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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oclaro

Sr. Optical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA

$85K - $121K/yr

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Sr. Optical design engineer Lumentum is seeking a candidate for the position of a Sr. ...

Lumilens

Optical Design Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

About the Role As an Optical Design Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and verifying the coupling optics that are key to delivering optical signals of up to 1.6 Tb/s into our ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development. - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based camera ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

The Camera Hardware Engineering group is responsible for all research, design, development, test and qualification of camera hardware for Apple products. The team is looking for an Optical Engineer ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development.","responsibilities":"Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$126K - $190K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on advanced optical technology development. Description - Work on new lens design, characterization and integration into CMOS imager sensor based ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of ...

Gooch & Housego PLC

Optical Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... Design Engineers interacting closely with Production, Sales and Process Engineering to help create, test and refine Acousto- and Electro-Optic Products through release-to-Manufacturing. Because of ...

Applied Materials

Optical Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... Key Responsibilities Optical design engineer to support the development of high-performance optical ...

Amat

Optical Engineer IV

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$161K - $221K/yr

We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display ... Key Responsibilities Optical design engineer to support the development of high-performance optical ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Design Engineer JobsOptical Design Engineer Jobs in California

Optical Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$138.1K

$185K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in California is $138,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The growing use of laser technology, imaging systems, and photonics drives employment opportunities, especially for those with skills in optical design software and systems integration.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced optical design engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-end imaging can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in optical systems and design tools like Zemax or Code V.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior optical design engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical modeling software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or imaging often earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level engineering roles in industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing tend to offer such compensation levels, especially with leadership responsibilities or in high-cost regions.

What are some common challenges Optical Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What do optical design engineers do?

Optical design engineers develop and optimize optical systems and components, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software like Zemax or Code V. They analyze light behavior, perform simulations, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet performance specifications and quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What are Optical Design Engineers?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in California? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in CA? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Optical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,084 per year, or $66.4 per hour.
Sr. Optical Design Engineer

Sr. Optical Design Engineer

Lumentum Operations LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$85K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Sr. Optical design engineer job description:
Lumentum is seeking a candidate for the position of a Sr. optical design engineer. The position will be responsible for modeling optical trains in high-speed optical modules and performing optical components tolerance analysis. The position will work closely with module team to design optical system properly.
Required Experiences:
Master or PhD degree in optical engineering, Physics or related fields
5+ years experiences in optical design and simulation using Zemax
Strong ability to test optical devices and analyze test data, communicate results
Experience in passive and active micro-optics, integrated photonic chips and optical system testing are strongly preferred.
Strong communication skills
Able to program and use MATLAB is a plus
Ability to manage tasks of multiple projects
Pay Range:
P40-USA-1 :$85,000.00 - $121,400.00
Disclaimer:
Final base salary for the successful candidate will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job location, where work will be performed, qualifications, work history and relevant experience. With our continual goal of making Lumentum a best place to work for our employees, we strive to offer employees competitive total compensation packages, which may include annual bonus, commission for certain sales roles, equity, and health and welfare benefits.

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