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Lens Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Experience in lens design fundamentals. Preferred Qualifications Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience. Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration.

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Apple Inc.

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150.40 - $277.60/hr

The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development. Responsibilities * Work on new lens designs, characterization and integration into CMOS ...

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$104K - $141K/yr

Review lens design for a compact, high-quality, wide field-of-view lens and drive development at vendor * Develop an end-to-end model of the Rylo imaging system from scene capture through to viewing ...

Rylo

Senior Camera Image Quality Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Review lens design for a compact, high-quality, wide field-of-view lens and drive development at vendor * Develop an end-to-end model of the Rylo imaging system from scene capture through to viewing ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

The candidate will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Additionally, knowledge of infrared lens design and reflective optical system design is essential. Basic Qualifications * Bachelor of Science degree with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or ...

Hayden AI

Staff Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Partner with product, camera design and perception team to define camera architecture * Define specification for image sensor and lens * Work with ISP vendors and refine camera software for ISP ...

Hayden AI

Staff Systems Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$185K - $240K/yr

Partner with product, camera design and perception team to define camera architecture * Define specification for image sensor and lens * Work with ISP vendors and refine camera software for ISP ...

Gustavo A Gonzalez

Optician

Monterey, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

Ability to analyze and interpret prescriptions and lens design; Ability to measure pupillary distances (distance and near), bifocal, trifocal, and progressive placement; Ability to select and measure ...

Apple

Biomedical Sensor Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of optical system design for wearable sensing applications including lens design, integration of electro-optical components etc. Demonstrated experience with driving ...

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All JobsLens Design JobsLens Design Jobs in California

Lens Design information

See California salary details

$5

$14

$17

How much do lens design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lens design in California is $14.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.43 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is lens design?

Lens design is the process of creating optical lenses and systems for various applications, such as cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and eyeglasses. Lens designers use principles of physics and advanced computer software to determine the best shapes, materials, and configurations to achieve specific optical performances. Their work involves optimizing lens systems to minimize aberrations, improve image quality, and meet specific technical requirements. Lens designers often collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to ensure their designs can be fabricated accurately and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lens designer?

To thrive as a Lens Designer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, as well as experience with CAD systems, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set exceptional lens designers apart. These skills and qualities are essential for creating innovative, high-performance optical systems that meet precise technical and client requirements.

What are some typical challenges lens designers face when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Lens designers often work closely with engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists to ensure that optical components meet both performance and production requirements. A common challenge is balancing ideal optical performance with real-world constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and physical space within a device. Effective communication and a strong understanding of each team member's priorities are essential for resolving trade-offs and delivering a successful product. Being proactive in sharing design iterations and soliciting feedback early in the process helps streamline collaboration.

What is the difference between Lens Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectLens DesignOptical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, prototype testingResearch labs, product development, systems integration
Industry UsageCamera lenses, microscopes, telescopesImaging systems, laser systems, optical instruments
Comparison FocusCreating and optimizing lens geometries and specificationsDeveloping and analyzing complex optical systems and components

While both Lens Design and Optical Engineering involve working with optical systems, Lens Design primarily focuses on creating specific lens geometries and specifications. Optical Engineering encompasses a broader scope, including designing entire optical systems and analyzing their performance. Professionals in both roles often collaborate but specialize in different aspects of optical technology.

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

The most popular types of Lens Design jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Lens Design jobs in California?

For Lens Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lens Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lens Design jobs in California are:

Lens Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lens Design 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 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,265 per year, or $14.6 per hour.

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 678 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Appleexternal

$159K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
Description
The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for a Camera Optical Engineer to develop and support custom lens design and development.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or related field.
Experience in lens design fundamentals.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's or PhD and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience.
Experience in the area of lens design metrology and integration.
Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis.
Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
Proficiency using an optical software package (examples may include ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.).
Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module.
Must be high energy multi-tasker resourceful problem solver ability to work within tight deadlines.
Working knowledge of optomechanics is a plus.
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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

View All Apple Jobs

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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