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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... Perform engineering validation test and design validation test What We're Looking For * PhD in ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

As a Staff Optical Design Verification Test (ODVT) Engineer, you will lead the comprehensive ... Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Amazon

Optical Test Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo OISL

Northridge, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

... communication systems that connect satellites in orbit. We are seeking an Optical Test Lab Engineer ... to join our Prototyping and Integration (PI) Team. In this role, you will build, bring up, operate ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Marvell

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... Capable programmer with experience in Python. Experience with automating instrument control.

Lumilens

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Strong communication and team leadership skills. * Willingness to travel (~20% of the time). Education & Experience * MS or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related technical field What We ...

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Optical Communication Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Communication Engineer, you need a strong background in optical physics, fiber optics, and signal processing, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB, optical spectrum analyzers, and simulation software, as well as certifications such as Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining high-performance optical communication systems that meet industry standards.

What is the difference between Optical Communication Engineer vs Optical Network Technician?

AspectOptical Communication EngineerOptical Network Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPTechnical diploma or associate degree; certifications like FOA, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize optical communication systems; often in labs or office settingsInstall, maintain, and troubleshoot optical networks in the field or data centers
Employer & IndustryTelecom companies, network providers, technology firmsTelecom providers, internet service providers, network installation companies

Optical Communication Engineers focus on designing and improving optical systems, requiring higher-level technical skills and certifications. Optical Network Technicians handle installation and maintenance tasks, often working in the field. Both roles are essential in the optical communication industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are some common challenges Optical Communication Engineers face when working on large-scale network deployments?

Optical Communication Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal integrity over long distances, integration of new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring minimal downtime during upgrades. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as network planners, field technicians, and equipment vendors—requires strong communication and project management skills. Additionally, staying updated with the rapid advancements in fiber optics and modulation techniques is essential to design efficient and future-proof solutions.

What does an Optical Communication Engineer do?

An Optical Communication Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that transmit information using light, such as fiber optic networks. They work on the hardware and software that enable high-speed data transmission over long distances for telecommunications, internet, and data centers. Their responsibilities often include optimizing network performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of optical communication systems. Optical Communication Engineers also stay updated on emerging technologies and standards in the field.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California? For Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication Engineer jobs in California are:
Optical Communication Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Communication Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Electrical Engineer, Optical Communications

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Electrical Engineer, Optical Communications
About Cowboy Space Corp.
Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
The Role
We are looking for an RF Engineer to design and deploy advanced communication systems with a strong emphasis on high-speed optical communications and software-defined radio architectures. This role sits at the boundary of networking, RF avionics, and embedded compute, requiring a systems-level approach to building robust, flight-capable communication pipelines.
You will own the development of RF and hybrid RF/optical communication subsystems capable of delivering high-throughput data links under real-world constraints including motion, atmospheric interference, thermal variation, and limited power budgets.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and integrate communication PCBAs, modulators, and devices for airborne or space-based platforms
  • Architect and implement SDR-based communication pipelines (modulation, encoding, synchronization, and signal processing)
  • Develop high-speed optical communication links (free-space optics / laser comms), including link budgeting, pointing and tracking, and alignment strategies with intelligent failover and redundancy
  • Perform system-level trade studies from high-speed optical links
  • Design and validate end-to-end communication chains, from data streams, through communication PCBAs, and to optical front-ends
  • Collaborate closely with avionics, firmware, and compute teams to integrate comms systems into flight hardware
  • Develop test infrastructure for lab and field validation, including over-the-air testing and optical link validation setups
  • Analyze performance under real-world conditions (noise, interference, Doppler, atmospheric turbulence, pointing loss) and iterate rapidly
  • Own documentation, interface definitions, and system performance metrics for communication subsystems

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience in RF systems, communications engineering, or related domain
  • Strong fundamentals in communication theory (modulation, coding, synchronization, signal propagation)
  • Experience in designing PCBA's for communication systems
  • Experience with software-defined radio platforms
  • Hands-on experience with RF lab equipment (spectrum analyzers, signal generators, VNAs, oscilloscopes)
  • Familiarity with link budgeting and system-level performance analysis
  • Experience working across hardware and software boundaries

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing or deploying high-speed optical communication systems (free-space optics, laser communications, coherent optical links, or photonics)
  • Background in avionics, aerospace systems, or other mission-critical embedded environments
  • Experience with real-time DSP implementation on embedded systems, FPGAs, or GPUs
  • Familiarity with SDR frameworks and low-level radio hardware (e.g., USRPs or custom RF front-ends)
  • Understanding of atmospheric effects on both RF and optical propagation (scattering, absorption, turbulence)
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems for optical links
  • Knowledge of antenna systems, phased arrays, or optical beam steering technologies
  • Experience with high-throughput data systems and low-latency communication architectures
  • Experience working within SWaP (size, weight, and power) constraints for flight systems
  • Strong debugging skills across the full stack: RF front-end, optical systems, firmware, and software

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

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