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Optical Deployment Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MatX

Optical Network Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $362K/yr

The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment - across the evolving spectrum of optical ...

MatX

Optical Network Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $362K/yr

The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment - across the evolving spectrum of optical ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$152K - $197K/yr

We are building innovative, next-generation solutions to meet the demands of large-scale AI deployments that will power tomorrow's AI infrastructure. We are now expanding our optical engineering team ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

We are building innovative, next-generation solutions to meet the demands of large-scale AI deployments that will power tomorrow's AI infrastructure. We are now expanding our optical engineering team ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

... deployment and sustainment phases. The Optical Communications Department works with corporate ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

... deployment and sustainment phases. The Optical Communications Department works with corporate ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

New

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

... deployment and sustainment phases. The Optical Communications Department works with corporate ... Bachelor's degree Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical Sciences, or another related technical ...

OpenAI

Optical Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $445K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our ... About OpenAI OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general ...

Arista Networks

Senior Optical System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Analyze test results and generate detailed technical reports to support design reviews, customer qualification, and production deployment. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering ...

Arastra, Inc.

Senior Optical System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

Analyze test results and generate detailed technical reports to support design reviews, customer qualification, and production deployment. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering ...

New

Arista Networks

Senior Optical System Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Analyze test results and generate detailed technical reports to support design reviews, customer qualification, and production deployment. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering ...

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Tech Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$185K - $240K/yr

Job Summary We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Tech Lead - Optical Test Engineer to contribute to the development and deployment of optical test solutions for silicon photonics devices and ...

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Optical Deployment Engineer information

What does an optical deployment engineer do?

An Optical Deployment Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing optical fiber networks that transmit data over long distances. Their work involves assessing network requirements, selecting appropriate optical equipment, and overseeing the installation and testing of fiber optic infrastructure. They ensure that the optical network meets performance standards and troubleshoot issues related to signal quality or connectivity. This role is essential in supporting high-speed internet, telecommunications, and data center operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical deployment engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Deployment Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optical networking principles, fiber optic technologies, and a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Experience with design and simulation tools (such as OptiSystem or Visio), familiarity with DWDM/CWDM systems, and relevant certifications like Cisco CCNA or FOA CFOT are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you coordinate deployments and troubleshoot complex issues. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable, high-performance optical networks and successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges optical deployment engineers face when working on large-scale network projects?

Optical Deployment Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, managing tight project timelines, and troubleshooting unforeseen issues during fiber installation or equipment deployment. Working on large-scale projects may require adapting to changing site conditions and ensuring that all installations meet rigorous safety and quality standards. Effective communication and collaboration with construction teams, network planners, and vendors are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Optical Deployment Engineer vs Fiber Optic Technician?

AspectOptical Deployment EngineerFiber Optic Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications like FOA or CiscoHigh school diploma or equivalent, certifications like FOA or OSHA
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and overseeing deployment projects, often in office or fieldInstalling, splicing, and maintaining fiber optic cables on-site
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, network infrastructureTelecom companies, internet providers, cable TV installation

While both roles involve fiber optics, the Optical Deployment Engineer focuses on planning and managing deployment projects, whereas the Fiber Optic Technician handles hands-on installation and maintenance. Both roles are essential in the fiber optic industry but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Deployment Engineer jobs in California?

For Optical Deployment Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Deployment Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Deployment Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Deployment Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Deployment Engineer job openings:

Optical Deployment Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Deployment Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Optical Network Engineer

MatX

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$175K - $362K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

What MatX Is Building
MatX's mission is to make the world's best AI models run as efficiently as allowed by physics, bringing the world years ahead in AI quality and availability.
About the Role
This is a senior-level, highly specialized engineering role focused on the design, qualification, and productization of next-generation optical interconnect technologies for AI scale-up and scale-out networks. The engineer owns the full lifecycle - from component characterization and link budget analysis to system-level bring-up and data center deployment - across the evolving spectrum of optical integration approaches: pluggables, NPO, and CPO.
What You'll Do
Technology Evaluation & Qualification
  • Validate and productize high-speed copper and optical connectivity solutions for AI accelerator systems; own vendor due diligence and onboarding for new 1.6T products including AEC and pluggable optical transceivers.
  • Characterize and qualify optical modules across the integration spectrum - DSP Optics, LRO, LPO, NPO, and CPO - for 800G and 1.6T deployment in scale-up AI fabrics
  • Perform link budget analysis and evaluate performance metrics including TDECQ, OMA, stressed receiver sensitivity, and associated diagnostics.

Component & System Engineering
  • Develop expertise in transceiver components including CW lasers, SiPh PICs, EML, DSP, passive subassemblies, their failure modes, and characterization methodologies.
  • Evaluate silicon photonics (SiPh) transceivers, VCSEL-based MMF links, and EML-based SMF solutions for scale-up fabric topologies
  • Apply knowledge of thermal, mechanical, power, and signal integrity constraints in dense hardware environments.

Scale-Up Network Architecture
  • Define optical interconnect strategy for AI cluster topologies - rail-optimized, torus, dragonfly, and Clos - at XPU counts from 10K to 1M+
  • Model and optimize end-to-end link budgets for 1.6T (200G/lane PAM4) across fiber types: SMF, MMF, MCF
  • Engage with the transition from 1.6T to 3.2T (400G/lane) roadmaps and new form factors emerging with LPO and CPO.

Supply Chain & Vendor Management
  • Develop familiarity with subcomponent supply chains and global manufacturers, ODMs, and CMs.
  • Manage technical relationships with optical module vendors (Coherent, II-VI/Coherent, Lumentum, Innolight, HG Genuine, Eoptolink) and silicon photonics suppliers
  • Drive NPI (New Product Introduction) qualification plans, yield improvement, and reliability testing with manufacturing partners
What We're Looking For
Experience & Education
  • BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or Photonics
  • 7-12+ years in optical interconnect engineering, with at least 3 years focused on data center or AI fabric applications
  • Hands-on experience qualifying 400G, 800G, or 1.6T optical modules in production environments
  • Deep knowledge of PAM4 signal theory, SerDes architecture, and optical link physics at 200G per lane
  • Proficiency in optical test equipment: BERT, OTDR, optical spectrum analyzers, sampling oscilloscopes (e.g., Keysight 86100), optical power meters, TDECQ testers
  • Experience with OIF-CEI, IEEE 802.3dj electrical and optical compliance specs
  • In-depth expertise in debugging and troubleshooting hardware; experience in the product development lifecycle.
  • Understanding of fiber plant requirements: MPO/MTP connector, fiber cleanliness, insertion loss, PMD, and bend radius for high-density AI cluster cabling
  • Experience with link budget modeling tools (MATLAB, Python-based photonic simulation, GNPY)
  • Ability to collaborate with switch ASIC teams (SerDes architects), PCB/signal integrity engineers, thermal/mechanical engineers, and NOS/software teams
  • Strong technical documentation and vendor communication skills
Bonus Points
Background in AI accelerator or GPU system validationFamiliarity with JEDEC or PCIe compliance testing methodologiesExperience with statistical process control (SPC) or large-scale data analysis for silicon characterization
Compensation
The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.
  • Early Career - $120,000 - $250,000 + equity
  • Mid Career - $175,000 - $362,500 + equity
  • Senior Career - $250,000 - $475,000 + equity

What We Offer
  • A Stake in our success A flexible cash equity compensation mix that fits your needs
  • Heath & Wellness Company subsidized Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance; Pre-tax Health Savings Accounts with generous company contribution (even if you don't)
  • Time To Recharge 4 weeks paid time off (accrued), 12 company holidays, and 3 weeks remote/flexible work per year
  • Support to Parents Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of your path to parenthood
  • Learning & Development $1,500 yearly towards your professional development e.g. conferences, courses, and other learning opportunities
  • Team Connection Team Lunches, quarterly off-sites, and regular town halls
  • Financial Wellbeing 401K and/or Roth IRA, with 5% company contribution, even if you don't!
  • Flexible Spending Accounts Pre-tax spend accounts for medical, dental/vision, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses
  • Commute On Us For those commuting up to 1 hour, put your rideshare cost on our company card and reclaim the drive-time to get work done!
  • MatX E[x]tras $50 per month to use on the perks you care about most
  • Remote Perks We work remotely Monday & Friday, supported by home-tech setup, and remote wifi expense reimbursement

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and work from our offices in Mountain View Tuesdays-Thursdays.
This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicants capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities.
MatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.

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