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

Apple

Display Module Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$126K - $220K/yr

Apple's display team is searching for a candidate on the optical simulation, design, and validation ... broad engineering background encompassing display technologies, optical simulation (LightTools ...

Apple

Lab Operations Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$101K - $197K/yr

Apple's silicon engineering labs are where breakthrough ideas meet rigorous validation. As a Lab ... and optical systems - enabling the teams around you to gain confidence in results and push ...

Enpro Industries

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

COMPANY SUMMARY Alluxa is a technology company that provides specialized optical filters and thin ... POSITION SUMMARY The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for providing engineering support for ...

Enpro

Manufacturing Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

COMPANY SUMMARY Alluxa is a technology company that provides specialized optical filters and thin ... Work closely with other engineers and/or process owners to develop, design, test, and manufacture ...

Apple

Display Module Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$162K - $286K/yr

Apple is looking for a world class module design engineer to lead the design, development and ... Hands-on experience with lab equipment for optical and electrical characterization Pay & Benefits ...

Apple

Display Module Design Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$162K - $286K/yr

Apple is looking for a world class module design engineer to lead the design, development and ... Hands-on experience with lab equipment for optical and electrical characterization Pay & Benefits ...

Apple

Operations Test Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$141K - $258K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Engineering background in camera, image processing, optics, physics and/or EE with understanding of optoelectronics or optics Knowledge of tester qualification requirements ...

Apple

Control Systems Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

... AF), optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) features ... Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with focus on control system design and ...

Apple

Camera Machine Learning Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

D. in Machine Learning, EE, CS, Physics, Optics, or equivalent and 3+ years of experience in ... Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field Experience with Python programming and deep ...

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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 Jun 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 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 is an optical engineer?

An optical engineer designs, develops, and tests systems and devices that utilize light, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging systems. They often work with optical materials, use simulation software, and require knowledge of physics and engineering principles to improve optical performance and functionality.

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, and why are they important?

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced optical engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or advanced research can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, management responsibilities, or significant expertise in optical systems and laser technologies. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives.

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 requires strong knowledge of optics, photonics, and related tools, and job growth is driven by advancements in technology and increasing reliance on optical components.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $157,014 per year, or $75.5 per hour.
Display Module Engineer

Display Module Engineer

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$126K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Do you have a passion for invention and self-challenge? Do you thrive on pushing the limits of what’s considered feasible? As part of our Display Technologies group, you’ll help ensure our products’ displays work beautifully through the successful design, fabrication, and implementation of components in Apple devices. From initial concept to mass production, you’ll develop highly innovative displays for the full line of Apple iPAD product. Through touch and sight, these displays are how millions of Apple customers connect with our products every single day. Together, you’ll collaborate with multifunctional teams across Apple to make each interaction a magical experience to see and touch.
Apple's display team is searching for a candidate on the optical simulation, design, and validation of the next generation of Apple displays! This role will involve future display technology development for the best consumer products in the world. We look forward to seeing what you are capable of!
Description
Apple's display team is searching for a candidate on the optical simulation, design, and validation of the next generation of Apple displays! This role will involve future display technology development for the best consumer products in the world. We look forward to seeing what you are capable of!","responsibilities":"Define display module optical and architectural designs
Characterize prototypes and perform large dataset analytics
Develop image/feature recognition algorithms to quantify optical artifacts
Drive failure analysis on display issues and develop corresponding mitigations
Incubate display technologies and drive implementation for mass production
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to converge on issues
International travel is required for supplier collaboration
Preferred Qualifications
A broad engineering background encompassing display technologies, optical simulation (LightTools, Speos etc), and electrical engineering
Hands-on experience in mass production consumer electronics or display related systems
Experience in working closely with external and overseas suppliers
Concise & effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills in English
Strong analytical & critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in physics, optics, or related fields and and three years of relevant experience
Experience in the field of optics, physics, optical components (lens, film, thin film coating etc), image processing, machine learning, or computer science
Proficiency with using programming languages (MATLAB, Python etc) and statistical analysis tools (JMP etc) to solve practical engineering problems
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 $126,800 and $220,900, 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.

What Apple employees say

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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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