ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Alignment Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Support the development, optimization, and validation of optical packaging and active alignment processes for photonic components and fiber attach assemblies. * Assist in process characterization ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$136K - $176K/yr

Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology * Experience in a startup or agile development environment Additional Requirements: * Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology * Experience in a startup or agile development environment Additional Requirements: * Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology * Experience in a startup or agile development environment Additional Requirements: * Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed ...

Impulsespace

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115 - $165/hr

Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology * Experience in a startup or agile development environment Additional Requirements * Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Prior experience with optical alignment and precision metrology * Experience in a startup or agile development environment Additional Requirements: * Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Hands-on assembly and alignment of optical sensors in cleanrooms. * Optical testing and troubleshooting in lab and field environments. * Work in both a collaborative environment and as an individual ...

JPL

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

Practical experience in hardware integration, optical alignment, or state-of-the-art measurement techniques. * Demonstrated ability in written and verbal communication including presenting science ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Alignment JobsOptical Alignment Jobs in California

Optical Alignment information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical alignment jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical alignment in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical alignment?

Optical alignment is the process of positioning and adjusting optical components, such as lenses, mirrors, or lasers, so that light travels accurately through an optical system. This ensures that the system achieves optimal performance, such as focusing light correctly or directing beams precisely. Optical alignment is critical in industries like telecommunications, manufacturing, medical devices, and scientific research, where precision is essential. Technicians use specialized tools and techniques to achieve this alignment, often working in cleanroom environments to maintain high standards.

What are some common challenges faced in an optical alignment role and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Optical Alignment often encounter challenges such as achieving precise tolerances under tight deadlines, managing environmental factors like vibration or temperature fluctuations, and troubleshooting alignment issues with complex optical systems. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, patience, and the ability to follow meticulous procedures. Collaborating closely with engineers and technicians is essential to resolve issues efficiently and maintain quality standards. Continuous learning and adapting to new alignment technologies can also help overcome these challenges and support career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical alignment, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Alignment, you need a strong background in optics, precision measurement, and mechanical assembly, often supported by a degree or certification in optics, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with alignment tools such as interferometers, laser systems, autocollimators, and optical design software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure accurate alignment of optical components, optimal system performance, and the prevention of costly errors in high-precision environments.

What is the difference between Optical Alignment vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AlignmentOptical Technician
CertificationsOften requires technical training or certifications in optics or laser systemsRequires certifications in optical manufacturing or lab procedures
Work EnvironmentInvolves precise setup in labs, manufacturing, or research facilitiesWorks in labs, manufacturing plants, or repair shops
Job FocusAligns optical components for precision systemsAssembles, tests, and repairs optical devices
Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, defense, and research sectorsUsed in optical manufacturing, repair, and production

Optical Alignment specialists focus on precisely aligning optical components within systems, requiring specialized skills and certifications. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, testing, and repair of optical devices, often working in manufacturing or repair environments. While both roles involve optics, Optical Alignment emphasizes precision setup, whereas Optical Technicians focus on device fabrication and maintenance.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Alignment jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Alignment jobs in California are:

Optical Alignment jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Alignment job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Photonics Engineer 3 Components

Monarch Quantum

San Diego, CA • On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonics Engineer 3 Components dedicated to the design, development, and evaluation of sophisticated photonic components utilized in high-performance optical systems. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our manufacturing foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a highly self-directed engineer who thrives in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.
This position necessitates a solid foundation in optics, photonics packaging, and precise opto-mechanical integration. The engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to facilitate the transition of designs from prototype stage to high-volume production. Key responsibilities include:
Component Design & Development
  • Design and create photonic components, which include, but are not limited to:
    • Optical isolators
    • Optical switches
    • High-power fiber optic connectors
    • Packaged acousto-optic modulators
  • Conduct optical design and modeling for both free-space and fiber-coupled optical systems.
  • Develop opto-mechanical designs to ensure stable and consistent optical alignment.
  • Choose and integrate essential optical components such as lenses, crystals, fibers, polarizers, and coatings.
  • Perform optical tolerance assessments and conduct performance modeling.

Optical Packaging & Integration
  • Design high-precision photonic packaging solutions that encompass:
    • Fiber coupling assemblies
    • Optical benches and mounts
    • Thermal management structures
  • Implement alignment methods, including active alignment, passive alignment, welding, soldering, and adhesive bonding.
  • Develop automated or semi-automated assembly procedures.

Testing & Characterization
  • Establish and characterize optical testing setups for component validation.
  • Measure critical optical parameters such as:
    • Insertion loss
    • Isolation
    • Return loss
    • Power handling capacity
    • Switching speed
    • Thermal stability
  • Conduct environmental testing and evaluate performance under various temperature, vibration, and lifespan conditions.

Reliability & Failure Analysis
  • Assist with component reliability qualification and conduct accelerated life testing.
  • Examine optical performance degradation and investigate failure modes.
  • Carry out root cause analyses and implement corrective measures.
  • Contribute to reliability modeling for materials, adhesives, fibers, and optical assemblies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with:
    • Mechanical engineering
    • Manufacturing engineering
    • Supply chain
    • Quality and reliability teams
  • Support the transition of designs into manufacturing and the scaling of production.
  • Engage with external suppliers for specialized optical components and materials.

Requirements
  • This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).

Experience:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
  • 5-10+ years of experience developing photonic or optical hardware.
  • Experience designing or integrating optical components and assemblies.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment and characterization.
  • Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.
  • Experience with precision opto-mechanical design and packaging.

Startup Mindset:
  • Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with changing priorities
  • Motivated by building new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground up
  • Willing to take ownership across multiple technical domains
  • Hands-on and resourceful, with a strong bias toward execution

Benefits
The expected annual salary range for this position is $125,000-$175,000.
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
  • 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
  • 13 paid company holidays
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.

Apply