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Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Acara Solutions

Senior FPGA Engineer

Franksville, WI

$160K - $190K/yr

Senior FPGA Engineer Location: Franksville WI 53126 Employment Type: Direct Hire Industry ... optics) * Hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers for ...

Ledcor Group

Senior Project Manager

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

... optic deployments, wireless infrastructure builds, and largescale network upgrades. You will be ... Education in Construction Management, Telecommunications, Engineering, or a related field (bachelor ...

Cirtec Medical Corporation

Sr. CNC Tool Maker

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$25.25 - $31.75/hr

The Sr. CNC Tool Maker (5 Axis) role is responsible for manufacturing complex, high-tolerance ... engineering drawings. * Precision Measurement - Validate part integrity using CMM, optical ...

Cirtec Medical Corp.

Sr. CNC Tool Maker

Sturtevant, WI · On-site

$25.25 - $31.75/hr

The Sr. CNC Tool Maker (5 Axis) role is responsible for manufacturing complex, high-tolerance ... engineering drawings. * Precision Measurement - Validate part integrity using CMM, optical ...

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer JobsSenior Optical Engineer Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Senior Optical Engineer information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$58.6K

$124.7K

$180.8K

How much do senior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior optical engineer in Milwaukee, WI is $124,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $141,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior optical engineer do?

A Senior Optical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often work on projects involving fiber optics, sensors, and advanced photonics technologies. Senior Optical Engineers lead technical teams, troubleshoot complex optical issues, and collaborate with other engineers to integrate optical solutions into larger systems. Their expertise is essential in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Optical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of optics, physics, and optical system design, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field and several years of industry experience. Expertise with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and familiarity with relevant standards and certifications are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication set top candidates apart, especially when leading teams or interfacing with clients. These skills ensure the development of innovative, precise optical solutions that meet technical and business objectives.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a senior optical engineer within multidisciplinary teams?

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop and integrate optical systems into larger products. This role often involves working closely with project managers to align technical requirements and timelines, as well as coordinating with manufacturing teams to ensure prototypes are feasible and scalable. Effective cross-functional communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key, as you may also contribute to design reviews and mentor junior engineers. These collaborations not only support project success but also provide valuable exposure to diverse technical perspectives, fostering ongoing professional growth.

What is the difference between Senior Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptical product companies, research institutions, manufacturing

Senior Optical Engineers typically have more experience and responsibilities, including leading projects and mentoring. Optical Engineers focus on designing and testing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and scope of work.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI?

For Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Optical Engineer jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:

Senior Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Optical Engineer job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,402 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Senior FPGA Engineer

Franksville, WI

Acara Solutions
Retail • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about Acara Solutionsexternal

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title:  Senior FPGA Engineer 
Location:  Franksville WI 53126
Employment Type:  Direct Hire
Industry:  Electronics 
Compensation:  $160K-$190K 
Relocation Assistance Available
Schedule:  Onsite, Monday - Friday 

Acara Solutions is seeking a Senior FPGA Engineer to join our client on a full-time direct hire opportunity.

About the Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced Senior FPGA Engineer to develop FPGA-based embedded systems for advanced power electronics and control applications. This role will focus on HDL development, FPGA design, digital signal processing, embedded communications, and power system modeling while collaborating closely with electrical and controls engineers.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, simulate, and debug FPGA designs using Verilog and/or VHDL.
  • Develop Python command-line tools and automated test scripts for FPGA validation.
  • Model electrical power systems using MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Optimize system performance by integrating digital hardware and embedded software solutions.
  • Collaborate with electrical and controls engineers to develop advanced power control firmware.
  • Perform hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation using laboratory test equipment.



About Acara Solutions
Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.


What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • 5 years minimum experience designing FPGA-based embedded systems.

What Sets You Apart:
  • Proficiency with Verilog and/or VHDL.
  • Experience with one or more of the following: 
    • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
    • Motor control
    • Switching power converter control
    • Embedded communication protocols (SPI, I2C, CAN, RS485, Ethernet, EtherCAT, USB, ARM AMBA AHB/AXI, memory interfaces, fiber optics)
  • Hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and network analyzers for hardware debugging.
  • Experience developing automation tools and test scripts in Python.
  • Experience using Git for version control.

Additional Information:

After you apply, you may receive a call or message from our AI Talent Scout about this role or other opportunities that match your skills and preferences. AI agent role is to help speed up your hiring process by answering questions, confirming basic information, and identifying whether there's a mutual fit.

The call or chat may be recorded so that our recruiting team can review it - they make all final hiring decisions, while AI agent simply helps move you forward faster. The best part? They are available 24/7, so you can connect whenever it's convenient for you.

By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Acara Solutions and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at Website Privacy Policy | Acara

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.