Vortex Optics
Vortex Optics

9 Vortex Optics Optical Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our Strategic Product Engineering, Application, and Research team. In this role, you will contribute to making awesome products through the ...

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 ...

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 ...

Vortex Optics is looking for a full-stack Developer that is proficient in both front-end and back-end development and is passionate about using technology to create a rare experience for our ...

Vortex Optics is looking for a full-stack Developer that is proficient in both front-end and back-end development and is passionate about using technology to create a rare experience for our ...

Vortex Optics is looking for a full-stack Developer that is proficient in both front-end and back-end development and is passionate about using technology to create a rare experience for our ...

Vortex Optics is looking for a full-stack Developer that is proficient in both front-end and back-end development and is passionate about using technology to create a rare experience for our ...

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 ...

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 ...

Vortex Optics Jobs Information

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

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.

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.

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings at Vortex Optics in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer

Vortex Optics

Barneveld, WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Description

Every Vortex product that leaves our door is covered by our Very Important Promise (VIP) Warranty. The Vortex VIP Warranty simply means, if you ever have a concern, issue or want to order a Vortex product, you will be met with a customer experience that will exceed all expectations! Our promise is unlimited, unconditional and lasts a lifetime. Whether your Vortex role is in Sales, Customer Service, IT, Marketing, Finance, NPD or Operations, every day starts with supporting that promise and PUTTING THE CUSTOMER FIRST!


Vortex Optics is looking for a talented individual to join our Strategic Product Engineering, Application, and Research team. In this role, you will contribute to making awesome products through the design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical components and systems. Total system design will be an integral part of this job and a broad knowledge of, and interest in, multiple engineering disciplines (Mechanical, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing) will be extremely useful. You will be a part of a small team of multi-talented engineers who are creative and driven individuals, you should have excellent communication, troubleshooting, and analytic skills. You should project-oriented - able to take ownership of tasks, execute effectively, and learn quickly from failure, being driven to succeed.  


What You'll Be Doing

  • Design parts and assemblies for electro-optical and electro-mechanical products.
  • Utilize COTS programming packages to support the associated software development of new products.
  • Assist in assembly and testing of products.
  • Conduct product reliability testing, analysis, and documentation of results. Strong technical writing and presentation skills will be required.
  • Collaborate with the rest of the product engineering team to develop and improve the design of the product and the resulting production system.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing partners on design for manufacture.
  • Support patent development on new products and features by aiding the writing of invention disclosures and working with internal and external partners to protect company IP.
  • Domestic travel 0-3 weeks per year.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Requirements

  • 5-10 years of Engineering experience.
  • Must have a well-rounded skill set including knowledge of modern mechanical design concepts, hands on manufacturing abilities, introductory knowledge of modern electronics, and an adeptness at adopting and leveraging software/programming packages.
  • Must have a strong work ethic and be capable of conducting product testing in physically taxing environments such as indoor and outdoor shooting ranges at all times of the year.
  • Must be very detail oriented, methodical, and safety conscious.
  • Must be very familiar and comfortable with handling firearms.
  • Must be able to understand and analyze complex and unfamiliar data and accurately summarize it in report based or presentation form.
  • Must have excellent technical writing and presentation skills.
  • Must be able to communicate cross-functionally and work in a team environment.
  • Solidworks, Python, and Weibull++ are all software packages that will be utilized in this job, experience and proficiency in some or all of them is highly desirable.


When you join Team Vortex, you'll enjoy:

  • Great health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  • 401(k), life insurance and short- and long-term disability
  • Employee Ownership Opportunities
  • Various onsite amenities including a fitness center, a nature preserve with walking trails and dog friendly work areas
  • Neighboring daycare facility
  • Casual and flexible work environment
  • Employee discounts on industry leading products
  • Many more excellent benefits and employee perks 


What's it like to join Team Vortex?

From the production floor to the repair room, from consumer sales to new product development, we're a growing team of makers and doers, working together to give our customers an experience they'll never forget. Our employees thrive in situations that require demonstrating our core values:

  • About You 
  • Customer is King
  • Willingness to Shovel Snow
  • Be the Buffalo


*Must be a U.S. citizen.

**This job is based in Barneveld, WI.