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Optical Engineer Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Applications Engineer Pioneer the next generation of innovation. Join us and you'll develop your skills and expertise to the very highest levels, working in an international environment for a company ...

Applications Engineer

Mankato, MN · On-site

$73K - $118K/yr

Applications Engineer Pioneer the next generation of innovation. Join us and you'll develop your skills and expertise to the very highest levels, working in an international environment for a company ...

... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar, ballistics, and fire control basics, and ETs ...

... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar, ballistics, and fire control basics, and ETs ...

... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar, ballistics, and fire control basics, and ETs ...

... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar, ballistics, and fire control basics, and ETs ...

... optics, test equipment, and troubleshooting; strand training in either the Fire Controlman or Electronics Technician track, with FCs focusing on radar, ballistics, and fire control basics, and ETs ...

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Optical Engineer information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$82.3K

$142.4K

$167K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Mankato, MN is $142,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,900.00 and $165,500.00 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 are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in Mankato, MN? For Optical Engineer jobs in Mankato, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Mankato, MN look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Mankato, MN are:
What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,360 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

(USA) Optical Manager NL1 - Sam's

Sam's Club

Montgomery, MN • On-site

$27 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Sam's Club rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 2,016 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary... What you'll do...Drives sales in the Vision Center by ensuring effective merchandise presentation including accurate and competitive pricing proper signing and instock and inventory levels budgeting and forecasting sales and assessing economic trends and community needs Models enforces and provides direction and guidance to Associates on proper CustomerMember service approaches and techniques to ensure CustomerMember needs complaints and issues are successfully resolved within Company guidelines and standards Oversees the implementation of and participates in community outreach programs and encourages Associates to serve as good members of the community Ensures compliance with Company and legal policies procedures and regulations for the Vision Center by analyzing and interpreting reports implementing and monitoring asset protection and safety controls overseeing safety operational and quality assurance reviews developing and implementing action plans to improve performance providing direction and guidance on executing Company programs and strategic initiatives and directing the Vision Center Associates in ensuring confidentiality of information documentation and assigned records Provides supervision and development opportunities for Associates in the Vision Center by hiring training mentoring assigning duties providing recognition and promoting a belonging mindset in the workplace Ensures the provision of quality eyewear by consulting with and educating MembersCustomers selecting products based on MemberCustomer needs obtaining measurements verifying prescriptions maintaining confidential information performing minor frame repair and maintaining Optical equipment Upholds the Companys Open Door Policy: by meeting with Associates and listening to concerns researching issues reviewing Company policies and procedures and suggesting resolution for Associates Coordinates completes and oversees jobrelated activities and assignments by developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders supporting plans and initiatives to meet customer and business needs identifying and communicating goals and objectives building accountability for and measuring progress in achieving results identifying and addressing improvement opportunities and demonstrating adaptability and promoting continuous learning Provides supervision and development opportunities for associates by hiring and training mentoring assigning duties providing recognition and promoting a belonging mindset in the workplace Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures and supports company mission values and standards of ethics and integrity by implementing related action plans utilizing and supporting the Open Door Policy: and providing direction and guidance on applying these in executing business processes and practices Respect the individual: Builds highperforming teams embraces differences in people cultures ideas and experiences creates a workplace where associates feel seen supported and connected through a culture of belonging creates opportunities for all associates to thrive and performx000B Respect the individual: Works collaboratively builds strong and trusting relationships communicates with impact energy and positivity to motivate and influencex000B Respect the individual: Attracts and retains the best talent empowers and develops talent and recognizes others contributions and accomplishments Act with Integrity: Maintains and promotes the highest standards of integrity ethics and compliance models the Walmart values to support and foster our culture holds oneself and others accountable supports Walmarts goal of becoming a regenerative company by making a positive impact for associates customers members and the world around useg creating a sense of belonging eliminating waste participating in local giving Act with Integrity: Acts in a selfless manner and is consistently humble selfaware honest fair and transparent Serve Our Customers and Members Delivers results while putting the customer first considers and adapts to how where and when customers shop and applies the EDLP and EDLC business models to all plans Serve Our Customers and Members Makes decisions based on data insights and analysis balances short and longterm priorities and considers our customers fellow associates shareholders suppliers business partners and communities when making plans Strive for Excellence: Displays curiosity and a desire to learn takes calculated risks demonstrates courage and resilience and encourages learning from mistakes Strive for Excellence: Drives continuous improvements adopts and encourages the use of new technologies and skills and supports others through change At Sam's Club, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet!
-Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage
-Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance
-Paid time off benefits include PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.
For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
- Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The hourly wage range for this position is $27.00 - $37.00* *The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation in the form of premiums may be paid in amounts ranging from $0.35 per hour to $3.00 per hour in specific circumstances. Premiums may be based on schedule, facility, season, or specific work performed. Multiple premiums may apply if applicable criteria are met.

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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications: Completion of 2 or more years' of college OR 1 year’s retail experience and 1 year’s supervisory experience OR 2 years’ general work experience including 1 year’s optical experience. Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Supervising Associates Primary Location... 14940 FLORENCE TRL, APPLE VALLEY, MN 55124-4628, United States of America Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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