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Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Aetherflux

Optical Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Optical Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp: Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and ...

DigiLens Inc.

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

About the Role DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work ...

NCSL International

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87.10 - $157.45/hr

Optical Engineer - Emerging Space Systems Division The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced ...

Koch Industries

Optical Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Your Job We are seeking an experienced Optical Engineer to support Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) test and validation activities. The role will own test concept development, test-fixture and setup design ...

Koitecc Solutions

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87.10 - $157.45/hr

Optical Engineer - Emerging Space Systems Division The Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking an Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in the development of advanced ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical ...

JPL

Optical Engineer III

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$140K - $181K/yr

The 364C Optical Engineering Group specializes in designing and developing optical systems for planetary probes and instruments, earth observing remote sensing systems, and in situ sensing systems ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in California

Optical Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in California is $141,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges optical engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in CA?

For Optical Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optical Engineer

AEI-CIG

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

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 will contribute to optical system design, fiber coupling optimization, lens development, optical characterization, and performance validation for next-generation optical communication technologies.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in optical design tools, optical modeling, and laboratory characterization techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize optical systems for optical transceiver applications

• Develop and optimize fiber coupling solutions for efficient optical power transfer

• Design, analyze, and optimize optical lenses and beam shaping systems

• Perform optical modeling and simulation using Zemax

• Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance evaluation

• Characterize and validate optical components and optical assemblies

• Perform laboratory optical measurements including:

• Optical power measurement

• Insertion loss

• Return loss

• Coupling efficiency

• Beam quality characterization

• Support optical alignment, packaging, and assembly development

• Troubleshoot optical system performance issues and implement improvements

• Develop technical reports, specifications, and validation procedures

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and manufacturing

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in: Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Applied Physics, or Related technical field

• Experience with optical system design and analysis

• Proficiency in Zemax optical design software

• Knowledge of fiber optics and fiber coupling techniques

• Experience with lens design and optical component development

• Understanding of optical alignment and tolerance analysis

• Experience using optical laboratory equipment and characterization methods

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work effectively in collaborative engineering environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing optical transceiver products

• Familiarity with lasers, photodetectors, collimators, and passive optical components

• Experience with optical packaging and precision alignment

• Programming or data analysis experience (Python or MATLAB preferred)

• Experience with optical simulation and modeling workflows