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

Barrington James

Senior Embedded Software Engineer

Sonoma, CA · Hybrid

$138K - $182K/yr

The Lead Embedded Software Engineer will be responsible for driving the design and development of the current optical tracking system that is embedded into the robotic system. This is a highly ...

New

TEKBERRY

R&D Engineer, Software

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$100/day

Title: R&D Engineer, Software Pay Rate: $55.00 - $58.66 Benefits as a Tekberry Temp: Paid Bi-weekly ... and Optical to Electrical (OE) converter * Use your software design technical experience in ...

Apple

Display Electrical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$171K - $302K/yr

... optics, signal integrity/power integrity, mechanical/thermal constraints and system coexistence ... test automation, and programming experience in Python, Shell script, MATLAB or similar Pay ...

Apple

Display Electrical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$120K - $210K/yr

... optics, signal integrity/power integrity, mechanical/thermal constraints and system coexistence ... test automation, and programming experience in Python, Shell script, MATLAB or similar Pay ...

Apple

Display Electrical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$171K - $302K/yr

... optics, signal integrity/power integrity, mechanical/thermal constraints and system coexistence ... test automation, and programming experience in Python, Shell script, MATLAB or similar Pay ...

Apple

Display Electrical Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA

$120K - $210K/yr

... optics, signal integrity/power integrity, mechanical/thermal constraints and system coexistence ... test automation, and programming experience in Python, Shell script, MATLAB or similar Pay ...

EG-Engineering

Beamline Controls Engineer

Bodega Bay, CA · On-site

$99K - $128K/yr

Write, deploy, and support EPICS control software for motors, optics, sensors, detectors, and ... Collaborate with engineers and scientists. Direct the work of other coordinators, designers ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.
Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Viavi Solutions

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

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:
The Role
VIAVI Solutions manufactures advanced optical thin-film and pigment coating products across a 24/7 production environment in Santa Rosa, CA, with additional sites in China and Arizona. This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active manufacturing operation, and leading new capital project work - machine installations, system upgrades, and next-generation automation platforms. For the right candidate, this role has a clear path into engineering leadership and management of VIAVI's Automation Controls group.
⚙ Manufacturing Support
  • Resolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore production
  • Support planned maintenance windows and change deployments
  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Improve control logic, alarming, and system reliability
  • Partner closely with maintenance and operations teams

🔧 New Capital Projects
  • Own automation scope on new machine installations
  • Define PLC/HMI/network architecture for new systems
  • Manage vendors, FAT/SAT, and project documentation
  • Commission and validate systems into Operations

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipment
  • Commission new automation hardware and software; integrate with existing infrastructure
  • Configure and commission motor drives, motion systems, and closed-loop control systems
  • Design and administer SQL databases; manage industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)
  • Maintain source control, documentation, and change records for all control system work
  • Lead or contribute to capital project scoping, scheduling, and execution
  • Mentor junior engineers; collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams
  • Demonstrate communication and leadership skills aligned with future management growth

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years in industrial controls/automation in a manufacturing environment
  • PLC programming: Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal or Mitsubishi GX Developer
  • Experience supporting automation in 24/7 or continuous production environments
  • Programming with Visual Studio, C#
  • End-to-end ownership of capital project automation scope
  • HMI development, industrial networking, SQL databases, source code management
  • Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs
  • Excellent communication skills; occasional international travel required

Preferred Skills
  • Allen-Bradley / Rockwell or Honeywell PLC platforms
  • LabVIEW, Wonderware System Platform, Oracle, Linux, Windows administration
  • Vision systems, vacuum coating processes, optics knowledge
  • Prior team-lead experience

Leadership & Management Growth Path - High performers will have the opportunity to eventually lead the Controls team technically and move into formal management of VIAVI's Automation Controls Engineering group. Growth is supported through stretch assignments, leadership visibility, and formal development planning.
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.
Job Posting Pay Range:
134,400
to
249,600
Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.

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