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Optical Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

AOSense, Inc.

Optical Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

OmniVision Technologies

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

Graduate degree and above in the area of optics, physics, EE or related Annual base salary for this role in California, US is expected to be between $120,600 - $200,200. Actual pay will be determined ...

Picarro, Inc

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical Physics and First-Principles Analysis: Apply a strong understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, cavity optics, interference, polarization, scattering, absorption, diffraction, and optical ...

Picarro, Inc

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical Physics and First-Principles Analysis: Apply a strong understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, cavity optics, interference, polarization, scattering, absorption, diffraction, and optical ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Minimum Qualifications BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Preferred Qualifications ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience with lens design, optical ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Manufacturing, or similar field. Experience with lens design, optical ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

AOSense, Inc.

Physicist

Fremont, CA · On-site

As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to ... Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems * Integrate ...

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All JobsOptical Physicist JobsOptical Physicist Jobs in California

Optical Physicist information

See California salary details

$39K

$93.6K

$223.5K

How much do optical physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical physicist in California is $93,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an optical physicist do?

An Optical Physicist studies the behavior and properties of light, including how it interacts with different materials. They apply principles of optics to develop technologies like lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Their work is used in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. They may conduct experiments, develop mathematical models, and collaborate with engineers to create optical devices.

What are some typical projects or responsibilities I might have as an optical physicist?

As an Optical Physicist, your daily work might include designing and testing optical systems, conducting experiments to analyze light behavior, developing simulations, and troubleshooting system performance. You could work on projects involving telecommunications, laser technologies, imaging devices, or even cutting-edge research in quantum optics. Collaboration is common, as you’ll often partner with engineers, other scientists, or product development teams to bring new optical technologies to life. This role offers a dynamic mix of hands-on lab work and theoretical analysis, providing opportunities to grow your skills and contribute to innovative solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the optical physicist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Physicist, you need deep knowledge of optics, photonics, and physics principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software such as Zemax or COMSOL, experience using laboratory equipment like spectrometers and lasers, and sometimes industry certifications are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These competencies are crucial for designing and analyzing complex optical systems, collaborating on multidisciplinary projects, and advancing innovation in the field.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Physicist jobs in California?

For Optical Physicist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Optical Physicist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Physicist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Optical Physicist

AOSense, Inc.

Fremont, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

AOSense, Inc. is the leading developer and manufacturer of innovative quantum technologies employing atom optics. Our products use frequency-stabilized lasers and atoms in a vacuum cell to measure accelerations, rotations, magnetic fields, and time with unparalleled accuracy and stability. Our staff includes physicists and engineers with expertise covering a wide array of disciplines. Our teams are dynamic and fast paced since our hardware is cutting edge.

POSITION SUMMARY:

AOSense is seeking optical physicists with varied skillsets in optical metrology, laser characterization, and optical design. As an Optical Physicist at AOSense you will design, prototype, build, and test laser systems for fieldable atom optic devices for inertial navigation, geophysics, and timekeeping. You will guide the transition to compact and integrated photonic systems for future generations of sensors.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Develop compact laser systems for atom-based sensors and frequency standards
  • Design, build, and characterize optical frequency combs and high-finesse cavities
  • Validate the long-term stability of photonic systems in dynamic environments
  • Characterize laser performance (linewidth, beam quality, lifetime, etc.)
  • Characterize optics, optical materials, and components
  • Model laser beam propagation with optical design software
  • Transition photonics devices to manufacturing
  • Contribute to research proposals for further development and applications

Requirements

  • Demonstrated expertise with lasers, optics, optomechanics, electro-optics, and acousto-optics
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment
  • Single-mode optical fiber systems
  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot electronic control systems for photonics devices
  • Applicants should thrive in a dynamic environment
  • U.S. Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Optical frequency metrology (e.g., optical frequency combs and high-finesse cavities)
  • Ultrafast lasers and amplifiers
  • Laser frequency stabilization
  • Narrow-linewidth diode lasers
  • Integrated photonics design and fabrication
  • Micro-optic and diode chip assembly and packaging
  • Engineering software packages (e.g., Zemax, FRED, SolidWorks, or COMSOL)

EDUCATION:

Master's, Ph.D. (preferred), or equivalent professional experience

Benefits

  • Salary depends on qualifications and experience
  • Medical and dental
  • Retirement
  • Stock plan

AOSense is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or disability status, or any other federal, state or local protected class.

AOSense is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are disabled and require special assistance or a reasonable accommodation while seeking employment with AOSense, then please contact us via email at careers@aosense.com or call (408) 735-9500 x210

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About AOSENSE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Sunnyvale, CA, US

Year founded

2004

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