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Junior Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers. * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers. * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers. * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. * Minimum of 2 years of ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers. * Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Lead complex technical investigations, drive innovative solutions, and mentor junior engineers. * Verify and enhance optical performance, including testing aspects such as OSNR, signal quality, and ...

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Will mentor junior engineers * Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation ... A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum of 5 years of ...

Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Junior Optical Technician to ... Collaborate with engineering teams to provide feedback on assembly processes, tolerances, and ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

... of optical engineers within the BBP division to develop innovative wafer inspection products ... Work well with others in a leading or supporting roles; willing to share knowledge with junior ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Optical Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior optical engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior optical engineer?

A Junior Optical Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional specializing in optical systems, components, and technologies. They assist in designing, testing, and optimizing optical devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers in research and development. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of optics principles, and proficiency with simulation tools are often required. This role provides foundational experience for growing into more advanced optical engineering positions.

What does a junior optical engineer do?

As a Junior Optical Engineer, you may assist in designing, testing, and evaluating optical systems such as lenses, imaging devices, or sensors under the supervision of senior engineers. Your responsibilities often include running simulations, performing hands-on experiments in the lab, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports. You’ll also collaborate closely with colleagues in mechanical and electrical engineering to integrate optical components into larger systems. This role often provides opportunities to learn from mentors and gain hands-on experience with real-world applications, which is valuable for long-term career growth in the optical engineering field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior optical engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a bachelor's degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or CODE V), basic laboratory equipment, and CAD tools is commonly expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you work efficiently within engineering teams and present findings clearly. These skills ensure precise design, troubleshooting, and collaborative project development in this technically demanding role.

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

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Optical Engineer jobs in California?

For Junior Optical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Senior Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Prattwhitney

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$145.60 - $276.80/hr

Other

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Position: Optical Designer

Location: Raytheon, El Segundo, CA

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; existing Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities
  • Lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations.
  • Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP, image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations throughout program lifecycle.
  • Support backend verification of as-built designs and test configurations to ensure compliance.
  • Serve as technical leader across multiple programs, mentoring junior optical engineers.
  • Design and analyze systems using Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB; conduct stray light analysis.
  • Develop tolerance designs with focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
  • Derive optical requirements and translate into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
  • Support test equipment design, alignment activities, and system integration.
  • Present technical results to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.
Qualifications
  • Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
  • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
  • Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
  • Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
  • Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.
  • Experience designing refractive and reflective optical systems.
  • Experience modeling optical alignment procedures.
  • Experience collaborating with optical fabrication suppliers.
Preferred Skills
  • Stray‑light analysis using FRED.
  • Building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
  • Designing opto‑mechanical hardware in CREO.
Benefits and Compensation
  • Salary range: $145,600 – $276,800 USD.
  • Comprehensive rewards package: compensation, healthcare, wellness, work/life benefits.
  • Parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance.
  • Child/adult backup care, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts.
  • Relocation assistance available.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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What Pratt & Whitney employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Pratt & Whitney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US