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Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to join our team of designers of cutting-edge components for space and national security applications, including Space Rated Cameras, Star Trackers, and Laser ...

New

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/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 ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts.While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to join our team of designers of cutting-edge components for space and national security applications, including Space Rated Cameras, Star Trackers, and Laser ...

New

JPL

Optical Engineer IV

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 ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

We are seeking to hire a laser communications engineer (Engineering Specialist) to join the Optical Communications Department. The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

We are seeking to hire a laser communications engineer (Engineering Specialist) to join the Optical Communications Department. The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to ...

Latent AI

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

Doist

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135 - $185/hr

We are looking for an Optical Engineer to join our team of designers of cutting-edge components for space and national security applications, including Space Rated Cameras, Star Trackers, and Laser ...

New

Inversion

Staff Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$161K - $221K/yr

As a Staff Optical Engineer at Inversion, you will own major elements of the optical systems that enable our vehicles to sense, navigate, and perform in extreme environments. You will lead the ...

Apple Inc.

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$181.90 - $245.10/hr

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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 14, 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 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.

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 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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job growth prospects, especially for those with skills in laser technology, photonics, and optical design software. Continuous advancements in technology contribute to sustained employment opportunities for optical engineers.

What do optical engineers work on?

Optical engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and components such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work on projects related to telecommunications, medical instruments, imaging systems, and laser technology, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of physics and optics principles.
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 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optical Engineer

OMNIVISION

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Overview:
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 Metasurface for light manipulation
  • Troubleshoot optical issue and provide solution 
Requirements:
  • Experience of Metasurface structure design or similar
  • Experience of diffractive optical device design or similar.
  • Proficient in FDTD simulation, and optimization.
  • Knowledge of Wave, Fourier and Geometrical optics.
  • Good Image/Data analysis skill, by like Matlab, or Python, Excel etc.
  • Good communication skills, good at team work.
  • Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related
Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200.
Actual pay will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant skills and experience, and
the pay of employees in the similar role.
EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability

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