ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Biomedical Sensor Architect

Cupertino, CA · On-site

... engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for the optical design of the sensor via simulations and prototype-based assessments, user studies and ...

Apple

Optical Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the ...

Apple

Optical Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

Description The Optical Engineering team within Camera Core Technology Engineering is seeking a Simulation Development Engineer who will play a critical role in new optical design throughout the ...

Apple

Optical Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$150K - $225K/yr

This engineer will develop state-of-the-art end-to-end modeling and simulation solutions with cross-functional team members for our Optical Imaging Systems that can facilitate provide early feedback ...

Apple

Optical Software Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

This engineer will develop state-of-the-art end-to-end modeling and simulation solutions with cross-functional team members for our Optical Imaging Systems that can facilitate provide early feedback ...

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Mechanical engineering and CAD skills * Experience with optical simulation and design software (e.g., Zemax, CodeV, OSLO, LightTools) Additional Requirements and Competencies: * Ability to travel to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Alcon

Sr. Optical Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$156K - $202K/yr

Alcon is looking to hire a Senior Optical Engineer team member. This role is part of Alcon ... You will assist in simulations, validate prototypes, and optimize optical components. This role is ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in California

Optical Simulation Engineer information

What is an optical simulation engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an optical simulation engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical simulation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:

Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Biomedical Research Engineer

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

The Health Sensing Hardware team works on developing the next-generation of optical sensors which enable us to provide deeper insights into a user's health in a wearable form factor. The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant solutions to measuring complex physiological signals in a compact form-factor, thus enabling the next-generation of optical health sensors.
The successful candidate will be able to leverage deep expertise in physics, physiology and optics to develop the optical health sensors in the Apple Watch and AirPods. This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze user data to infer real-world performance trends and emergent behavior. The candidate must be able to employ simulation tools to develop models of sensor behavior. Lastly, a successful candidate will be able to distill complex technical concepts into concise technology assessments to cross-functional collaborators and senior management.
Description
You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers developing technologies for the optical health sensors. You will be responsible for developing research platforms to investigate novel sensing solutions, leveraging modeling tools to exhaling empirical observations and lastly defining sensing requirements to multidisciplinary sensor architects for integration into products. In this role you will also be designing user studies and analyzing data to empirically prove the application of a sensing solution. Lastly, you will be responsible for summarizing your findings and communicating your findings to the larger team and senior leadership in a clear and succinct manner.
Minimum Qualifications
In-depth understanding of light propagation in biological tissue.
Experience with hands-on development of optical systems for biomedical optics applications.
Strong optical simulation skills using commercial ray-tracing packages.
Collaborative and willing to work in cross-functional fast-paced technology development.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent documentation skills.
BS and a minimum of 10 years relevant industry experience
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with both coherent and non-coherent light-tissue interaction principles and their applications, e.g. spectroscopy.
Fundamental understanding of device physics governing typical light emitter and detectors.
Conversant in cross-functional aspects of system design; mechanical tolerance of system, sources of electrical noise.
PhD in Biomedical, Optical Engineering or related field.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

View All Apple Jobs

Apply