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Optical Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Optical Design Engineer Employment Type: Full-time, Existing vacancy Location: San-Jose (On-Site) About Lumentum At Lumentum, we're building the tech behind the world's fastest networks and ...

... 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 ...

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 ...

We're looking for a Senior Optical Design Engineer to take true end-to-end ownership of critical optical subsystems--from first sketch and simulation, through prototyping and test, all the way to ...

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Resource for information about optical sensors and optical sensor technology, including the design and modeling of ultraviolet, visual and infrared waveband systems, optically passive athermal ...

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Optical Design information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$142.6K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in California is $140,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,100.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical design?

Optical design is the process of creating systems and components that manipulate light, such as lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments. Professionals in this field use principles of physics and engineering to design devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optic systems. They often use specialized software to model how light will travel through different materials and configurations, optimizing for factors like image quality and efficiency. Optical designers work in industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and aerospace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Designer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V, and knowledge of CAD systems are commonly required, with certifications in these tools considered advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and refining complex designs. These skills ensure the creation of precise, innovative optical systems that meet stringent performance and quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by optical design engineers in project development?

Optical design engineers often face challenges such as balancing performance requirements with cost and manufacturability, ensuring tolerance to environmental factors, and integrating optics with mechanical and electronic systems. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as changes in one component can impact the entire system's performance. Staying updated with the latest simulation and modeling tools also helps address these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Optical Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectOptical DesignOptical Engineering
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineeringDegree in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, simulation toolsManufacturing, testing labs, integration environments
Industry UsageDeveloping lens systems, optical componentsImplementing, testing, and maintaining optical systems
Search/Comparison IntentFocus on designing optical systemsFocus on applying and optimizing optical systems

Optical Design involves creating and simulating optical systems and components, primarily focusing on the conceptual and detailed design phase. Optical Engineering extends this work into implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus within the optical development process.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $140,832 per year, or $67.7 per hour.

Senior Optical Design Engineer

Google Inc.

Mountain View, CA • On-site

$159 - $231/hr

Other

Re-posted 9 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

corporate_fare Google place Mountain View, CA, USA

Apply

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a specialized field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP, etc.), or equivalent practical experience.
  • 4 years of experience working in optical design.
Preferred qualifications:
  • Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field (e.g., Optics, Sensors, Audio/DSP).
  • Specialized experience in optical design.
  • Proven proficiency in Python for automating optical simulations, data post-processing, and generating design reports.
  • Familiarity with camera systems, sensors, and display technologies.
About the job

Join the innovative Pixel Optics team as a Senior Optical Design Engineer. In this role, you will be instrumental in the end-to-end development of advanced optical systems for future Pixel products, specializing in high-fidelity optical modeling and opto-mechanical performance analysis. Your role requires deep expertise in non-sequential ray trace analysis and sequential optical design. You will lead cross-functional efforts to define optical architectures and ensure manufacturability, leveraging your knowledge of Augmented Reality (AR) optical systems to solve complex, ambiguity-driven design challenges. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

About the job

Join the innovative Pixel Optics team as a Senior Optical Design Engineer. In this role, you will be instrumental in the end-to-end development of advanced optical systems for future Pixel products, specializing in high-fidelity optical modeling and opto-mechanical performance analysis. Your role requires deep expertise in non-sequential ray trace analysis and sequential optical design. You will lead cross-functional efforts to define optical architectures and ensure manufacturability, leveraging your knowledge of Augmented Reality (AR) optical systems to solve complex, ambiguity-driven design challenges. Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

US: $159000 - $231000 (USD) + 15% bonus target + equity + benefits

Learn more about benefits at Google .

  • Conduct advanced optical system modeling and simulation.
  • Conduct non-sequential straylight simulation and analysis.
  • Drive the optical design and architecture of near-eye displays.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, and Product Design teams to define specifications, manage tolerances, and ensure successful integration of simulated designs into mass-manufacturable hardware.
  • Develop, maintain, and execute complex optical models using industry-standard software and internal Python-based tools for analysis and visualization.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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