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Optical Physicist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$129K - $194K/yr

... physics and fabrication Track record of imaging related innovations Working knowledge of optomechanics Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing ...

DigiLens Inc.

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, or a related engineering discipline. * 3 to 5 years of industry experience. * Experienced with setup, use, and alignment of optical components and related test ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Strong first-principles understanding of optical design and detection physics * Experience integrating optics with mechanical and electrical platforms * Demonstrated ownership of systems operating ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Strong first-principles understanding of optical design and detection physics * Experience integrating optics with mechanical and electrical platforms * Demonstrated ownership of systems operating ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K - $196K/yr

Strong first-principles understanding of optical design and detection physics * Experience integrating optics with mechanical and electrical platforms * Demonstrated ownership of systems operating ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

... physics and fabrication Track record of imaging related innovations Working knowledge of optomechanics Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

... physics and fabrication Track record of imaging related innovations Working knowledge of optomechanics Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing ...

Apple

Optical Design Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

... physics and fabrication Track record of imaging related innovations Working knowledge of optomechanics Working knowledge of CAD software and good understanding about optical components drawing ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Minimum Qualifications BS and a minimum of 3 years relevant industry experience in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biophysics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent. Pay & Benefits At Apple ...

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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 6, 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Optical Physicist jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Physicist jobs in California are:
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 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,563 per year, or $45 per hour.

Physicist

AOSense, Inc.

Fremont, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

AOSense, Inc. is the leading developer and manufacturer of innovative quantum technologies employing atom optics. Our devices 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:

We are seeking physicists with expertise in atomic physics. As a Physicist at AOSense, you will apply your experience in laser technology and atomic physics to design, build, optimize, and test fieldable atom optic accelerometers, gyroscopes, absolute gravimeters, gravity gradiometers, atomic frequency standards, and magnetometers. You will help to guide the development of future generations of atomic devices as they transition from the laboratory into the field.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Contribute to the design of atom-based sensors and frequency standards
  • Coordinate physics unit (vacuum cells and optomechanics) fabrication and assembly
  • Specify and implement performance requirements for control and optical subsystems
  • Integrate atomic physics units with laser and control subsystems
  • Test systems for sensitivity, accuracy, and environmental susceptibilities
  • Contribute to research proposals for further development and applications


Requirements

  • Demonstrated expertise in laser technology for atom-based sensors and frequency standards
  • Solid understanding of stability and accuracy limitations in atomic systems
  • Experience designing and aligning laser systems with bulk and fiber optics
  • Experience designing and building vacuum systems
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory test and measurement equipment
  • Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
  • Applicants should thrive in a dynamic environment
  • U.S. Government contracts require applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

DESIRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience analyzing and evaluating the impact of electrical and laser noise on atomic systems
  • Strong interest in optimizing the precision and accuracy of atomic systems
  • Basic experience with optical design software (e.g., Zemax) and 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks)

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. in Physics 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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