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Fiber Optics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Agile Defense

Fiber Optics Technician

China Lake, CA

All work is performed to fiber optic network engineering specifications and in accordance with DoD, Building Industry Consulting Service. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Establishes communications ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

... optics and fiber coupling techniques • Experience with lens design and optical component ... engineering environments Preferred Qualifications • Experience developing optical transceiver ...

Coherent

Sr. Principal Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

Skills Strong foundation in optics, physics, fiber optics, optical networks system. Proficient in ... for engineering and production. Demonstrate ability to DfX, DfM and to solve complex issues in ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Skills • Strong foundation in optics, physics, fiber optics, optical networks system. • ... engineering and production. • Demonstrate ability to DfX, DfM and to solve complex issues in ...

PsiQuantum

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA

$150K - $194K/yr

Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to optics, fiber optics alignment, and length matching, or photonics assembly. Engineering Leadership * Lead and mentor a team of process, manufacturing, and ...

PsiQuantum

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Troubleshoot manufacturing issues related to optics, fiber optics alignment, and length matching, or photonics assembly. Engineering Leadership * Lead and mentor a team of process, manufacturing, and ...

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All JobsFiber Optics Engineer JobsFiber Optics Engineer Jobs in California

Fiber Optics Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do fiber optics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for fiber optics engineer in California is $141,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most engineering roles do not reach a $500,000 annual salary, some highly specialized or executive-level engineers, such as senior systems engineers or engineering managers in certain industries, can earn this level of compensation. Factors include experience, industry, location, and additional bonuses or stock options.

How much do fiber engineers get paid?

Fiber optics engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in areas with high demand for fiber infrastructure development.

What does a fiber optics engineer do?

A fiber optics engineer designs, tests, and maintains fiber optic communication systems used for high-speed data transmission. They work with optical fibers, lasers, and related equipment, often requiring knowledge of optics, electronics, and network infrastructure. Their role involves troubleshooting, installation, and ensuring system performance and reliability.

How much do fiber optic engineers make?

Fiber optics engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like telecommunications and data centers.

What is a Fiber Optics Engineer job?

A Fiber Optics Engineer designs, installs, and maintains fiber optic communication systems. They work with high-speed data transmission networks, ensuring efficient signal transmission through optical fibers. Their responsibilities include testing fiber connections, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing network performance. They may collaborate with other engineers to expand fiber networks and ensure reliability. This role is essential for telecommunications, internet services, and data infrastructure.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Fiber Optics Engineer?

Fiber Optics Engineers typically spend their days designing fiber optic network layouts, conducting site surveys, and overseeing the installation and testing of fiber cables. Tasks often include troubleshooting signal issues, preparing technical documentation, and using specialized equipment to certify network performance. You’ll regularly collaborate with project managers, field technicians, and network architects to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards. This hands-on and collaborative environment provides a mix of technical problem-solving and teamwork, making each day varied and engaging.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fiber Optics Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fiber Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, telecommunications, and network design, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like OTDRs (Optical Time Domain Reflectometers), splicing machines, AutoCAD, and industry certifications such as FOA or CFOT is highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set candidates apart in this position. These capabilities are essential for designing, maintaining, and optimizing high-performing fiber optic networks while coordinating with cross-functional teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California? For Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fiber Optics Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fiber Optics Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Fiber Optics Engineer job openings:
Fiber Optics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fiber Optics Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Fiber Optics Technician

Fiber Optics Technician

Agile Defense

China Lake, CA

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Agile Defense
 
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
 
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.

Requisition #: 1419
Job Title : Fiber Optics Technician II
Location: China Lake Naval Base in Ridgecrest, CA
Clearance Level: Active DoD - Interim Secret (can obtain upon offer)

SUMMARY

E&I activities include the following: assessment of and support for routine/emergency maintenance and repair of interconnection cable-plant (wireless, fiber, copper, waveguide) and core infrastructure; locates and GPS tracking projects; management of network and communication services; physical security of the fiber cabling and risk mitigation planning coordination; and reliability oversight of the DITAC systems and interfaces to computational network assets. Installation services may include physical plant build-out, such as installation of fiber, cabinets, switches, Government Services Administration (GSA) security containers and data encryption devices. All work is performed to fiber optic network engineering specifications and in accordance with DoD, Building Industry Consulting Service.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Establishes communications systems by installing, operating, and maintaining voice and data telecommunications network circuits and equipment.
Plans network installations by studying customer orders, plans, manuals, and technical specifications; ordering and gathering equipment, supplies, materials, and tools, assessing installation site; preparing an installation diagram.
Establishes voice and data networks by running, pulling, terminating, and splicing cables; installing telecommunications equipment, routers, switches, multiplexors, and cable trays; building ironwork and ladder racks; establishing connections; programming features; establishing connections and integrations; following industry standards; activating remote access tools; coordinating with contractors.
Verifies service by testing circuits, equipment, and alarms; identifying, correcting, or escalating problems.
Documents network by labeling and routing equipment and cables; recording configuration diagrams and specifications.
Maintains network by troubleshooting and repairing outages; testing network back-up procedures; updating documentation.
Maintains customer rapport by listening to and resolving concerns; answering questions.
Maintains safe work environment by following codes, standards, and legal regulations.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications.
Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

Required Qualifications

1+ years of experience with installing, operating, and maintaining voice and data telecommunications network circuits and equipment.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Must be able to commute on-site daily. (China Lake, CA)

Preferred Qualifications

BICSI Certifications
Fiber Optics Experience

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions
Oustide/Inside
30% Travel 70% in China Lake

Strength Demands

Medium - 50 lbs. Maximum lifting with frequent lift/carry up to 25 lbs.

Physical Requirements

Stand or Sit; Walk; Repetitive Motion; Use Hands / Fingers to Handle or Feel; Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl; See; Push or Pull; Climb (stairs, ladders) or Balance (ascend / descend, work atop, traverse).
Our Core Values
 
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 
 
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
 
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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