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Lens Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing. Preferred Qualifications 10+ years relevant industry experience Experience in Stray light analysis Proficiency with ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry experience Experience in Stray light analysis Experience in lens ...

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 Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years relevant industry ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience. Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc. Experience in lens characterization methodology and ...

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

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Experience in lens design tolerance and stray light analysis. Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation. Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality ...

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 ...

Apple

Optical System Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$129K - $194K/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 ...

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 ...

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

$110K - $200K/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

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

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

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 ...

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

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 ...

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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 24, 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 Design Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

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 an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera modules.
Drive development of advanced metrology development.
Complete analysis of the optical element's influence on the image quality characteristics of the camera module.
Work closely with lens supplier for prototype design, evaluation and MTF testing.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years relevant industry experience
Experience in Stray light analysis
Proficiency with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.
Ability to perform comprehensive optical and image quality characterization of the lens and the camera module
Support metrology methodology for camera lens testing and develop appropriate test charts and methods for camera evaluation
Interface with the assembly and packaging groups to support integration of camera lens into module
Working knowledge of thin film physics and fabrication
Track record of imaging related innovations
Working knowledge of optomechanics
Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field.
Experience with lens design, optical metrology, tolerance analysis, or similar experience.
Experience with ZEMAX, CODE V, FRED, LightTool, etc.
Experience in lens characterization methodology and instrumentation.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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

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