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Optical Assembly Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$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 ...

Optical I/O Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Own the engineering relationships with optical assembly partners * Recruit and grow the team that will execute against the roadmap * Partner closely with ASIC, platform, and supercomputing teams to ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired * Strong ...

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$175K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired * Strong ...

Junior Optical Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

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 ...

Senior Fiber Assembly Process Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$121K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Fiber Assembly Process Engineer will be responsible for the development of advanced ... Use optical simulation tools to model behavior & performance fiber-fiber interfaces for a wide ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Assembly information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

How much do optical assembly jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 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 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 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. This role may require knowledge of optical systems, soldering, and calibration procedures.

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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Optical Assembly job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 6% 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.

Optical Packaging Engineer

PsiQuantum

Milpitas, CA

$150K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems. 

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries. 

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure. 

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale. 

PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. 

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. 

Come join us. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Packaging Associate Engineer help drive our hands-on engineering validations build & process development. The Associate Engineer will build fiber-coupled optical packages with photonic chips and work closely with the optical packaging and operations teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Support hand-on manufacturing of of fiber-to-chip packaged chip assemblies.
  • Support the development, optimization, and validation of optical packaging and active alignment processes for photonic components and fiber attach assemblies.
  • Assist in process characterization activities for optical module packaging, including alignment, adhesive curing, and optical performance evaluation.
  • 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 development, documentation, and production readiness.
  • Participate in troubleshooting manufacturing and reliability issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
  • Help develop and maintain process documentation including work instructions, process flows, and control plans.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, test, and reliability engineering.
  • Support equipment setup, calibration, qualification, and maintenance activities for optical assembly processes.
  • Work with vendors and internal teams to evaluate materials, tooling, and process improvements.
  • Analyze process and metrology data to identify trends and opportunities for yield and quality improvement.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related technical field.
  • 1-3 years of experience in semiconductor packaging, photonics, optics, or advanced manufacturing environments (internships and research experience may be considered).
  • Basic understanding of optical alignment, fiber optics, and optical measurement techniques.
  • Exposure to semiconductor assembly, precision alignment systems, or automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Hands-on laboratory or manufacturing experience with precision assemblies and metrology tools.
  • Good communication and collaboration skills with cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work in a fast-paced development environment.
  • Familiarity with photonic integrated circuit (PIC) packaging or optical module assembly is a plus.
  • Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, MATLAB, or Python is beneficial.
  • Understanding of statistical process control (SPC), DOE, or basic yield analysis concepts is a plus.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.