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Full Time Optical Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $115,000 - $165,000 / year Description As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible ...

Muon Space

Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in ... In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Technician

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Scope of the role: An Optical Technician must have an aptitude for mechanics and an eye for detail. Their function is to ensure that all parts and products under their ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for designing, procuring ... In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which ...

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All JobsOptical JobsFull Time Optical JobsFull Time Optical Jobs in California

Full Time Optical information

See California salary details

$9

$26

$50

How much do full time optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time optical in California is $26.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $42.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a full time optical job?

Full-time optical jobs typically refer to positions in the eye care industry that require working 35-40 hours per week. These roles can include opticians, optical sales associates, lab technicians, and other staff who help fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses, assist customers, and perform basic eye care services. Full-time optical employees may work in optometry offices, retail optical stores, or optical labs. Benefits often include health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development. A strong customer service orientation and attention to detail are important for these roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time optical professional?

To thrive as a Full-Time Optician, you generally need a solid understanding of optical theory, lens fitting, and eye care, often backed by an associate degree or optician certification. Familiarity with lensometers, optical dispensing software, and insurance billing systems is typically required. Exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help opticians build trust and assist clients effectively. These competencies are crucial for delivering accurate vision solutions, ensuring patient satisfaction, and maintaining efficient optical operations.

What are some common challenges faced by full time optical staff in a retail optical setting?

Full-time optical staff in a retail environment often encounter challenges such as balancing customer service with technical optical tasks, managing high patient volumes during peak times, and keeping up with frequent product updates in eyewear and lens technology. Additionally, they may need to coordinate with optometrists, insurance providers, and lab technicians to ensure seamless customer experiences. Developing strong communication skills and staying organized are key to navigating these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Full Time Optical vs Full Time Optician?

AspectFull Time OpticalFull Time Optician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certification in optical dispensingHigh school diploma, certification in optical dispensing
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retailersOptical stores, eyewear retailers
Job RoleAssists customers, measures for glasses, repairsAssists customers, measures for glasses, repairs

Full Time Optical and Full Time Optician roles are similar, often used interchangeably. Both require comparable certifications and work in optical retail environments, focusing on customer service, eyewear fitting, and repairs. The main difference is terminology preference, but their responsibilities and credentials largely overlap.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optical jobs in California are:

Full Time Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Optical job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,256 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Optical Test Engineer

CACI International, Inc.

Los Gatos, CA • On-site

$86K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Optical Test Engineer
Job Category: Engineering
Time Type: Full time
Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
Employee Type: Regular
Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 25%
Type of Travel: Continental US
* * *
The Opportunity:
  • Work for CACI, rated Fortune World's Most Admired Company -- recognized for the ninth consecutive year in 2026.
  • Work with other highly skilled engineers testing, troubleshooting, and recommending design improvements for Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs). These OCTs are primarily for inter-satellite communication.
  • Your work would be key to the advancement of space-based communication.

Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for designing, modeling, analyzing and testing optical, electro-optical, and opto-mechanical systems and components.
  • Develop component specifications, tolerances, simulations and test procedures for electro-optical systems and components.
  • Draft and follow assembly and test work instructions.
  • Use methods to assure and verify optical design requirements are met.
  • Must bring to bear optical knowledge to troubleshoot optical problems discovered during system testing.
  • Communicate cross-functionally to develop and design project plans.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Must have a minimum bachelor's degree in physics or engineering (optical, electrical, mechanical) and 5 years of related experience.
  • Must have a firm understanding of both free-space and guided-wave (fiber) optics.
  • Must be able to design, build, and align optical test configurations.
  • Must have a background in methods for stray light suppression.
  • Must be an effective communicator (both written and verbal).
  • Must be willing and able to travel to other CACI test sites within the US.

Desired:
  • Master's degree in physics or optical engineering.
  • Understanding of Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs).
  • Skilled in fiber optic splicing.
  • Proven skills in mathematical modeling for troubleshooting purposes.

What You Can Expect:
A culture of integrity.
At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.
An environment of trust.
CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.
A focus on continuous growth.
Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.
Pay Range:
There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.
The proposed salary range for this position is:
$86,600 - $181,800
CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.

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