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Optical Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SEE Eyewear

Optical Stylist, Part-Time

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

OPTICAL STYLIST SEE Eyewear is addicted to uncovering hidden gems--and not just within our product assortment. We believe that finding the perfect frames starts with finding the perfect people. At ...

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TRC Companies, Inc.

Transmission Engineer III

Madison, WI · On-site

$93K - $149K/yr

With transmission line experience of up to 500kV and ongoing fiber-optic communication projects ... Will function as a Transmission Engineer on assigned projects of varying complexity. The position ...

Envista Holdings Corporation

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$244K/yr

Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or similar). * 15 ...

Envista

System Architect

Madison, WI · On-site

$244K/yr

Bachelor's degree in a technical field (e.g., Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, or similar). * 15 ...

Hoyos Consulting LLC

Senior Network Engineer

Madison, WI

$104K - $143K/yr

Hoyos Consulting LLC is searching for a senior to mid-level Network Engineer to join our team, as ... Plan/implement customer driven projects (network consulting, wireless deployments, optical networks)

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SSM Health

Optician Lead

Verona, WI · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Responsible for the optical site with respect to overall patient satisfaction, optical sales, and weekly and monthly reporting. Performs all optician duties in addition to the lead responsibilities ...

SSM Health

Optician

Fort Atkinson, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Qualifications: • One year experience in an optical or retail field. • Strong communication and customer service skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and pay attention to ...

CCI Systems, Inc.

Field Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

Come join our team of engineers and experts that guide our customers toward the right choices to ... Install/align/optimize HFC equipment including fiber optic nodes and related equipment. * Install ...

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UWHealth

Optician

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

... Optical lab training and/or optometric technician experience Preferred Contact lens training or experience Preferred Licenses & Certifications Obtain American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certification ...

Saelens Corporation

Quality Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Quality Engineer Location: Johnson Creek, WI Employment Type: 1st shift, 6:00am to 2:30pm Monday ... Operate and calibrate precision tools such as calipers, micrometers, bore gauges, optical ...

UW Health

Optician

Madison, WI · On-site

$21.70 - $32.55/hr

... Optical lab training and/or optometric technician experience Preferred • Contact lens training or experience Preferred Licenses & Certifications • Obtain American Board of Opticianry (ABO ...

SSM Health

Optician

Verona, WI · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Qualifications: • Previous experience in optical or retail preferred, but not required. • Strong communication and customer service skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and pay ...

SSM Health

Optician

Portage, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Qualifications: • Previous experience in optical or retail preferred, but not required. • Strong communication and customer service skills. • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and pay ...

Vision to Learn

Optician-In Person Not Remote

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Take measurements, fit and adjust frames for patients according to written optical prescriptions * Assist patients with frame selections to ensure optimal fit and patient satisfaction * Complete and ...

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Vortex Optics

Industrial Designer

Barneveld, WI · On-site

$124K/yr

Vortex Optics is seeking a creative and motivated Industrial Designer to support the development of ... This position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to deliver functional ...

Vortex Optics

Industrial Designer

Barneveld, WI

$124K/yr

Vortex Optics is seeking a creative and motivated Industrial Designer to support the development of ... This position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to deliver functional ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI

Optical Engineer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$83.6K

$144.7K

$169.8K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Madison, WI is $144,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $168,300.00 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, 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 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI? For Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Madison, WI as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,728 per year, or $69.6 per hour.
Sr. Optical System Engineer

Sr. Optical System Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Madison, WI • On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 409 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office
Job Description
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems

  • Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications

  • Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)

  • Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration

  • Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability

  • Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems

  • Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly

  • Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement

  • Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team

  • Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems

Requirements
  • Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization

  • Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax)

  • Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices

  • Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)

  • Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance

  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation

  • Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus

  • Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems

  • Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards

  • Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)

  • Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews

  • Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables

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