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Optical Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Picarro, Inc

Electro-Optical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Optical assembly experience is valuable in this role, but the primary focus is hands-on electronics support, board debug, and reliable execution in the lab. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is ...

Tekberry

Assembly Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$42.66/hr

We are seeking a meticulous and disciplined Optical Assembly Technician to support our client's high-precision manufacturing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the assembly, alignment ...

Picarro, Inc

Electro-Optical Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Optical assembly experience is valuable in this role, but the primary focus is hands-on electronics support, board debug, and reliable execution in the lab. The Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Interprets assembly documentation * Cleans optical components using microscopes and approved solvents * Performs basic assembly of optical components using fixtures and hand tools * Assists with ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Interprets assembly documentation * Cleans optical components using microscopes and approved solvents * Performs basic assembly of optical components using fixtures and hand tools * Assists with ...

Observable

Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

In this role, you will support the assembly, alignment, testing, and maintenance of optical and optomechanical systems used in telescope platforms. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and ...

Observable

Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

In this role, you will support the assembly, alignment, testing, and maintenance of optical and optomechanical systems used in telescope platforms. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, and ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

This role requires a wide variety of electronic and optical assembly operations on standard and non-standard assemblies or sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate determines and/or follows methods and ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Senior Optical Assembler

Fremont, CA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

This role requires a wide variety of electronic and optical assembly operations on standard and non-standard assemblies or sub-assemblies. The ideal candidate determines and/or follows methods and ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Execute experiments and collect data to improve optical coupling efficiency, process stability, and assembly yield. * Support NPI (New Product Introduction) activities by contributing to process ...

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All JobsOptical Assembly JobsOptical Assembly Jobs in California

Optical Assembly information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical assembly 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 assembly?

Optical assembly refers to the process of putting together components such as lenses, mirrors, prisms, and other optical elements to create devices that manipulate light, like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, or fiber optic systems. Technicians working in optical assembly use precision tools to align and secure these components according to strict specifications. The role often involves working in cleanroom environments to avoid contamination and requires attention to detail and knowledge of optical principles.

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

To excel in Optical Assembly, you need strong manual dexterity, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of optics or electronics, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with precision tools, microscopes, and assembly equipment, as well as experience with cleanroom protocols, is frequently required. Outstanding candidates demonstrate patience, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork. These skills are vital for producing high-quality optical components and maintaining efficiency and accuracy in a highly specialized manufacturing environment.

What are the most common challenges faced during optical assembly, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in optical assembly is maintaining precise alignment and cleanliness of optical components, as even minor misalignments or contaminants can significantly impact performance. Assemblers often work in cleanroom environments and use specialized tools to ensure accuracy. Attention to detail, patience, and steady hands are crucial for overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with engineers and quality control teams is also common to ensure that assemblies meet strict specifications and standards.

What is the difference between Optical Assembly vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical AssemblyOptical Technician
CertificationsOften requires technical training or certifications in optics or electronicsTypically holds certifications or associate degrees in optics or electronics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or assembly lines in optical or electronics industriesLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, or repair centers
Job FocusAssembling optical components and devicesTesting, maintaining, and repairing optical equipment
Industry UsageOptics manufacturing, electronics, telecommunicationsOptical equipment maintenance, research labs, manufacturing

Optical Assembly and Optical Technician roles share overlapping skills in optics and electronics, but Optical Assembly primarily involves assembling optical components, while Optical Technicians focus on testing and maintaining optical equipment. Both roles are essential in optical manufacturing and maintenance environments.

Is optical assembly a good career?

Optical assembly involves assembling and testing optical components and devices, often requiring precision and attention to detail. It can be a stable career with opportunities in manufacturing, electronics, and technology sectors, and may require knowledge of optical tools and safety procedures.

What is the role of an optical assembly technician?

An optical assembly technician is responsible for assembling, aligning, and testing optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms to ensure proper function and performance. They often use precision tools and follow detailed technical specifications, working in cleanroom environments and adhering to quality standards. Certification in optics or related fields and attention to detail are important for this role.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Assembly jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Assembly job openings:

Optical Assembly jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Senior Optical Communications Engineer

Ephemeris Net

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Ephemeris Net
We are extending the internet to space.
Ephemeris Net is a pre-seed space networking company on a mission to provide connectivity for all space users through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. We are creating the infrastructure that will enable the space internet beyond bent pipe by laying the foundational networking infrastructure that will define how data moves through space.
We are supported by our parent incubator Second Order Effects, institutional VCs, and our network of space advisors. As space use scales and more space native networks come online, we believe that now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space.
The Role
We are looking for an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent optical transceivers and the free-space optical assembly that pairs with it.
You will own optical hardware end to end, across both the transceiver and the free-space link. On the transceiver side, this is the fiber optical signal chain: optical modulators, optical hybrids, photodiodes, lasers, fiber splitters, beam splitters. On the free-space side, this includes telescopes/beam expanders, lenses, mirrors and involves ray tracing, tolerancing, and stray light analysis required to close link budgets in orbit. You will be supported by the electrical engineering team for optoelectronic design and a mechanical team for opto-mechanical structure. You will build and fly some of the most sensitive optical hardware ever deployed in space and then scale it to mass manufacturing.
This role will report to the CTO and founder, Nicolas Brown.
Key Responsibilities
Optical System Design & Build
  • Design and assemble coherent transceiver optics from components: optical modulators, optical hybrids, photodetectors
  • Design the free-space optical assembly including optical design and ray tracing: tolerancing, ghost analysis, and stray light analysis to close on-orbit link budgets
  • Design the fiber optical layout, including alignment fixtures and opto-mechanical packaging
  • Own the transmit and receive signal chain performance from RF electrical output through free-space launch and from free-space back to RF electrical

Test & Characterization
  • Develop and execute bench-level test plans for the transceiver and free-space assembly: modulation quality (EVM, constellation diagrams), wavefront quality, noise figure, bandwidth, optical power budgets, thermalization
  • Characterize coherent detection performance: receiver sensitivity, common-mode rejection, and phase noise
  • Verify free-space optical performance: wavefront error, encircled energy, pointing stability, stray light rejection

What We're Looking For
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, applied physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 4+ years of hands-on experience designing or building robust, precision electro-optical instruments in fiber, free space, or both
  • Working knowledge of one or more areas: coherent detection architectures (IQ modulation/demodulation, balanced detection, optical hybrid operation), free-space optical design (ray tracing, tolerancing, stray light), or laser and fiber systems at the component level
  • Proficiency with optical instrumentation (OSAs, power meters, interferometers, collimated beams, wavefront sensors, beam profilers) and RF and microwave test equipment (network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, high-speed oscilloscopes)
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with optical design and ray tracing software including stray light and ghost analysis
  • Experience designing telescopes, beam expanders, or pointing and tracking optical paths with cameras
  • Familiarity with space-qualified hardware design, environmental testing (thermal, vibration, radiation), or flight heritage optical systems
  • Experience specifying analog PCB requirements for high-bandwidth RF signal chains (TIA, driver amplifiers, bias networks)
  • Active security clearance

What We Offer
Compensation and Benefits:
  • Salary dependent on experience (please note that all posted levels for this role route through the same review process; applying to multiple levels will result in duplicate applications)
    • Engineer II: $150,000 - $190,000
    • Senior Engineer: $170,000 - $210,000
    • Staff Engineer: $200,000 - $250,000
  • Generous equity package (early team member level)
  • 401k program
  • Comprehensive health care coverage
  • Unlimited PTO (we expect you to take at least 4 weeks per year, and leadership does the same)

Work Environment:
  • Hybrid work model: 3 days per week in our office/lab based on project needs
    • During critical phases: When we are in integration, test, or launch prep mode, expect to be in the office more frequently for coordination with the mission team
  • Expected travel: Up to 25% (customer meetings, supplier visits, launch campaign, partner sites, integration sites, other Ephemeris offices)
  • Small team environment
  • Autonomy and space to define how we work and execute.

The Opportunity
  • Build something that does not exist yet: The unique aspects of this optical system mean it is impossible to buy off the shelf
  • Bench to orbit: Your hardware will fly. You will take this from optics on a breadboard to a space-qualified optical terminal
  • Build the space internet: Work on technology that will fundamentally change how space networks operate

Our Vision and Values
Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open, space internet that anyone can utilize and access.
We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity. We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space. Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and "the raising of all boats" while achieving a commercial impact.
We care deeply about:
  • Access to connectivity for all
  • Collaboration that raises all boats; we focus on win/win deals
  • Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy
  • Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers
  • Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other

We are building a company people feel great about working at. We are seeking people who are open and actively seeking growth-both technical and personal. We value honesty, creativity, and a culture of ownership.
About Our Locations
El Segundo, CA: Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space.
Oakland, CA: Right off BART. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities.
Ephemeris Net is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply