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

Apple

Health Sensing HW - Module Lead

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

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

Apple

Display Module Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Description We are looking for a Display Module Engineer to help architect, develop and ship flat ... JMP, MATLAB) and/or optical simulation tools (e.g. LightTools) Pay & Benefits At Apple, base pay is ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$79K - $102K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

Viavi Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer supports VIAVI's optics manufacturing team in developing, maintaining, and evolving advanced manufacturing processes for thin-film-based optical coatings. This role focuses ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

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 8, 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.
More about Optical Engineer jobs
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:
Optical Engineer jobs near you
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.

Health Sensing HW - Module Lead

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$175K - $308K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Health Sensing HW team is responsible for architecting and integrating the next generation of optical health sensor into Apple products. We are looking for someone who has broad knowledge of optical design, optical module process, mechanical design and EE design fundamentals to lead the optical module.
Description
You will design, develop, and launch next-generation optical health sensing technologies. You will analyze tradeoff between system constrains and sensor performances, enhance product design and manufacturability, drive failure analysis and drive design convergence through product validation cycles. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams - including Optical Engineers, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Reliability Engineers, Test Engineers, and Software Engineers-to deliver state-of-the-art sensing. You will apply your influence and lead the cross-functional teams through key milestones in design and integration.","responsibilities":"Definition and trade-off studies on optical module requirements and performance
Collaborate and guide the internal teams on optical module design, development and integration
Leadership of manufacturing partners on design evaluation, product prototype builds, and qualification.
Leadership of failure analysis and corrective action implementation at manufacturing sites, including assembly processes, testing, and calibration; parametric-data analysis of end-of-line yield and post-reliability failures.
Documentation of design, test, and manufacturing requirements.
Business travel up to 10% as required
Preferred Qualifications
Strong background in optical sensor architecture, design and manufacturing. (Mechanical, EE, packaging, system thinking and requirements management)
Hands-on experience with optical lab equipment (microscopes, detector, light sources etc).
Experience supporting volume manufacturing, including test design, failure analysis, and statistical analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and solid collaboration and leadership skills.
Strong teamwork abilities and self-motivation to tackle technical challenges.
People managing experience is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
BS and 10+ years of relevant industry experience required (Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or equivalent)
Experience in design or manufacturing or integration of optical products
Scripting experience for data analysis and automation.
Ability to travel internationally.
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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