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Optical Communication Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

Supermicro

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Optical transceivers, fiber-optic communication, and high-speed optical modules. * Silicon ...

Super Micro Computer

$120K - $150K/yr

We seek talented, passionate, and committed engineers, technologists, and business leaders to join ... Optical transceivers, fiber-optic communication, and high-speed optical modules. * Silicon ...

New

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$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 ...

Latent AI

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

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

Mojo Vision

Optical Test Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$250/hr

Cupertino, CA /Optical Engineering /Full-Time Mojo Vision is pioneering a highly flexible, wafers ... Strong verbal and written communication skills. Preferred Skills: * Experience with optoelectronic ...

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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:

Optical Communication Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Communication Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next‑generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
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What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About SpaceX

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Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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