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Optical Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources. * Working together with engineers in a team environment where ...

Apple is seeking an optical engineer with a passion for translating next-generation display technologies to reality. You will bridge design, testing, and manufacturing by validating that our optical ...

Apple is seeking an optical engineer with a passion for translating next-generation display technologies to reality. You will bridge design, testing, and manufacturing by validating that our optical ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ...

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams - including Optical Engineers, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Test Engineers, and Software ...

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Showing results 1-20

Optical Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$90.7K

$157K

$184.2K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $157,014.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $141,000.00 and $182,600.00 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.
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,014 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Staff Optical Coating Process Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Santa Rosa, CA

$141K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • Have in-depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputtering processes and their relationship to thin-film growth processes sufficient to understand their effects on optical, structural and mechanical properties of multilayer thin films.
  • Have sufficient analytical knowledge of automated thin film vacuum sputter deposition chamber operation to support Process change decisions regarding; Programmable Logic Controllers, Agility HMI automation, process control interfaces, process control setup, laser monitoring, Manufacturing execution system and database interface. 
  • Have in depth knowledge and experience with vacuum equipment including, pumps, valves, feedthroughs, Mass flow valves, pressure gauges, magnetron cathodes, heaters and heat control systems.
  • Understand Optical thin-film design theory and how to use Optical thin-film design codes for characterizing manufacturing errors. Working knowledge of basic design building blocks, effective indices and the various applications of symmetric design components.
  • Analytical knowledge of automated Optical monitoring systems used for accurate layer thickness control of coatings with as many as 400 layers and synchronous control of deposition process.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze data from radiometric fiber optic measurement system utilizing grin lenses and tunable laser sources. 
  • Working together with engineers in a team environment where project actions are interdependent upon multiple team members where shared ideas may be accepted or challenged in an effort to achieve the best outcome for all.
  • Responsible for daily decisions on process, product and equipment problems and their impact on production costs and on-time delivery commitments.
  • Develop new tools and processes for manufacturing new products and integrate them into the manufacturing systems.
  • Interact closely with the Manufacturing team to monitor and clarify procedures.
  • Support Planning and Manufacturing to optimize product flow, throughput and on-time delivery goals.
  • Perform continuous process improvement and development of tools to assist engineering and manufacturing in evaluation of processes, diagnosis of equipment failures, product and business. Support decisions using measurable statistics.
  • Maintain and optimize predictive tools to maximize run yields and minimize downtime.
  • Perform product qualifications for new products or for specified process changes
  • Write or modify work instructions for tasks associated with coating processes, measurement instrumentation and software tool utilized by technicians.
  • Participate in major development efforts driven by Management and work together with Senior engineers to identify how to best support the effort
  • Communicate well with outside vendors and customers, fostering good working relationships.

Education & Experience

  • BS degree or higher in Engineering, Physics or related field
  • 5 years of professional optical coating process engineering in manufacturing.

Skills

  • In depth knowledge of reactive magnetron sputter deposition processes, thin film growth processes and their interrelationships
  • In depth knowledge of thin film design theory, thin film design code development and product application.
  • General knowledge of statistical software packages, interpretation of statistics and an ability to clearly communicate statistical results to others.
  • Experience Decreasing/Eliminating process variations using problem solving methodologies to; understand root causes, confirm hypotheses, implement resolutions, and optimize improvement
  • General knowledge optical thin film metrology for telecommunication filters 
  • Familiarity with Matlab/Visual Basic/Labview/Python codes for equipment control and data analysis and proficient in one of these languages.
  • Have proficient general computer skills. Some examples are; experience with commercial thin film software, and other programs, Word, Excel, power point etc.
  • Experience TFCALC preferred.

Working Conditions

  • Shift and 'on-call' work may be required, particularly where manufacturing/production equipment is in continual 24-hour operation.

Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift and move up to 25lbs without assistances 

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.