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Optical Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Luminit

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Torrance, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback. * Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The candidate should be able to conceptualize optical designs and oversee their mechanical implementation into qualified flight instruments, with demonstrated proficiency in mechanical modeling for ...

Aurelius Systems

Sr. Optical Engineer, R&D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience designing, analyzing, and debugging optical systems in practice * Ability to lead technical investigations from first principles and prior experience * Enough mechanical fluency to ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Networking Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trade and evaluate network architectures and interconnect topologies to guide how Mesh optical hardware is designed into and optimized across customer networks * Design end-to-end optical ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Networking Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$132K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Trade and evaluate network architectures and interconnect topologies to guide how Mesh optical hardware is designed into and optimized across customer networks * Design end-to-end optical ...

Doist

Sr. Optical Engineer, R&D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $190/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Experience designing, analyzing, and debugging optical systems in practice* Ability to lead technical investigations from first principles and prior experience* Enough mechanical fluency to ...

Becton Dickinson & Company

Staff Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

Develop and maintain system-level optical designs for components, subassemblies, and integrated flow cytometry platforms * Perform Zemax (OpticStudio) modeling including performance prediction ...

Atln

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$117.64 - $211.83/hr

... designs, (2) optical sensitivity and tolerance analysis in coordination with mechanical and integration & test engineering, (3) document optical prescription and optical layout, (4) support ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Designer JobsOptical Designer Jobs in California

Optical Designer information

See California salary details

$79.9K

$142.6K

How much do optical designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical designer 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical designer?

To thrive as an Optical Designer, you need a solid background in physics or optical engineering, strong mathematical abilities, and typically a relevant degree in optics or a related field. Proficiency with optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools, and familiarity with CAD systems, are essential technical requirements. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help an optical designer excel when collaborating with engineering teams and interpreting client needs. These skills ensure accurate, innovative optical solutions and successful project outcomes in industries ranging from consumer electronics to aerospace.

What are some common challenges optical designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Optical Designers often work alongside engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists, which can present challenges in aligning technical specifications with practical constraints. Communication is key, as translating complex optical requirements into actionable tasks for other disciplines requires clarity and adaptability. Additionally, Optical Designers must frequently balance ideal optical performance with considerations like cost, manufacturability, and mechanical integration, making compromise and problem-solving essential parts of the job.

What is the difference between Optical Designer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical DesignerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineeringBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign labs, R&D departments, manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research institutions, aerospace, defenseOptics companies, research institutions, aerospace, defense
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Optical Designers focus on creating and developing optical systems and components through detailed design work. Optical Engineers apply engineering principles to develop, test, and improve optical devices, often overseeing the implementation of designs. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Optical Designers primarily concentrate on conceptual and detailed design, whereas Optical Engineers are more involved in the practical application and testing of optical systems.

What is an optical designer?

An optical designer is a professional who develops and optimizes optical systems, such as lenses, microscopes, and cameras, using specialized software and engineering principles. They analyze light behavior, select appropriate materials, and ensure the system meets performance specifications, often working closely with engineers and manufacturers.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Designer job openings:

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

Optical Engineer, Holography Lab

Luminit

Torrance, CA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago

Job description

Role Overview

Luminit is seeking an early-career Optical Engineer to support hands-on holographic recording and optical-bench work across our aerospace, automotive, and display programs. 

Working under senior optical engineers, this person runs day-to-day recording, optical-table alignment, sample preparation, and characterization within Luminit’s established recording process. We are looking for a strong optics foundation and genuine bench instinct; someone intelligent and observant who can apply judgment as each new product presents its own recording challenge. 

Holographic recording experience is not required; it is trained. Optical-bench literacy and a track record of careful, resourceful lab work are essential. 

Key Responsibilities

Optical Bench & Recording

  • Set up, align, and operate optical benches and recording systems under engineer direction 

  • Perform holographic recording, sample preparation, and handling  

  • Characterize optical and holographic samples (efficiency, uniformity, basic optical metrology) and record results carefully 

Lab Execution & Improvement

  • Follow and help refine recording and test procedures; flag anomalies and propose improvements 

  • Maintain disciplined, traceable lab records and contribute to process documentation 

  • Troubleshoot setups and contribute to incremental process improvement

Prototype Development & Validation

  • Support prototype design, assembly, testing, and validation activities for holographic optical systems.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to refine optical designs based on testing, characterization, and customer feedback.
  • Assist in transitioning prototype systems into pilot-line and production-ready manufacturing processes.
  • Document experimental results, process learnings, and performance improvements to support future product development.

Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration

  • Work closely with senior optical engineers and the process and metrology team 

  • Support build and characterization activities tied to program milestones

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field 

  • Hands-on optical-bench or laser-lab experience (coursework, research, or an optics/laser technical program), including operating and aligning optical tables 

  • Demonstrated lab judgment; evidence of troubleshooting, calibration, or process-improvement initiative in a lab setting 

  • Careful, methodical approach to measurement and record-keeping 

  • 0–2 years of experience; recent graduates with strong optics-lab experience are encouraged to apply 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with lasers, interferometry, optical alignment, or optical metrology 

  • Exposure to holography, diffractive optics, or photopolymer materials 

  • Cleanroom, thin-film, coating, or fabrication-process experience 

  • MATLAB or Python for data handling 

Work Environment & Logistics

  • On-site role based in Torrance, CA 

  • Customer and technical-partner interaction as required by active programs 

Export Control Eligibility

This position may involve access to information or technology subject to U.S. export control regulations (ITAR or EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under applicable U.S. export control regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge automotive and display technologies

Company Description

Luminit develops advanced optical technologies used across automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications. Employees work on cutting-edge holographic and photonic systems in a collaborative, technically driven environment with opportunities to contribute directly to next-generation mobility and display technologies.