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Optical Microscopy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apex Informatics

Failure Analysis

Mountain View, CA · On-site

... optical microscopy, thermography, device/component photography, and functional testing. • Maintain and update the lab receiving tools to include NPI projects by modifying script parameters to ...

Kateeva

Process & Metrology Technician

Newark, CA · On-site

Performing metrology on printed substrates including contact profilometry, white light interferometry, reflectometry, confocal laser microscopy, optical microscopy and color measurement via ...

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All JobsOptical Microscopy JobsOptical Microscopy Jobs in California

Optical Microscopy information

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$10

$21

$36

How much do optical microscopy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical microscopy in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical microscopy?

Optical microscopy is a technique that uses visible light and a system of lenses to magnify small objects, allowing scientists and researchers to observe details that are not visible to the naked eye. It is commonly used in biology, materials science, and medical research to examine cells, tissues, and other specimens. Optical microscopes can provide magnifications of up to around 1,000–2,000 times and are valued for their ability to study living samples and dynamic processes.

How does an Optical Microscopy Specialist typically collaborate with other scientists and team members in a research setting?

Optical Microscopy Specialists frequently work alongside biologists, chemists, and engineers to support research projects by imaging samples, optimizing protocols, and troubleshooting equipment. Collaboration often involves interpreting imaging results together, providing technical training, and sharing insights on sample preparation. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as microscopy data often informs key experimental decisions and publications. Specialists may also work with facility managers to maintain and upgrade instruments, ensuring reliable access for all users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Microscopy Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Microscopy Specialist, you need a solid background in biology, physics, or a related field, with expertise in microscopy techniques and sample preparation. Familiarity with advanced imaging systems (such as confocal or fluorescence microscopes), image analysis software, and sometimes relevant certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are vital for generating high-quality imaging data, troubleshooting equipment, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams.

What is the difference between Optical Microscopy vs Electron Microscopy?

AspectOptical MicroscopyElectron Microscopy
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, chemistry, or related fields; certification not mandatoryRequires specialized training; often a degree in materials science, physics, or related fields; certifications may be needed
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, educational institutionsHigh-vacuum chambers, advanced research labs, industrial settings
Industry UsageBiology, medicine, materials science, educationMaterials science, nanotechnology, semiconductor industry, advanced research

Optical microscopy is commonly used for biological and educational purposes, providing visualization at the cellular level. Electron microscopy offers higher resolution imaging of nanostructures and materials, suitable for advanced scientific research. Both roles require specialized knowledge but differ significantly in complexity, environment, and application.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Microscopy jobs in California? For Optical Microscopy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Microscopy jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Microscopy jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical Microscopy jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical Microscopy job openings:
Optical Microscopy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Microscopy job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Intern, Optical Packaging and Characterization Engineer

Intern, Optical Packaging and Characterization Engineer

PsiQuantum

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$27.50/hr

Internship

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated intern to support our optical packaging and characterization work. This role suits students with a strong foundation in optics, hands-on interest in optical microscopy, and comfort with image analysis software's or Python for measurement and reporting. You will help document methods, collect and summarize measurement data, and support experiments related tosurface metrology, and related optical measurement under engineer supervision.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with optical microscopy setup, imaging, and consistent capture of measurement images and metadata.
  • Support image processing workflows (e.g., contrast, alignment, feature extraction) using Python or similar tools and help turn results into clear tables or simple plots.
  • Contribute to drafting and updating SOPs and work instructions for optical measurement and related steps.
  • Organize experimental data, maintain lab notes, and support design-of-experiments summaries for the engineering team.
  • Participate in continuous improvement of documentation, data organization, and measurement repeatability.

Experience/Qualifications:
  • Currently pursuing (or recently completed) a bachelor's degree in Optics, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a closely related field.
  • Coursework or practical exposure to optical microscopy (imaging modes, resolution, illumination, basic alignment).
  • Strong attention to detail, clear written communication, and ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a lab environment.
  • Familiarity with JMP (or similar statistical software) for data exploration, visualization, or basic design-of-experiments analysis is a plus.
  • Image processing experience and/or Python coding for data handling, scripting, or analysis is a plus.
  • Familiarity with mechanical bow / wafer or substrate warpage concepts and measurement context is a plus.
  • Interest or exposure to optical measurement methods (optical alignment and beam matching, alignment sensitivity, basic metrics) is a plus.

U.S. Intern Hourly Pay Rate Chart
Education level COMPLETED
Hourly Rate
Housing/Commuter Stipend
Bachelors: In Process
$27.50
Variable based on permanent residency location
Bachelor's Degree
$31.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
Master's: 1st Year
$36.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
Master's Degree
$40.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PhD: In Process
$44.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PhD: Near Completion
$47.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

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