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Optical Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Focal Plane Process Engineering department at RVS supports semiconductor fabrication of challenging Electro-Optical applications in the Space, Tactical, Airborne, and Emerging markets. Process ...

From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new ... Position Overview We are seeking a hands‑on Component Process Engineer to serve as the primary ...

From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new ... Position Overview We are seeking a hands-on Component Process Engineer to serve as the primary ...

From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new ... We are seeking a hands-on Component Process Engineer to serve as the primary substrate engineering ...

AttoTude is seeking a hands-on Fabrication Technician or early-career Associate Process Engineer to ... Metrology and inspection tools (optical microscopy, profilometry, ellipsometry, SEM) Support ...

Sr Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$138K - $179K/yr

The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to ... Manages subcontractors for performance of optical processing, fabrication, and assembly * Presents ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical Engineer Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) The Opportunity We are seeking a hands-on, mid-level ... Support prototype and pilot builds, develop and refine optical alignment and coupling processes ...

Module Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Description As a Module Process Engineer, you'll drive the display or optical module process end to end, from proof-of-concept to volume manufacturing.","responsibilities":"- Translate design ...

Module Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Description As a Module Process Engineer, you'll drive the display or optical module process end to end, from proof-of-concept to volume manufacturing.","responsibilities":"- Translate design ...

Module Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$184K - $324K/yr

Description As a Module Process Engineer, you'll drive the display or optical module process end to end, from proof-of-concept to volume manufacturing. Responsibilities * - Translate design ...

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical Engineer Santa Clara, CA (Onsite) The Opportunity We are seeking a hands-on, mid-level ... Support prototype and pilot builds, develop and refine optical alignment and coupling processes ...

Senior Process Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $158K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Location Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department ... optical devices Hands-on fabrication of MEMS/NEMS devices using techniques such as photo- and ...

Lead Process Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

The Lead Process Engineer will develop, optimize, validate, and sustain manufacturing processes used in precision optical components, coatings, and assemblies. This is a highly collaborative ...

The Focal Plane Process Engineering department at RVS supports semiconductor wafer fabrication of challenging Electro-Optical applications in the Space, Tactical, Airborne and Emerging markets. The ...

The Focal Plane Process Engineering department at RVS supports semiconductor wafer fabrication of challenging Electro-Optical applications in the Space, Tactical, Airborne and Emerging markets. The ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Process Engineer information

What does an optical process engineer do?

An Optical Process Engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes for optical components such as lenses, mirrors, and filters. They work to ensure high-quality production by optimizing fabrication techniques, troubleshooting process issues, and collaborating with design and production teams. Their responsibilities often include process validation, quality control, and the integration of new technologies to enhance optical component performance and efficiency.

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

To thrive as an Optical Process Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), cleanroom processes, and relevant manufacturing and metrology equipment is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help address complex technical challenges and collaborate across functions. These competencies are crucial for developing high-precision optical components and ensuring efficient, reliable manufacturing processes.

What are some common challenges faced by optical process engineers in a manufacturing environment?

Optical Process Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining tight tolerances and consistent quality during the fabrication of optical components. Variations in material properties, precision alignment, and contamination control require careful process monitoring and troubleshooting. Additionally, scaling up from prototyping to full-scale production can introduce complexities in process stability, equipment calibration, and cross-functional collaboration with design and production teams. Staying up-to-date with evolving manufacturing technologies is also important to ensure process efficiency and product quality.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Optical Process Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Focal Plane Process Engineer

Goleta, CA • On-site

Raytheon
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-26

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-GOLETA-B01 ~ 6825 Cortona Dr ~ BLDG B01

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) is a world leader in the research, design, and manufacturing of focal plane arrays and flight-based vision systems. Our Focal Plane Operations Process Engineering department provides world class semiconductor and focal plane array manufacturing processes in support of production and development products. We have an opportunity for a talented Focal Plane Process Engineer with a background in Semiconductor Fabrication.

The Focal Plane Process Engineering department at RVS supports semiconductor fabrication of challenging Electro-Optical applications in the Space, Tactical, Airborne, and Emerging markets. Process Engineer to support and maintain Infrared Focal Plane Manufacturing. This position is to maintain and develop precision alignment, assembly, and machining processes to produce semiconductor chip stacks used in the manufacture of Infrared Focal Plane Arrays. Raytheon is manufacturing some of the world’s largest and most advanced Focal Plane Arrays and these products lead to unique requirements in flip chip bonding which will be developed and documented as part of this position.

Raytheon Vision Systems is a cross functional organization, and the ideal candidate will have breadth of knowledge in the disciplines of Mechanical Engineering, Semiconductor Process Engineering, Process control, Precision Alignment and Materials Science.

What You Will Do

  • Managing process development and improvement projects, including novel processing techniques, yield increase, throughput, and safety improvements
  • Responsible for reviewing material in WIP, certifying operators, dispositioning out of flow material, and hands on processing of novel detector designs
  • Providing Process Ownership of flip chip bonding, diamond point turning, precision alignment, or optical coatings
  • Developing requirements and qualification plans for new equipment procurements.
  • Work in a cleanroom environment will full coverall garments.

Qualifications You Must Have  

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience in Process or Manufacturing Engineer in an Optics, Electro-Optics, Semiconductor, Fabrication and/or Microelectronics environment.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with principles of Focal Plane Array assembly, infrared detector technology and semiconductor physics
  • Project management experience
  • Knowledge of statistical process control and design of experiments
  • Equipment and controls system experience
  • Expert level knowledge of semiconductor processing equipment, methods, and processes
  • Familiarity with a cleanroom work environment (Class 100)
  • Experience with industrial manufacturing equipment
  • Proficiency in engineering computing, including MATLAB, Python or other related languages
  • Experience with compound semiconductors, small pitch interconnects, aerospace epoxies and Infrared Optical Coatings
  • Ability to collaborate well with other engineering disciplines is essential, as well as the ability to be an effective verbal and written communicator.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.
  • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

This position is an onsite role – Goleta, CA:

Visit RVS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zixvFAC2kA

Explore Raytheon in Goleta: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-goleta-ca-location

#LI-ONSITE

#LI-NR1

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About RTX

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Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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