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Optical Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Principal 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 ...

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 ...

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

Sr. Principal Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Primary Duties & Responsibilities Lead the optical aspects for the design of optical transceivers. Involved directly with new product development projects incorporating optical, electrical ...

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 ...

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 ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

During the design phase, you will work with hardware and software design teams following a rigorous product design protocol. Additional tasks include creating optical models, statistical tolerance ...

KLA

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

During the design phase, you will work with hardware and software design teams following a rigorous product design protocol. Additional tasks include creating optical models, statistical tolerance ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 9, 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 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 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 Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-05-06
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 a motivated Optical Designer to apply their interest, training, and expertise 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 needed to field innovative sensor solutions that meet mission requirements.
What You Will Do
  • Lead innovative optical design efforts for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations to ensure performance and robustness.
  • Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP (structural, thermal, optical performance), image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
  • Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations (e.g., wavefront, spectral, mechanical) throughout the full program lifecycle.
  • Support backend verification of as-built optical designs and test configurations to ensure requirements compliance.
  • Serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, providing guidance, oversight, and mentorship to junior optical engineers.
  • Design and analyze optical systems using industry-standard tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB.
  • Conduct detailed stray light analysis to mitigate performance risks and improve system fidelity.
  • Develop and tolerance optical designs with a focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
  • Derive optical requirements and translate them into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
  • Support test equipment design, optical alignment activities, and system integration efforts.
  • Present technical results and design decisions to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
  • Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
  • Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.
  • Experience designing refractive and reflective optical systems.
  • Experience modeling optical alignment procedures.
  • Experience collaborating with optical fabrication suppliers.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience performing stray-light analysis using FRED.
  • Experience building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
  • Experience designing opto-mechanical hardware in CREO.

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 145,600 USD - 276,800 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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