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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Optical Test Lab Engineer, Amazon Leo OISL

Northridge, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You will work closely with optical design engineers to develop measurement solutions for free-space optical communication components, execute optical verification and qualification test campaigns ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

New

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

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 ...

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

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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Showing results 1-20

Optical Communication Engineer information

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical communication engineer?

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Optical Communication Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Senior Optical Communication Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government

Amazon

Northridge, CA • On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Amazon Leo is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.
The Amazon Leo for Government (ALG) Engineering team is a multi-disciplinary technology team involved in developing and delivering targeted and scalable solutions for custom satellite and ground applications. The ALG Engineering team works closely with the core LEO team, and addresses the needs of specific customers (such as government agencies). The Senior Optical Communication Engineer will play a pivotal role in the team delivering innovative and fast-paced analysis and design for both space and ground optical systems and sub-systems


As a Senior Optical Communications Engineer you will play a crucial role developing satellite communication systems, optical satellite links, digital signal processing and networking between both space-to-space and space-to-ground systems. Working with a dynamic team of cross discipline engineers, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining optical communication devices with bus agnostic interfaces, space-to-ground capabilities, tunable modems, long range backhaul performance, and seamless integration of unique waveforms. We provide engineering solutions for achieving free space optical communication systems.

We work hand in hand with hardware, software, product and operations teams to deliver solutions that seek to extract more capability from our baseline and onboard new technologies into our next generation systems.
The Senior Optical Communications Engineer will play a pivotal role on the Amazon Leo for Government Engineering team delivering innovative and fast-paced free space Optical Communication solutions.
Key job responsibilities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define optical communication system requirements and architecture for our satellite constellation.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define optical communication system requirements and architecture for our satellite constellation.
Develop and optimize optical communication system hardware and software components, for real time communication ensuring efficient resource utilization and reliable performance.
Implement and test product designs that demonstrate functional and performance capabilities
Contribute to system integration efforts, working closely with hardware engineer to ensure seamless interaction between software and hardware components.
Participate in reviews, identify areas for improvement, and maintain high standards to ensure optical communication system quality and reliability.
Debug and troubleshoot software and hardware integration issues, employing tools and techniques to identify and resolve anomalies.
Collaborate on designing and executing test plans to validate the functionality, performance, and security of optical communication systems
Keep up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, and apply relevant advancements to enhance the performance and capabilities of Amazon Leo's optical communication systems.
Security Clearance: Candidates may be required to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI, so you must be a U.S. citizen for consideration


This position requires that the candidate selected be a U.S. Citizen in order to comply with U.S. government-imposed requirements related to the nature of the work and/or where it will be performed.
This position requires that the candidate selected be a US Citizen and candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance of TS/SCI.
A day in the life
As a Senior Optical Communication Engineer you will be responsible for leading the design, development and implementation of unique solutions to integrate and interoperate with Amazon Leo products and customer terminals

You will work in a collaborative environment with teams inside and outside of Amazon. You implement industry best practices while you guide the designs from requirements gathering through deployment. This role is hands on and will require an ability to build and test hardware and software optical communication systems.

You will need to be flexible and responsive to high priority issues


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US