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Optical Engineer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

SSM Health

Optician

Portage, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

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 ...

US Department of Commerce

General Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$74K/yr

Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of ... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ...

Warby Parker

Optician - Hilldale

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Warby Parker

Optician - Hilldale

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Warby Parker

Optician - Hilldale

Madison, WI

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Optical Education Reimbursement * Free eyewear * And more (just ask!) Some benefits of working at Warby Parker for part-time employees: * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) * Employee Stock Purchase ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Non-Licensed Optician

Verona, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Assists members in choosing eyeglass frames and lens options appropriate to the lens prescription, under supervision of a Licensed Optician. * Measures member for pupillary distance using pupilometer ...

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Non-Licensed Optician

Middleton, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Assists members in choosing eyeglass frames and lens options appropriate to the lens prescription, under supervision of a Licensed Optician. * Measures member for pupillary distance using pupilometer ...

Vision to Learn

Optician-In Person Not Remote

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Vision To Learn

Optician-In Person Not Remote

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

nVent

Electrical Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Electrical Engineer, you will support electrical build, integration, and testing for customer ... Expertise in multi-conductor control wiring and optical patch cable specification. * A safety ...

nVent

Electrical Engineer

Madison, WI · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Electrical Engineer, you will support electrical build, integration, and testing for customer ... Expertise in multi-conductor control wiring and optical patch cable specification. * A safety ...

Latitude Corp.

Quality Engineer/CMM Programmer

Verona, WI · On-site

  • Life

  • Retirement

... optical comparators, and other Quality metrology instruments. * Create Certificates of Compliance ... Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Quality Engineer * Strong critical thinking and problem-solving ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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?

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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,728 per year, or $69.6 per hour.

Optician

SSM Health

Portage, WI • On-site

$18.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Re-posted 28 days ago

SSM Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 547 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

It's more than a career, it's a calling
WI-SSM Health Dean Medical Group Portage
Worker Type:
Regular
Job Highlights:
OPTICIAN
Location: Portage WI
Employment Type: Full-Time
SSM Health is dedicated to providing exceptional eye care and eyewear solutions. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized service and high-quality products to our patients.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Optician to join our team. This role involves assisting patients with eyewear selection, performing fittings, and ensuring accurate lens measurements. If you have a passion for helping people see their best and thrive in a customer-focused environment, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist patients in selecting frames and lenses that meet their vision needs and style preferences.
• Perform precise measurements and fittings for eyewear.
• Educate patients on lens options, coatings, and care instructions.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
• Collaborate with the optometrist and team to deliver outstanding patient care.
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 attention to detail.
• Must obtain American Board of Opticianry Certification within 18 months of hire.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
What We Offer:
• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Paid training and support to achieve ABO certification.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• A positive, team-oriented work environment.
Ready to join a team that values your growth and success? Apply today!
Schedule:
Hours would be between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday - Friday, travel time may extend day at both start time and end time, as travel to locations further than normal commute is paid time. No on-call requirement.
Job Summary:
Fills patient prescriptions for glasses and at some locations contact lenses.
Job Responsibilities and Requirements:
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Interprets and analyzes current prescription and reviews historical information to ensure changes are consistent and reasonable. Recognizes inconsistencies and irregularities in prescription history. Contacts doctor for discussion if there are questions.
  • Troubleshoots basic and advanced vision complaints related to eyeglasses and at some locations contact lenses.
  • Assists patients with selection of eye wear, determines proper frame and lens selections while also considering prescription implications.
  • Effectively demonstrates features and benefits to reinforce value to the customer while maximizing sales.
  • Takes necessary optical measurements (e.g. pupillary distance (PD), seg heights, custom fit to wear lens measurements) with a high degree of accuracy. Explains the procedures and reasons for them to customer.
  • Accurately and comfortably fits eye wear to customer's satisfaction. Demonstrates proper eyeglass cleaning and storage techniques and suggests products to assist them.
  • Inspects all jobs that come in with a lensometer (manual or automatic) for prescription verification using department and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards as guidelines for quality control. Requests corrections as necessary from lab.
  • Responsible for managing on site inventory within directed budgets, including frames, miscellaneous supplies and over the counter accessory items.
  • Assists in dispensing contact lenses at some locations.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of available insurance and safety plans.
  • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
  • High School diploma/GED or 10 years of work experience

EXPERIENCE
  • One year optical field or customer service experience

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Constant standing and walking.
  • Frequent use of hearing and speech to share information through oral communication.
  • Frequent use of hearing to distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc.
  • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs.
  • Frequent reaching, gripping, and keyboard use/data entry.
  • Frequent use of vision for distances near (20 inches or less) and far (20 feet or more) and to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Occasional bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, sitting, squatting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
  • Occasional use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships.
  • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs.
  • Occasional lifting/moving patients.
  • Occasional use of smell to detect/recognize odors.
  • Occasional driving.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS
State of Work Location: Wisconsin
  • American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABOC) - The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE)

State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma
  • N/A

Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Job Type:
Employee
Department:
7950280032 Portage Optical
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Benefits:
SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
  • Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
  • Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
  • Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

Explore All Benefits
SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Click here to learn more.

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