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Optical Engineer Jobs in Madison, AL (NOW HIRING)

Optical Technician / Optician

Madison, AL ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to ...

Optical Technician / Optician

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Employee Discounts SUMMARY An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Engineer information

See Madison, AL salary details

$74.4K

$128.7K

$151K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Madison, AL is $128,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,600.00 and $149,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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?

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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, AL are:
What cities near Madison, AL are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, AL with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Madison, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,671 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Optical Technician / Optical Sales

Eye Care Partners Career Opportunities

Huntsville, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

SUMMARYย ย 

ย An Optical Technician will achieve a world class Total Patient Experience that maximizes retail sales while also supporting the patients' medical needs. This team member is trained to dispense and fit glasses and contacts, working from the prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.ย  They connect the patient's needs to the goods and services offered.ย 

ย LOCATIONย 

  • Work is primarily performed in a standard office or clinical setting. However, travel to other locations may be required to carry out essential job duties and responsibilitiesย 

ย ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESย 

  • Embrace and execute our Total Patient Experience to build relationships with all patients while delivering great medical supportย 
  • Determine patient wants and needs and selling to exceed their expectationsย 
  • Assist patients in selecting frames according to style and color, coordinating frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptionsย 
  • Able to operate the auto-lensometer and manual lensometerย 
  • Educate and recommend specific lenses, lens coatings and frames to suit patient needsย 
  • Can accurately collect measurements such as bridge, eye size, temple length, seg heights, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and pantoscopic tiltย 
  • Dispense patient orders and repair and adjust patient framesย 
  • Dispense all glasses and/or contact lens orders using current processย 

ย QUALIFICATIONSย 

  • Previous medical office experience preferred; previous ophthalmic experience strongly preferred.ย 
  • Minimum of 1 year in a position interacting with customers/patients or the equivalent combination of education and experienceย 
  • Favorable result on background check as required by stateย 
  • Must be able to provide proof of identity and right to work in the United Statesย 

ย EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCEย 

  • High school diploma or GED required.ย 

ย LICENSES AND CREDENTIALSย 

  • ABO and NCLE certifications preferred but not required.ย 

ย SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGYย ย 

  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlookย 

ย PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSย 

  • This role requires a variety of physical activities to effectively perform essential job functions. The position involves frequent walking (75%), sitting (50%), and standing (50%), with regular bending, stooping, and reaching (25-50%). Employees must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull items up to 25 lbs. Strong fine motor skills and full use of hands are essential, as the role demands constant grasping, writing/typing, and use of technology. Visual and auditory acuity-including color, depth, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus-is required 100% of the time. Occasional driving or climbing may also be necessary.ย 

ย If you need assistance with this application, please contact (636) 227-2600. Please do not contact the office directly - only resumes submitted through this website will be considered.ย 

EyeCare Partners is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.ย 

ย NOTE: Job descriptions are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.ย ย