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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to ... Specify optical components, coatings, and filters, and manage procurement and acceptance testing.

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for ... management, peers, and suppliers. Deep experience in any of the following fields is a plus: AR/VR ...

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Experience managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors. * Experience ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the ...

Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the ...

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

Providing technical advice to management, customers, and contractors across the entirety of space ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Optical Engineer IV

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for ... Managing contracts and hardware procurement involving industrial vendors JPL has a catalog of ...

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Providing technical advice to management, customers, and contractors across the entirety of space ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Lead engineering activities on advanced VR/AR display as optical engineers for new display ... managing design verification * Experience in communicating complex optical system trade-offs and ...

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150K - $277K/yr

... management, peers, and suppliers. Deep experience in any of the following fields is a plus: AR/VR ... Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Pay ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$132K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California.

This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.

Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including: Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives. Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications. Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.

Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation. Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration. Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.

By joining this team, you'll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation. This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding.

Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future. Essential experience in one or more of the following areas: Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system Electro-Optics Sensor design Remote sensing High energy laser systems Lasercom systems Spacecraft system design Image processing RF and digital hardware design Signal detection and estimation Control Systems Structures/Dynamics Basic Qualifications: Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 8+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 6+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 4+ years of engineering experience Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector. Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space. Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for: -Medical, Dental & Vision coverage -401k -Educational Assistance -Life Insurance -Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions -Paid Time Off -Health & Wellness Resources -Employee Discounts -Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work. #LosAngelesSpace #LI-DB1 Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S

Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.


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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939