WI area. Effectively lead the optical team to maximize sales, profit and customer service objectives.

Shopko Optical

General Manager - Bench

Appleton, WI · On-site

Shopko Optical is seeking a General Manager - Bench to lead our teams within the Appleton, WI area. Effectively lead the optical team to maximize sales, profit and customer service objectives.

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Optical Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$83.8K

$145K

$170.1K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Wisconsin is $144,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,200.00 and $168,600.00 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 does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineer?

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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:

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For Optical Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:

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Cities in Wisconsin with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in WI?

For Optical Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $144,954 per year, or $69.7 per hour.

Sr. Optical Engineer

ITW Miller

Appleton, WI • On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Senior Optical Engineer to drive the design, development, validation, and optimization of next-generation, high-power fiber laser systems. In this role, you will lead optical architecture prototyping and beam-shaping initiatives. Candidates with a proven track record of applying high-power lasers to industrial materials processing (specifically laser welding) are highly preferred. However, expertise in optical engineering with the ability to develop competency in material processing will be considered.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in laser optics and beam delivery systems with hands-on experience translating laser technology into robust industrial manufacturing solutions.

This role will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including welding engineers, manufacturing engineers, product development teams, and research scientists to develop innovative laser-based solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, validate, and optimize high-power fiber laser systems and optical architectures.
  • Lead integration of laser sources, beam delivery components, process heads, sensors, and automation systems into manufacturing environments.
  • Develop test plans, qualification procedures, and process validation protocols.
  • Ensure compliance with laser safety standards, quality requirements, and industry regulations.
  • Analyze and improve laser beam propagation, beam quality, focusability, and energy delivery.
  • Develop and evaluate optical systems, beam delivery components, collimators, focusing optics, scanners, and process heads.
  • Support laser process development for industrial manufacturing applications.
  • Perform optical simulations, modeling, testing, and characterization.
  • Troubleshoot laser system performance issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal engineering teams on laser system integration projects.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies in fiber lasers, optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing.
  • Provide technical leadership and drive optical technology roadmaps for future laser platforms.

Required Qualifications

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience working with high-power fiber laser systems ranging from 1 kW to 10+ kW.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Fiber laser architectures
    • Optical components and beam delivery systems, including combiners, couplers, and fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs)
    • Optical design and characterization
    • Diagnosing and mitigating high-power degradation mechanisms such as Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS), thermal lensing, mode stability, and optical fiber damage.
  • Experience with optical test and measurement equipment.
  • Familiarity with laser safety requirements and standards.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and experimental skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with fiber laser welding processes.
  • Experience with laser process monitoring and closed-loop control.
  • Experience with simulation tools such as Zemax, Matlab, Python, or equivalent.
  • Understanding of beam shaping technologies and advanced laser processing techniques.
  • Experience supporting production environments and manufacturing scale-up

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have a background similar to professionals who have experience in:

  • Fiber laser source development
  • Industrial laser processing
  • Laser welding research and development
  • Optical system design and characterization
  • Photonics and advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Candidates with demonstrated expertise in both high-power fiber lasers and laser welding applications will be strongly preferred.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 


As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  

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