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Infrared Spectroscopy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and metallographic ...

NCSL International

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87.10 - $157.45/hr

The role involves design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum, and hands-on laboratory activities including optical alignment ...

Koitecc Solutions

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87.10 - $157.45/hr

The role involves design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum, and hands-on laboratory activities including optical alignment ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

In this role, you will support the design, modeling, and experimental validation of optical systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. You will contribute to optical system modeling and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsInfrared Spectroscopy JobsInfrared Spectroscopy Jobs in California

Infrared Spectroscopy information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$72.6K

$117.4K

How much do infrared spectroscopy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrared spectroscopy in California is $72,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $86,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an infrared spectroscopy professional do?

Professionals in infrared spectroscopy typically spend their days preparing samples, calibrating and maintaining IR spectroscopic equipment, collecting and analyzing spectral data, and interpreting results for a variety of applications such as quality control or research. They often work closely with other scientists, such as chemists or materials engineers, to design experiments and troubleshoot analytical issues. Documentation and reporting of findings, as well as ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols and safety standards, are regular responsibilities. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment helps ensure precise and reliable data in support of organizational goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for infrared spectroscopy?

To thrive in an Infrared Spectroscopy role, you need a strong background in analytical chemistry or physics, with experience in interpreting spectral data and operating spectroscopic instruments. Familiarity with infrared (IR) spectrometers, data analysis software such as OPUS or SpectraGryph, and relevant quality or safety certifications are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective written and verbal communication are valuable soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, effective troubleshooting, and clear reporting, which are crucial for supporting research or quality assurance in laboratory settings.

What is infrared spectroscopy?

An Infrared Spectroscopy job involves analyzing materials using infrared light to identify chemical compositions and molecular structures. Professionals in this field work in industries such as pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental science, using spectrometers to interpret IR spectra. They may develop testing methods, ensure quality control, and conduct research to support product development. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of spectroscopy techniques are essential for success in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California? The most popular types of Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California? For Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Infrared Spectroscopy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Infrared Spectroscopy jobs? Cities in California with the most Infrared Spectroscopy job openings:
Infrared Spectroscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Infrared Spectroscopy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 82% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,589 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Materials Engineer, Metals (Starship)

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
MATERIALS ENGINEER, METALS (STARSHIP)
Our Starship Materials Engineering team is serving as experts in various material disciplines to the broader company and working on making the best rockets and spacecraft in the world. As a member of this team you will constantly improve the materials and processes used to make these structures and components. This role will primarily be supporting component level hardware including, but not limited to control devices and mechanisms that drive critical capabilities on Starship/Super Heavy - from regulators and butterfly valves to flap/fin actuators. We design, manufacture, and test valves, regulators, and actuators for maximum reliability in extreme environments, compatibility with various fluids, temperatures ranging from 80 to 800K, and pressures beyond 800 bar.
Special processing of metals including, but not limited to, plate/bar/sheet processing, casting, forging, coatings, and heat treating and expected to make an impact on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of components and mechanisms that spans across all our Starship vehicles. If your goal is to make an impact on the cutting edge of propulsion control devices, materials, and manufacturing technologies, this is the role for you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Design, develop, and deploy materials and process direction for propulsion, mechanism, and valve system designs and manufacturing
  • Increase reliability of internal design's manufacturing processes through material and process selection, analysis, development, and test
  • Develop physical, mechanical, and thermal properties for materials
  • Improve our special processes and materials through characterization and development
  • Work directly with component design build and test engineering, design reliability, and production teams on a daily basis
  • Perform root cause investigations using fractography, metallography, and testing
  • Provide technical reviews and advising for design efforts specifically related to drawings, specifications, and material requirements
  • Collaborate with other engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to solve complex material and processing challenges on our current and next generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in materials engineering or other engineering discipline with emphasis on materials
  • 2+ years of professional work experience in a materials engineering related role
  • Experience and expertise with multiple of the following manufacturing methods: tribological coatings (conversion, inorganic, dry-film lubricants), sheet/plate metal processing, casting, forging, brazing, welding, and heat treating

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in materials engineering or related field
  • Tribological processes including, but not limited to evaluating and implementing protective coatings (polyurethane, urethane, conversion coating, inorganic coatings, dry-film lubricants, etc.) for internal and external environmental conditions including thermal, wear, atmospheric, and space environments
  • Understanding of mechanical testing methods for metals including wear, tensile, fracture and fatigue and
  • Familiarity with development of design allowables
  • Experience with failure analysis and fractography including characterization techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and metallographic analysis
  • Knowledge of aerospace metals including nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, aluminum alloys, and titanium alloys
  • Knowledge of fluid and gas compatibility for various launch vehicle and spacecraft propulsion and fluid systems
  • Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Understanding of non-destructive test methods for fracture and fatigue control
  • Maintain working knowledge of regulatory requirements, perform associated required tasks, and complete required documentation per SpaceX specifications and other external specification such as NASA, OSHA, ASTM, NACE, ASME, AWS, ASM, etc.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
  • Up to 10% domestic travel is expected

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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