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Optical Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon Technologies

Senior Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

Raytheon

Senior Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

AEI-CIG

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 ...

Coherent

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Conduct and well manage design documents, ECO, design change implementation in new product release ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test. * Optical design and analysis with ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

OptiStudio, Code-V etc. to do Optical system design, simulations, optimization, tolerance analysis. • Hands-on experiences in optical design for industries within semiconductors, fiber optics ...

Gamma Scientific

CA

$128K - $166K/yr

Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project requirements. The role also involves ...

Gamma Scientific

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project requirements. The role also involves ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures. * Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures. * Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and metrology procedures. * Define optical acceptance criteria and support verification activities for payload ...

Ephemeris Net

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

The Role We are looking for an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent optical ...

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All JobsOptical Design JobsOptical Design Jobs in California

Optical Design information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$142.6K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 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 does an optical designer do?

An optical designer develops and analyzes optical systems, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, to meet specific performance requirements. They use specialized software to simulate light behavior, optimize designs, and ensure manufacturability, often working closely with engineers and scientists. Strong knowledge of optics, physics, and CAD tools is essential for this role.

What is the highest paid design job?

In optical design, senior roles such as Optical Engineering Managers or Lead Optical Designers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially with advanced skills in optical simulation software and industry experience. These positions typically require a strong background in physics, optics, and engineering, along with leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

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

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior optical engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical design software, and specialized knowledge in areas like laser systems or aerospace optics can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-demand industries or leadership roles. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project contributions.

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 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 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:
Optical Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,832 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
Senior Optical Engineer

Senior Optical Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-04-30
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and
defense.
Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and special test equipment. We own all aspects of the optical design to field innovative sensor solutions that meet the mission needs.
What You Will Do
  • Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test.
  • Optical design and analysis with Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or Matlab.
  • Optical requirements derivation and drawing generation.
  • Procurement of custom optics and supplier oversight.
  • Hands-on assembly and alignment of optical sensors in cleanrooms.
  • Optical testing and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
  • Work in both a collaborative environment and as an individual contributor with minimal supervision, depending on the needs of the project.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
  • Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with optical design in Zemax or CodeV.
  • Experience performing straylight analysis in FRED.
  • Experience fabricating optics and coatings.
  • Experience building and aligning optical assemblies.
  • Experience designing opto-mechanical hardware in CREO.
  • Advanced degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics.

What We Offer
  • A total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, and Safety.
  • Relocation assistance available.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
  • This position requires onsite work in El Segundo, CA: Welcome to Raytheon in El Segundo, CA

#LI-TR1
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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