1

Optical Rep Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution * Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions * Lead ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution * Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions * Lead ...

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution * Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions * Lead ...

Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution * Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions * Lead ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the ...

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

Represent the organization as a primary technical contributor and advise management during reviews ... Bachelor's degree in Optical Science and Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or the ...

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and ... The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX ...

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and ... The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX ...

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build ... It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any ...

Manager, Optical Process Engineering

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build ... It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Optical Rep information

What is an optical rep?

Optical Reps, short for Optical Representatives, are professionals who act as sales representatives for eyewear brands, optical equipment, or lens manufacturers. They typically visit optometrists, ophthalmologists, and optical retailers to present new products, provide product training, and help clients choose the best eyewear or optical solutions for their business. Their role often involves maintaining relationships with clients, understanding market trends, and achieving sales targets. Optical Reps need strong communication, sales skills, and a good knowledge of optical products and the eye care industry.

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

To thrive as an Optical Rep, you need a solid understanding of optical products, sales techniques, and customer service, often supported by experience in retail or healthcare environments. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, optical dispensing software, and basic lens fitting tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to educate customers effectively set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for building customer trust, ensuring accurate product recommendations, and achieving sales targets in a competitive market.

What are the most common challenges optical reps face when balancing sales targets with providing quality patient care?

Optical Reps often navigate the challenge of achieving sales goals while ensuring patients receive the best eyewear solutions for their needs. This means staying knowledgeable about the latest products, listening carefully to customer preferences, and providing personalized recommendations without being overly pushy. Success in the role requires strong product knowledge, empathetic communication, and the ability to build trust with both patients and team members. Balancing these priorities is key to building long-term customer relationships and meeting business objectives.

What is the difference between Optical Rep vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical RepOptical Technician
CredentialsSales certifications, optical industry knowledgeTechnical certifications, optical dispensing licenses
Work EnvironmentField sales, client meetings, showroom visitsLaboratory, optical store, manufacturing setting
Employer & Industry UsageOptical equipment manufacturers, distributorsOptical retail stores, labs, clinics
Search & Comparison IntentSales roles, product knowledge, industry repsTechnical skills, optical fitting, lens fabrication

While both roles are involved in the optical industry, an Optical Rep primarily focuses on sales, client relationships, and promoting optical products. An Optical Technician, on the other hand, handles the technical aspects of lens fitting, fabrication, and optical device assembly. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path or job opportunity based on their skills and interests.

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Rep jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Rep job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Rep job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$130K - $169K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD)

Starshield leverages SpaceX’s Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts. While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government use, with an initial focus on earth observation, communications, and hosted payloads.

The SpaceX satellite engineering teams develop, produce, and deploy the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems and observation payloads in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starshield satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.

As a Starshield optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next‑generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors
#J-18808-Ljbffr

What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


SpaceX logo

About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US