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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. * Lead and ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

... as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the ... Manage integration of these components with mechanical and electronic control systems. * Lead and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Atln

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$117.64 - $211.83/hr

... Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer Full Time Tustin, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1077 ... Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and ...

Coherent

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$148K - $204K/yr

Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...

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All JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer JobsManager Principal Optical Engineer JobsManager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California

Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

What is a manager principal optical engineer?

Manager Principal Optical Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. In addition to their technical expertise, they manage teams of engineers, coordinate projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that optical solutions meet performance, cost, and quality goals. They also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the strategic planning of optical engineering initiatives within an organization.

How does a manager principal optical engineer balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

In this role, you'll split your time between hands-on optical engineering—such as system design, simulation, and troubleshooting—and leading a team of engineers. You'll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project milestones are met. Effective communication and delegation are crucial, as you'll often coordinate with cross-functional teams in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Balancing these aspects requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize both immediate technical challenges and long-term strategic goals.

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

To thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in optical engineering, physics, and system design, typically backed by a master’s or Ph.D. in optics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD software, and experience managing optical prototyping and testing are crucial. Outstanding leadership, project management, and communication skills help guide multidisciplinary teams and drive complex projects to completion. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring project success, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager Principal Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectManager Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems
Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizationsCommon in manufacturing, R&D, and product development sectors

The main difference is that the Manager Principal Optical Engineer oversees teams and projects, requiring leadership skills, while the Optical Engineer primarily focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the managerial responsibilities distinguish the Manager Principal Optical Engineer.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings:

Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Principal Optical Design Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and complete laser-based production systems. As a Principal Optical Design Engineer within our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will serve as a technical authority in the design and development of high-precision optical systems.
You will lead complex optical designs from concept through verification. Partnering with multidisciplinary teams, you will turn system requirements into robust, manufacturable optical solutions.
The Principal Optical Design Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading the design and development of high-precision optics and optical systems, including complex multi-element assemblies, such as scan lenses and objectives

  • Translating system-level requirements into optical architectures, designs, and specifications

  • Performing optical modeling, tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, error budgeting, and trade studies to achieve demanding performance requirements

  • Partnering with optical systems, mechanical, electrical, laser, manufacturing, and other engineering teams to integrate optical designs into complete systems

  • Driving designs through fabrication, precision assembly, alignment, metrology, integration, and performance verification

  • Working with suppliers and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and scalable

  • Providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility studies, troubleshooting, and data-driven engineering decisions

  • Mentoring engineers and serving as a technical authority in optical design and system development

  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10%

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred

  • 8+ years of relevant industry experience designing and developing high-precision optical systems, with demonstrated technical leadership at a senior/principal level

  • Proven experience independently designing and optimizing complex optical systems, rather than primarily integrating or testing designs developed by others

  • Advanced proficiency with Zemax OpticStudio and/or CODE V

  • Strong experience with optical tolerancing, sensitivity analysis, and error budgeting

  • Experience taking optical designs through fabrication, assembly, alignment, integration, and verification

  • Understanding of optical fabrication, metrology, and design for manufacturability

  • Experience with lasers and laser-based optical systems strongly preferred

  • Strong communication, technical leadership, and problem-solving skills

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
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Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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