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Optical Engineer Jobs in Mount Horeb, WI (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Applications Scientist 3

Oregon, WI · On-site

$90 - $150/hr

Work closely with process engineers in semiconductor fabs to develop metrology solutions for complex multi-layer, optical critical dimension (scatterometry), and overlay measurements for ...

New

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

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

The Computer Vision Engineer will lead efforts to develop sophisticated image analysis methods and cutting-edge approaches for analyzing optical images of biological samples. This position will ...

New

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team ... Aid engineers, as necessary in engineering and design of technical aspects of new products. * Test ...

NPD Project Manager

Barneveld, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our New Product Development (NPD) team ... Aid engineers, as necessary in engineering and design of technical aspects of new products. * Test ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Engineer information

See Mount Horeb, WI salary details

$82K

$141.9K

$166.5K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Mount Horeb, WI is $141,901.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,500.00 and $165,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.

What cities near Mount Horeb, WI are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Mount Horeb, WI with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Mount Horeb, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,901 per year, or $68.2 per hour.

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Space Weather Office (SWO).Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 0801 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

Note: An applicant who meets the basic requirements as specified in A or B above, except as noted under B.1., may qualify for positions in any branch of engineering unless selective factors indicate otherwise.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Participating in project management;
  • Reviewing test results or analyzing operational failures and deficiencies for satellite ground systems; and
  • Coordinating and collaborating between multifunctional teams.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be combined with experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
  • Leading satellite data product generation or operation of environmental satellite systems;
  • Evaluating the efficiency of designs, specifications, or other standards for the production of space and ground hardware or software; and
  • Participating as a member of multidisciplinary systems engineering teams to support the planning, design, integration, testing, and deployment of satellite ground and space systems.
Education:

College Transcript:If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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