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System Engineering Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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System Engineering information

See Madison, WI salary details

$53.9K

$128.2K

$168.3K

How much do system engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for system engineering in Madison, WI is $128,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,800.00 and $158,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by System Engineers when working on cross-functional teams?

System Engineers often collaborate with professionals from software development, hardware design, quality assurance, and project management. A common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these teams, as each may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. System Engineers must bridge these gaps, translating requirements and constraints to all stakeholders while balancing technical feasibility with project timelines. Developing strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving can help overcome these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is system engineering?

System engineering is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on designing, integrating, and managing complex systems throughout their life cycles. It involves understanding and defining customer needs, translating them into system requirements, and creating solutions that span hardware, software, and processes. System engineers coordinate across various disciplines, ensuring that all parts of a project work together efficiently and effectively. Their work is crucial in industries such as aerospace, defense, IT, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between System Engineering vs Network Engineering?

AspectSystem EngineeringNetwork Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like INCOSE, PMPBachelor's in Computer Science or related, Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning and integrating complex systems across industriesDesigning, implementing, and maintaining computer networks
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, defense, ITTelecommunications, IT services, enterprise networks
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for technical scope and certificationsFocuses on network infrastructure and security

System Engineering and Network Engineering share overlapping skills in technical certifications and work environments, but differ in focus. System Engineers design complex systems across various industries, while Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure. Both roles are vital in technology and engineering sectors, often requiring similar credentials but serving distinct functions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science or engineering, along with expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration. Familiarity with operating systems (like Linux and Windows), scripting languages, cloud platforms, and certifications such as CompTIA, AWS, or Microsoft Certified: Azure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication, and collaboration skills help system engineers excel in cross-functional teams and resolve complex technical challenges. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure IT infrastructure that meets organizational needs.
System Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Engineering job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,204 per year, or $61.6 per hour.
Sr. Optical System Engineer

Sr. Optical System Engineer

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Madison, WI • On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 409 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions
Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Laboratory Setting, Office
Job Description
LOCATION: This is a fully onsite position based at our Madison, WI site. Unfortunately, relocation assistance is NOT provided.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screen.
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while advancing solutions to some of the world's toughest challenges, like protecting the environment, making sure our food is safe or helping find cures for cancer.
The Analytical Instruments Group (AIG) at Thermo Fisher Scientific provides a broad portfolio of instruments, software, and services that support a wide range of laboratory, production, and field applications. Our solutions are used by customers across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, government, environmental, and industrial markets to advance research, improve productivity, and drive innovation. At the Madison, Wisconsin site, our teams design and manufacture advanced spectroscopy instrumentation used by scientists around the world for research, materials science, energy, and industrial applications.
Description
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to architect and develop advanced optical systems for FTIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopy instruments. This role focuses on system-level design, optical modeling, and cross-functional integration of complex photonic systems. The ideal candidate combines strong optical expertise with systems engineering experience and thrives in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop optical systems, including imaging, illumination, sensing, or laser-based subsystems

  • Translate product requirements into optical architectures and system-level specifications

  • Perform optical modeling and simulation (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools)

  • Drive tolerance analysis, error budgeting, and performance optimization

  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust system integration

  • Own system-level trade studies and design decisions balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability

  • Guide prototyping, testing, and validation of optical systems

  • Develop and execute test plans; analyze data and iterate designs accordingly

  • Support transfer to manufacturing, including alignment strategies and yield improvement

  • Troubleshoot complex optical/system-level issues in development and production

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical leadership within the team

  • Interface with external vendors and partners for components and subsystems

Requirements
  • Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics or related discipline plus 3 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years of experience developing complex optical systems

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, wave optics, diffraction, and polarization

  • Experience with optical design and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax)

  • Experience designing and analyzing optical systems such as imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics, or photonic devices

  • Familiarity with laboratory optical equipment (e.g., interferometers, spectrometers, alignment tools)

  • Knowledge of optical tolerancing, fabrication processes, and metrology techniques

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to optimize complex system performance

  • Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering

  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis, modeling, or automation

  • Experience working in regulated development environments (e.g., medical devices, aerospace, defense) is a plus

  • Knowledge of opto-mechanical design considerations and thermal effects in optical systems

  • Familiarity with ISO or other relevant industry standards

  • Experience leveraging AI/ML or generative AI tools to enhance data analysis, optical modeling, or engineering productivity (e.g., code generation, data interpretation, or design exploration)

  • Awareness of how AI/ML techniques may be applied to instrument data processing, signal analysis, or system optimization

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to technical documentation and design reviews

  • Demonstrated ability to manage technical work independently while contributing to team deliverables

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