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Optical Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Vortex Optics

Industrial Designer

Barneveld, WI · On-site

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

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, optical or electrical engineering. * Minimum 5 years of Engineering experience. * Minimum 2 years Project Management experience with demonstrable success managing ...

Vortex Optics

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, optical or electrical engineering. * Minimum 5 years of Engineering experience. * Minimum 2 years Project Management experience with demonstrable success managing ...

Vortex Optics

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, optical or electrical engineering. * Minimum 5 years of Engineering experience. * Minimum 2 years Project Management experience with demonstrable success managing ...

Vortex Optics

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, optical or electrical engineering. * Minimum 5 years of Engineering experience. * Minimum 2 years Project Management experience with demonstrable success managing ...

Latitude Corp.

CMM Programmer

Verona, WI · On-site

... optical comparator, and other Quality metrology instruments. * Inspect first article and audit of ... Responsible for CMM programming that determines product conformity to requirements. * Authority to ...

Latitude Corp.

CMM Programmer

Verona, WI

... optical comparator, and other Quality metrology instruments. * Inspect first article and audit of ... Responsible for CMM programming that determines product conformity to requirements. * Authority to ...

Ametek

R&D Scientist

Madison, WI · On-site

Participate in cross functional design reviews of complex mechanical, optical, and electronic assemblies * Work closely with electrical, software, and mechanical engineers to design, procure, and ...

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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.
Industrial Designer

Industrial Designer

Vortex Optics

Barneveld, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Do you see opportunities for better design everywhere you look? Are you energized by solving problems, refining details, and improving how products look, feel, and function?
Vortex Optics is seeking a creative and motivated Industrial Designer to support the development of innovative products within our expanding consumer sports optics division. As part of the New Product Development team, you will apply sketching, 3D modeling, and visualization capabilities to translate concepts into high-quality, user-centered designs.
This position works cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Marketing to deliver functional, manufacturable, and visually compelling solutions across a diverse product portfolio, including red dots, riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, tripods, and related accessories.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Product conceptualization - Support direction-setting for new product concepts and execute tasks including research, ideation, model creation, and design presentations.
  • Define product design parameters - Establish form, geometry, aesthetics, mechanical considerations, fit, function, and user interface requirements while meeting targets for cost, manufacturability, and schedule.
  • Integrate customer insights - Apply customer feedback, market research, and design intuition to develop products optimized for user adoption.
  • Maintain segment expertise - Sustain strong working knowledge of all products within the optics segment.
  • Develop 2D and 3D design concepts - Produce high-quality sketches, renderings, and 3D models to communicate and refine design intent.
  • Create design specifications - Prepare dimensional, color, material, and finish specifications in collaboration with Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, and external partners.
  • Design product artwork - Work with Marketing and Engineering to develop new artwork or update existing artwork to support product branding and functionality.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design
  • Proficiency across the product development process, including user research, ideation, sketching, concept development, and design refinement.
  • Strong 2D and 3D CAD modeling skills, including solid and surface modeling. (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Proficient in KeyShot and Adobe Creative Suite, with the ability to produce high-quality renders and other presentation-ready design assets.
  • Excellent sketching, visualization, and graphic communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate design concepts clearly through visual and verbal presentations.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Understanding of human factors, ergonomics, and user-centered design principles.
  • Strong prototyping, model-making, and general fabrication skills.
  • Willingness to travel for research, product development, supplier collaboration, and market immersion.
  • Working knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods, and emerging technologies relevant to new product development.
  • Experience bringing consumer products from concept through production.

Preferred Experience and Skills
  • 2-5 years of professional industrial design experience
  • Experience designing or developing soft goods and sewn products
  • Knowledge of CNC machining, injection molding, extrusion, and related manufacturing processes
  • Experience collaborating with international manufacturers

When you join Team Vortex, you'll enjoy:
  • Great health, dental and vision insurance
  • Employee Ownership Opportunities
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • 401(k), life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • Various onsite amenities including a fitness center, a nature preserve with walking trails and dog friendly work areas
  • Neighboring daycare facility
  • Casual and flexible work environment
  • Employee discounts on industry leading products

What's it like to join Team Vortex?
From the production floor to the repair room, from consumer sales to new product development, we're a growing team of makers and doers, working together to give our customers an experience they'll never forget. Our employees thrive in situations that require demonstrating our core values:
  • About You
  • Customer is King
  • Willingness to Shovel Snow
  • Be the Buffalo

Vortex Optics' new product development team is united by the drive to delivery top quality products our customers will use for a lifetime. We stress over the details and thrive by delivering unique solutions the market has never seen. Each team member enjoys the responsibility they are instilled with and look forward to putting their stamp on our industry we love. Our pride shines through with every product and we are excited to usher in new individuals.
*Must already be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.
*This is a full-time, onsite position based in Barneveld, WI with relocation assistance available.
*A cover letter is required when submitting your application.
*Applications will be accepted until July 2nd, 2026. Interviews will not begin until early July.

Apply