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Optical Imaging Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Optics, Imaging Science, Physics, EE, CS, ME, or relevant field of study. * Programming experience (Python, Matlab, and/or C/C++/C#). * Experience modeling and simulating optical ...

Computational Imaging Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a Computational Imaging Engineer to take technical ownership of their optical systems and imaging pipeline, collaborating across multiple teams to develop innovative imaging ...

Principal Optical Product Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. 7+ years' experience in design, simulation, testing, and inspection of fiber optics, optical imaging systems, laser, illumination or ...

Lead trade studies and engineering analyses of optical alignment and tests for optical instruments ... Zemax, CodeV) design of optical imaging systems. * Expert understanding of physical optics, optical ...

Senior Optical Engineer

National City, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

The optical engineer will also contribute to responses for government-issued proposals related to optical imaging systems operating in the visible and infrared spectrum. Upon contract award ...

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and ... Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum ...

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Optical Imaging Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optical imaging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical imaging engineer in California is $141,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical imaging engineer do?

An Optical Imaging Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes imaging systems that use light to capture and analyze visual information. They work with lenses, sensors, lasers, and software to improve imaging performance for applications like medical imaging, microscopy, and remote sensing. Their role includes prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting optical systems to enhance image quality and resolution.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of an optical imaging engineer?

As an Optical Imaging Engineer, your daily responsibilities may include designing and simulating optical systems, conducting laboratory experiments to test and characterize imaging components, and analyzing data to refine performance. You often collaborate closely with other engineers, researchers, and project managers to align your work with project requirements and timelines. Additionally, you may be involved in troubleshooting technical challenges, documenting results, and presenting findings to internal teams or clients. This dynamic blend of hands-on experimentation and teamwork ensures a stimulating workday and offers continuous learning opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical imaging engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Imaging Engineer, you need strong expertise in optics, imaging systems, physics, and often an advanced degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is typically essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective team communication help distinguish top performers. Mastery of these technical and interpersonal skills ensures the ability to design, optimize, and implement advanced optical imaging solutions in collaborative, fast-paced environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Imaging Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Optical Imaging Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Imaging Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Imaging Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Optical Imaging Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optical Software Engineer

Socket.dev

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

DESCRIPTION

The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the development cycle. This engineer will develop state‑of‑the‑art end‑to‑end modeling and simulation solutions with cross‑functional team members for our Optical Imaging Systems that can facilitate provide early feedback to Apple product design and enable novel simulation pipelines for future technologies. This engineer will also be responsible for validation, application, and scale up of the simulation tools. The ideal candidate is someone that is always striving to learn something new, is a self‑starter and can work autonomously with high levels of success, is excited about solving new challenging problems with innovative solutions, has experience presenting ideas and building consensus with teammates, and thrives in an environment of smart people and loves to challenge the status quo. Come join us!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics, Imaging Science, Physics, EE, CS, ME, or relevant field of study.
  • Programming experience (Python, Matlab, and/or C/C++/C#).
  • Experience modeling and simulating optical systems using Zemax, Code V, etc.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • MS or PhD in Optical Sciences, Imaging Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field 10+ years of relevant industry experience developing software for optical, imaging, or photonics systems
  • Proficiency in software engineering best practices: version control (Git), unit testing, CI/CD, release distribution and documentation
  • Familiarity with imaging system performance metrics such as PSF, MTF, wavefront error, and optical aberrations
  • Experience deploying simulation or modeling workloads on cloud or HPC platforms (AWS, GCP, or equivalent)
  • Ability to present technical findings and simulation results to cross‑functional hardware and product teams
  • Familiarity with Zemax OpticStudio, CODE V, or similar tools; experience scripting or extending these platforms programmatically is a plus
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