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Optical Communication Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers product lines, Marvell ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing and high-speed optical signal generation and detection. * Proven understanding of coherent optical ...

Staff Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$139K - $228K/yr

Deep technical competency in coherent optical communication technology, digital signal processing and high-speed optical signal generation and detection. * Proven understanding of coherent optical ...

Optical Systems Engineer Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Familiarity with direct-detection and coherent optical communication architectures. * Expertise in modeling optoelectronic components (e.g., lasers, modulators, photodiodes, DAC, ADC, driver, TIA ...

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches. With its DSP, broadband amplifiers, photonic ICs and optical transceivers products Marvell technology ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

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 ...

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Optical Communication information

See California salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do optical communication jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical communication in California is $17.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in optical communication roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Communication often encounter challenges such as maintaining signal integrity over long distances, troubleshooting network disruptions, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. These obstacles can be addressed through continuous training, proactive system monitoring, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including network engineers and hardware specialists. Staying updated on industry best practices and participating in knowledge-sharing sessions also play a crucial role in overcoming these challenges and ensuring reliable optical networks.

What is an optical communication system?

An optical communication system is a technology that transmits information using light signals through optical fibers or free space. It involves components like lasers, photodetectors, and optical fibers, and is used in telecommunications, data centers, and networking to achieve high-speed data transfer. Optical communication specialists often work with signal modulation, fiber optics, and network infrastructure to ensure efficient data transmission.

What is the difference between Optical Communication vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical CommunicationOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields; certifications like CCNA, Cisco certificationsBachelor's or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics; certifications like Cisco or industry-specific optical certifications
Work EnvironmentTelecom companies, network providers, research labs; focus on network infrastructureResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments; focus on design and development of optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, data centersOptical component manufacturers, research institutions, tech companies

Optical Communication primarily involves the transmission of data through optical fibers and network infrastructure, focusing on deployment and maintenance. In contrast, Optical Engineers design and develop optical systems and components, emphasizing research and innovation. Both roles require technical knowledge of optics but differ in their focus areas and work environments.

What is optical communication?

Optical communication is the transmission of information using light as the carrier, typically through optical fibers. This technology is widely used in telecommunications and networking, enabling high-speed data transfer over long distances with minimal loss. Optical communication systems offer advantages such as large bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and high security. Common applications include internet backbone infrastructure, cable television, and data centers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in optical communication, and why are they important?

To excel in Optical Communication, you need a solid background in physics, electronics, and telecommunications, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with fiber optic systems, optical network design tools, and certifications such as FOA or Cisco Optical Specialist are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork help professionals address complex technical challenges and collaborate on large-scale projects. These competencies are vital for ensuring reliable, high-performance data transmission systems that meet industry standards.

Are optical communication engineers in high demand?

Optical communication engineers are in high demand due to the expanding need for high-speed data transmission and fiber optic networks. They often work in telecommunications, network infrastructure, and research environments, with skills in fiber optics, signal processing, and network design highly valued.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Communication jobs in California? For Optical Communication jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Communication jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Communication jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Communication jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Communication job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Communication job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,095 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Senior Optical Communication Engineer, Amazon Leo for Government

Amazon

Northridge, CA • On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,053 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
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or equivalent
- 8+ years of experience designing and developing optical systems
- 4+ years experience with free space optical communication systems
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with interdisciplinary teams to execute product design from concept to production
- Experience with the project management of technical projects
- Master's degree or above in engineering, physics, or equivalent
- 8+ years working on free space optical communication systems
- 4+ years system engineering experience
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company's reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, CA, NORTHRIDGE - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Redmond - 137,300.00 - 185,700.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

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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