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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

Northwoodspace

Optical Systems Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Evaluate optical communication systems to understand performance, tradeoffs, and operational ... Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis and automation * Strong ...

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

$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 ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$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

$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 ...

Lumilens

Optical Systems Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Strong communication 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 Offer

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 ...

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.

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$130K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$115K - $145K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a ...

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All JobsOptical Communication Engineer JobsOptical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

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

Optical Systems Engineer

Northwoodspace

Torrance, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Northwood is on a mission to transform connectivity between Earth and space. Satellites are only as powerful as the ground systems that connect to them - without that critical infrastructure, they can't be steered or send their data back to Earth. Northwood's global ground network ensures that missions ranging from national security, to global connectivity, to disaster response can unlock their full potential and operate every day without fail. We take a vertically integrated approach to building an end-to-end ground system, delivering technology that is scalable and reliable for both government and commercial customers.
Backed by over $100M from investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Washington Harbour Partners, Alpine Space Ventures, Founders Fund, and others, Northwood has proven its ability to move fast - we've stood up a fully operational site in Australia in just 3 months, where similar efforts typically take years.
Northwood is rapidly scaling its global footprint, with 30+ sites planned across 2026 and 2027. We're building and deploying infrastructure at a pace the industry hasn't seen before. If you thrive on building quickly, solving hard problems, and seeing your work deployed globally on critical missions, we want you at Northwood.
OPTICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEER
Northwood is looking for an Optical Systems Engineer to lead analysis, testing, and integration of optical ground station systems for space communications. In this role, you'll work closely with the CTO and engineering team to evaluate and validate free-space optical communication systems deployed at Northwood ground sites. You'll contribute across the full lifecycle of optical system development - from architecture and link analysis through experimental validation and field testing. This is a highly hands-on role at the intersection of optics, communications, and aerospace infrastructure, ideal for someone who has experience bringing complex systems into real-world deployment.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Apply optics and photonics expertise to the definition and refinement of free-space optical system requirements and architectures
  • Evaluate optical communication systems to understand performance, tradeoffs, and operational constraints
  • Develop and execute test campaigns to characterize system performance and readiness
  • Analyze test data and troubleshoot issues in optical hardware, alignment, and signal performance
  • Work across mechanical, electrical, and software teams to integrate optical subsystems into production systems
  • Contribute to opto-mechanical design considerations including alignment, stability, and environmental robustness
  • Support system bring-up, integration, and field deployment of optical communication systems
  • Lead integration of optical terminals into ground station environments, including site constraints, power, thermal, and environmental considerations
  • Contribute to operational readiness of optical links, including monitoring, reliability, and uptime considerations
  • Work with network and mission operations teams to support end-to-end optical link performance
  • Analyze performance across different site locations to inform network-wide optimization

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in optical engineering, physics, or a related engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in optical system design, photonics, or laser-based systems (research or industry)
  • Experience working with optical modeling, analysis, or simulation tools
  • Hands-on experience with optical laboratory equipment and experimental validation

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Master's or PhD in optics, photonics, physics, or a related field
  • Experience with free-space optical communication systems or laser communications
  • Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, or similar
  • Experience with optical alignment, metrology, and characterization techniques
  • Knowledge of atmospheric propagation effects relevant to optical links
  • Experience integrating optical hardware with mechanical and electronic systems
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for analysis and automation
  • Strong experimental intuition and ability to rapidly prototype and test new concepts

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Optical Engineer/Level 1: $100,000 - $120,000 per year
Optical Engineer/Level 2: $120,000 - $145,000 per year
Optical Engineer/Level 3: $129,000 - $175,000 per year
Optical Engineer/Level 4: $146,000 - $197,000 per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood. You may also be eligible for equity in the form of stock options or other long-term incentives, as well as potential performance bonuses. We offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, generous paid time off, and various other perks and discounts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.
Northwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Northwood is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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