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Optical Manufacturing Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Optical Engineer

Appleton, WI · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

This role will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including welding engineers, manufacturing ... Develop and evaluate optical systems, beam delivery components, collimators, focusing optics ...

Sales Associate Target Optical

Madison, WI · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

Sales Associate Target Optical

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$16 - $19.75/hr

Target Optical is part of EssilorLuxottica, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of world-class vision care products, including iconic eyewear, advanced lens technology and ...

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Optical Manufacturing information

See Wisconsin salary details

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How much do optical manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical manufacturing in Wisconsin is $25.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Manufacturing job?

An Optical Manufacturing job involves producing precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms for industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications. Workers in this field use specialized equipment to cut, grind, polish, and coat optical materials to meet exact specifications. They may also inspect finished products for quality and ensure they meet industry standards. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and knowledge of optical fabrication processes.

What is optical manufacturing?

Optical manufacturing involves producing precision optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms used in devices like cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. The process includes grinding, polishing, coating, and assembling optical elements, often requiring specialized tools and quality control measures to ensure accuracy and performance.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities in Optical Manufacturing?

In Optical Manufacturing, entry-level roles often serve as stepping stones to more specialized positions, such as process technician, quality assurance specialist, or optical engineer. With additional experience and training, employees can advance into supervisory or management roles, or become experts in areas like process optimization or product development. Many companies encourage continuous learning, offering in-house training and support for professional certifications. Career growth may also include transitioning into related fields, such as research and development or technical sales, leveraging your manufacturing expertise.

Do you need a degree to be an optical lab tech?

An optical lab technician typically does not need a college degree but should have a high school diploma or equivalent. Training is often provided on the job, and skills in precision work, attention to detail, and familiarity with optical equipment are important. Certification is not required but can enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Manufacturing position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Optical Manufacturing, you need strong technical aptitude in precision measurement, mechanical assembly, and quality control, often supported by a background in optics, engineering, or manufacturing technology. Familiarity with tools like spectrometers, interferometers, CNC machines, and cleanroom procedures is crucial, and certifications such as IPC or ASQ may be beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the accuracy and quality of optical products, which are vital for applications in industries like healthcare, defense, and telecommunications.

What are 5 careers in manufacturing?

In manufacturing, common careers include production technician, quality control inspector, manufacturing engineer, maintenance technician, and assembly line worker. These roles often require knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications or technical training. They are essential for the efficient operation of manufacturing facilities, including optical manufacturing environments.

What is an optical fabrication technician?

An optical fabrication technician is responsible for producing and finishing precision optical components, such as lenses and mirrors, by grinding, polishing, and coating them to meet specific specifications. They often use specialized tools and equipment in a clean environment and may require knowledge of optical measurements and quality control standards.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin? For Optical Manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Optical Manufacturing job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,180 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Production Specialist 2nd shift- Coating

Production Specialist 2nd shift- Coating

Shopko Optical

De Pere, WI • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Shopko Optical rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

At our proprietary lab in De Pere, WI, we manufacture quality eyewear for our eye care center patients at over 140 locations across the North and Midwest. With a focus on continuous improvement, we are always looking for motivated and innovative people that want to help us optimize the production and distribution of this process.

As part of our manufacturing team, you will have access to state-of-the-art lens processing and finishing equipment to efficiently produce high-quality eyewear to keep our patients seeing their best.

Enjoy on-the-job training in a clean and comfortable work environment and benefits including a fixed schedule working 1st shift, 401k with match, and paid time off.

2nd Shift Production Specialist Coating - $1,000 Sign on Bonus

Starting pay is $18/hour plus $2.00 shift premium

Now Hiring 2nd Shift

2nd Shift 5 day work week 1:30 pm to Midnight

Are you looking for an opportunity to work in a progressive manufacturing environment where your work means bringing clear sight to our patients? Shopko Optical is seeking Production Specialists to join our team at our manufacturing facility in De Pere, Wisconsin.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Fabricates eyewear in an efficient and timely manner. Provides quality products and services to each Optical Center. Performs key tasks within the department thoroughly, accurately, and efficiently. Ensures laboratory standards are followed and service levels are maintained under the direction and guidance of the Production Manager.

Taking Care of our Teams who Take Care of our Patients

  • Competitive Wages
  • 401K with Match
  • Vacation Pay/Personal Day
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Paid Sick Days
  • Health & Wellbeing Benefits
  • Voluntary/Cafeteria Offerings
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • On the Job Training & Certification
  • Teammate Recognition Program

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Production Operations

  • Operate sophisticated optical manufacturing equipment
  • Work with specialized equipment and precision hand tools
  • Fabricate, assemble, treat and handle lenses through different manufacturing processes
  • Select lens blanks, molds, tools and polishing or grinding wheels according to production specifications
  • Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding or coating machines
  • Set dials and start machines to polish lenses
  • Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws and verify smoothness of surface
  • Clean finished lenses using cloths and solvents
  • Inspects lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses
  • Cleans finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents
  • Examine prescriptions, work orders or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses or other optical elements
  • Perform functions to produce work that meets standards for quality and accuracy
  • Maintain production output standards
  • Partner with team to continuously improve processes

Maintain Safe Work Environment

· Follows all company and lab policies and guidelines

· Adheres to safety guidelines and OSHA regulations

· Performs exercise before reporting to work station

· Ensures machinery is operating effectively

· Ensures orders are fabricated only if a work ticket is provided

· Fabricates all orders in accordance with the ANSI and company standards

· Understands chemicals prior to use

· Follows Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) procedures

· Follows lockout tag out and Haz Com procedures


MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

· High School Graduate or GED (preferred)

· Demonstrated ability to learn and perform production-related tasks

· Strong written and oral communication skills

· Interpersonal skills

· Ability to multi-task and prioritize

·Optical experience a plus, but not required


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & WORK REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to effectively communicate at all levels within the organization through written and two-way verbal communication

· Able to read and write at a high school graduate level

· Able to sit or stand for extended periods of time

· Able to operate various office equipment and Optical Lab equipment

· Demonstrate physical agility (bending, climbing, twisting, squatting, lifting, pushing, reaching, etc.) on a repetitive basis

· Ability to lift an average of 25 pounds on a repetitive basis

· Ability to see (Near, Distance, Color, and Depth Perception)

· Manual and finger dexterity, as well as hand/arm steadiness

· Ability to grip and hold items

· Good eye and hand coordination

· Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment

· Able to travel independently to support Company objectives and personal development

· Ability to perform work in various departments within the lab on business needs


These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by teammates assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.


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