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

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$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 ...

NPI Test Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Support integration and testing of electro-optical, electro-mechanical, and embedded systems throughout product development. * Execute engineering test procedures for subsystem and system-level ...

NPI Test Engineer

Healdsburg, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Working alongside experienced test, systems, software, electrical, mechanical, and optical engineers, this role supports the verification, validation, integration, and troubleshooting of complex ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 14, 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 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.

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

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

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 70% Full Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $157,014 per year, or $75.5 per hour.

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

Viavi Solutions
Telecommunications • 1 - 5K employees

$114K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Summary:

Job Description Summary
VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Advanced Optical Development Group

SUMMARY

VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and address our customers' most pressing business issues. We make equipment, software, and systems that help to plan, deploy, certify, monitor, and optimize all kinds of networks - like those for mobile phones, service providers, large businesses and data centers. VIAVI is also a leader in high performance thin film optical coatings and engineered diffusers, providing light management technologies to the bank note security, consumer electronics, automotive, defense and instrumentation markets.

The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core technology strengths of optics, vacuum coatings, and materials science to deliver innovative and differentiated technologies that manipulate light to improve the performance of sensors, to shape light from high performance light sources, and to create unique visual effects. With over seven decades of experience in optical coating technology, VIAVI OSP is a customer focused, market driven enterprise serving attractive and sustainable market sectors including banknote security, consumer electronics, automotive, industrial, and defense/aerospace. VIAVI OSP's customers include global

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is responsible for the design, development, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems that integrate optical components such as filters, lenses, lasers, and sensors. This role is crucial in ensuring precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance across various applications, from aerospace/defense to handheld spectrometers and consumer electronics. They will work with various cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet stringent performance, safety, and manufacturability requirements.Additionally, the Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer may support development and commercialization efforts for other products and applications that leverage VIAVI's proprietary vacuum deposition capabilities.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and development of opto-mechanical systems, including conceptualization, feasibility studies, detailed design, prototyping, and testing.

  • Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and adhering to relevant design standards (e.g., ISO, MIL specifications).

  • Lead or participate in the entire design process, including requirements specification, feasibility studies, conceptual and detailed design.

  • Perform engineering analysis to understand the impact of loads and environmental factors (structural, thermal, vibration) on the optical/mechanical system performance.

  • Utilize Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g. SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration modeling of complex assemblies.

  • Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses, potentially including Monte Carlo analysis, to verify design capability within manufacturing and operational conditions.

  • Apply optical modeling software (e.g., Zemax) to simulate and optimize optical performance under various conditions. Extensive knowledge of optical design tools is not required but highly desirable.

  • Work with manufacturing teams to break down complex assemblies into logical subassemblies and subprocesses, considering manufacturing capabilities, cost, and requirements.

  • Interact with customers and suppliers, presenting technical information, and contributing to technical reviews.

  • Travel 10% for in-person meetings with customers

  • Position reports out of Santa Rosa

Background/Experience:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field with greater than 5 years' experience in opto-mechanical design.

  • In-depth knowledge of precision mechanical design principles, including kinematic design, adhesives, vacuum technology, and precision machining.

  • High proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoDesk, Creo, etc. and experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.

  • Strong understanding of optical principles, including geometrical optics, physical optics (ray aberrations, waves, diffraction), and lasers. Experience with optical design software and ray tracing (e.g., Zemax, Code V)

  • Must be U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. "Green Card Holder"), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.