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Optical Engineering Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Experience influencing technical direction and providing engineering recommendations to management, sponsors, and review boards. Qualifications We Desire * Master's degree or PhDin Optical Science ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

... management, customers, and vendors BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline * 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

... management, customers, and vendors BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline * 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience ...

Latent AI

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... management, customers, and vendors BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline * 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$120K - $170K/yr

... management, customers, and vendors BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or other engineering/STEM discipline * 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience ...

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Optical Engineering Manager information

What does an optical engineering manager do?

An Optical Engineering Manager oversees teams that design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They coordinate engineering projects, ensure technical standards are met, and manage schedules and budgets. Additionally, Optical Engineering Managers mentor staff, facilitate communication between departments, and contribute to strategic planning for optical product development. Their role is crucial in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineering manager?

To thrive as an Optical Engineering Manager, you need a strong background in optical engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in optics, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and experience applying industry standards are commonly required, along with certifications like PMP being advantageous. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical soft skills for managing teams and driving projects to completion. These skills enable successful coordination of complex optical projects, innovation, and delivery of high-quality solutions within deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by optical engineering managers when leading multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Engineering Managers often oversee teams composed of experts in optics, electronics, software, and mechanical engineering. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication and collaboration across these disciplines, as each field may have its own terminology and priorities. Balancing project timelines and technical requirements while managing resource allocation can be demanding, especially when integrating optical systems into larger products. Successful managers foster an environment where team members can share knowledge and resolve technical issues together, leading to innovative solutions and project success.

What is the difference between Optical Engineering Manager vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Engineering ManagerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; often includes leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads teams in R&D, manufacturing, or product development settings within optics-focused companiesPerforms design, analysis, and testing of optical systems in labs or production environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies developing optical devices, imaging systems, or laser technologiesEmployed in similar industries, focusing on optical system design and testing

The main difference is that Optical Engineering Managers oversee teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategic planning, while Optical Engineers are hands-on technical experts working on optical system design and analysis. Both roles require similar technical credentials, but the managerial role emphasizes leadership and project management skills.

Are optical engineering managers in high demand?

Optical engineering managers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, defense, and medical devices that rely on advanced optical systems. They typically require strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and knowledge of optical design tools, making experienced professionals valuable in the job market.

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Applications Engineering Manager- Optical (LitePoint; San Jose, CA)

San Jose, CA • On-site

Teradyne
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Teradyneexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

LitePoint: Driving Wireless Innovation
LitePoint is a global leader in wireless test solutions, partnering with top wireless device manufacturers to ensure their products meet the high standards of today's tech-savvy consumers. Our out-of-the-box solutions are designed to test the world's most widely used wireless chipsets.
We collaborate with industry leaders in smartphones, tablets, PCs, wireless access points, and chipsets. Additionally, we are at the forefront of testing the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, with a global presence, LitePoint is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Teradyne (NYSE: TER), a leading provider of automation equipment for testing and industrial applications.
Our Purpose
TERADYNE, where experience meets innovation and driving excellence in every connection. We are fueled by creativity and diversity of thought and in our workforce. Our employees are supported to innovate and learn something new every day.
We cultivate a culture of inclusion for all employees that respects their individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team - one that makes better decisions, drives innovation and delivers better business results.
Opportunity Overview
Our LitePoint team is seeking an Applications Engineering Manager to lead our photonics test applications effort in San Jose, CA. You will grow and manage a team of applications engineers and serve as the senior technical bridge between our photonics test products and the customers who depend on them-accountable for both your team's delivery (installation, calibration, troubleshooting, training, enablement) and the customer relationships that drive adoption and account growth. The position will work closely with the engineering and marketing organizations to guide product development as well and manage key customer design in activity.
Working in close partnership with regional applications and sales teams, you will ensure consistent support coverage and a steady flow of market information to R&D and product marketing. The applicant should have experience high-speed optical communications test-optical transceivers, silicon photonics, and optical links-using tools such as optical sampling scopes, BERTs, CDRs, optical spectrum analyzers, and optical power meters. This role suits an experienced applications engineer ready to lead: someone who can still go into depth in the lab, but whose primary leverage is developing the team, setting technical direction, and owning the regional customer relationship.
Team Leadership
  • Manage, coach, and develop a team of applications engineers-goal-setting, performance management, workload balancing, and career growth.
  • Set technical direction and best practices; ensure consistent, high-quality support across customers.
  • Act as the escalation point for complex technical and customer situations.
  • Drive customer design-ins and develop technical messaging for customer updates

Applications & Product Support
  • Oversee troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and issue resolution across module and system levels.
  • Ensure customers are effectively supported through configuration, calibration, and operation of photonics test equipment.
  • Develop automated test solutions, libraries, and tools for chipset vendors, brand names, ODMs, and CMs.
  • Partner with engineering and product marketing to drive corrective action and influence product improvements.

Customer & Regional Engagement
  • Own senior-level customer relationships in the region, ensuring proactive communication, satisfaction, and growth.
  • Coordinate with regional applications and sales teams on coverage, engagement plans, and priorities.
  • Direct product demonstrations, training, and technical workshops.
  • Capture field feedback and channel it for product roadmap development.

Documentation & Reporting
  • Ensure the team maintains strong technical documentation, application notes, and training materials.
  • Report to leadership on customer interactions, issue trends, resolution metrics, and product feedback.
  • Represent LitePoint at trade shows, conferences, and industry events.

All About You
We seek individuals who share our passion and determination. Our commitment to customer success drives us to go the extra mile. If you're ready to join us in this mission, take a closer look at the minimum criteria for the position.
  • Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred, or equivalent experience).
  • 8+ years in optical R&D, design, testing, or applications engineering, including customer-facing work.
  • Prior people-management experience, or demonstrated technical leadership (mentor, team lead, project lead) with readiness to formally manage a team.

Technical Skills
  • Strong grasp of photonics testing principles, equipment, and measurement techniques.
  • Deep understanding of high-speed Ethernet standards (IEEE 802.3bs/cd).
  • Hands-on experience with optical test instruments: optical sampling scopes, CDR, BERT, optical spectrum analyzer, optical power meter.
  • Structured troubleshooting from system down to component level.
  • Proficiency in C/C++, Python, or similar for test automation.

Leadership & Communication
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop technical staff.
  • Excellent communication skills, able to represent LitePoint to senior customer stakeholders.
  • Track record of building lasting customer relationships in a technical environment.
  • Effective coordination across distributed regional teams.

Other
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, engineers, and customers concurrently.
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites, regional offices, and company events as needed.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Compensation:
The base salary range for this role is $171,900 to 275,000. This range is a good faith estimate, and the amount of base salary will correspond with experience and skill set. This range can also fluctuate depending on demand and location.
Incentive Plan: This job is eligible for discretionary bonus(es) based on financial performance.
Benefits:
Teradyne offers a variety of robust health and well-being benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, and more. Please click here to see details.
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We attract, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce, comprised of people with diverse backgrounds and a shared drive for excellence. We strive to foster a positive and inclusive work environment that helps employees, and communities, thrive.

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