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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Carlsbad, CA

... simulation techniques. · Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

... simulation techniques. · Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

... and simulation techniques. Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related eld required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

... and simulation techniques. Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related eld required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

... and simulation techniques. Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related eld required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Hardware Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $225K/yr

... simulation techniques. • Understanding of fundamental optical data communication systems ... Education: * BS in Electrical Engineering or a related field required. * MS or Ph.D. preferred.

Computer Vision Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with hardware, firmware, and simulation teams to integrate vision pipelines into ... Knowledge of tracking techniques (optical flow, Kalman filters, background subtraction, deep ...

Meet the Team Cisco's Client Optics Group (COG) designs & delivers the high-speed optical ... Debug complex link simulations, identify architectural bottlenecks, and correlate pre-silicon ...

Meet the Team Cisco's Client Optics Group (COG) designs & delivers the high-speed optical ... Debug complex link simulations, identify architectural bottlenecks, and correlate pre-silicon ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Carlsbad, CA salary details

$86.1K

$149K

$174.8K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Carlsbad, CA is $148,976.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,800.00 and $173,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Carlsbad, CA are:

What cities near Carlsbad, CA are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Carlsbad, CA with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:

Senior Staff Signal & Power Integrity Engineer

MaxLinear, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA

$135K - $183K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

MaxLinear is seeking a Senior Staff Signal & Power Integrity (SI/PI) Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will focus on the following:

  • Development of state-of-the-art packages and printed circuit boards (PCBs) for MaxLinear’s next generation products
  • Perform SI/PI simulations and optimization to ensure critical signals meet their required specifications
  • Design and simulate high-speed signal interfaces and power distribution networks (PDN) for advanced communications SoC packages and PCBs
  • Work on a diverse set of products and applications including RF/mm-wave modems and transceivers, 5G communication, wireless connectivity, and optical communications (PAM4 1.6T/3.2T DSPs and TIAs) for data center connectivity and storage for AI applications

  • Deep understanding of Electromagnetic fundamentals, transmission lines, and microwave theory
  • Experience designing and simulating signal and power integrity solutions for high-speed system components (packages, PCB, connectors)
  • Experience with high-speed channel simulations for SerDes and transient simulations for SI and PI
  • Understanding of S-parameters, Smith Chart, and frequency domain analysis
  • Proficiency in use of 2.5D and 3D simulation tools such as ANSYS HFSS, SIwave, Cadence Sigrity tools, or similar field solvers
  • Expertise in time and frequency domain analysis using simulation tools like ADS, SPECTRE, etc.
  • Hands-on experience with lab measurement equipment like Spectrum Analyzer, Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), Oscilloscopes, TDR
  • Ability to manage package development in collaboration with cross functional teams including systems, IC design, IC physical layout, package/PCB layout, and test/characterization teams
  • Self-motivated with ability to work effectively in both independent and team settings
  • Strong communication, presentation, and documentation skills
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to excel in a fast-paced environment
  • Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with layout tools such as Cadence Allegro and APD
    • Understanding of different IEEE and Optical standards to define design guidelines
    • Experience with electro-optic integration on packages; co-packaging of DC-DC convertors, regulator, TIAs, and optical drivers and multi-chip package design
    • Familiarity with IC design flows, floor-planning, IO ring design, on-chip decoupling, on-die EM/IR analysis
    • Understanding of different TX/RX circuit designs and how system SI/PI impacts such circuits. Use this knowledge to drive the design of packages and PCBs
    • Expertise in equalization techniques such as FIR, CTLE, DFE, FFE and different types of noise in the system and channels and how to optimize EQ settings to mitigate them
  • BS in Electrical Engineering or related + 7 years of experience, or MS + 5 years of experience, or Ph.D. + 2 years of experience

MaxLinear has a Total Compensation philosophy which includes base salary and annual discretionary bonus eligibility and many positions also include stock-based compensation.

MaxLinear's good faith estimate starting base salary range is:  $135,000 to $183,000 Annually

We offer competitive benefits designed to support employee health, welfare, and retirement and some highlights are:  health care benefits, 401k savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and paid time off.

The actual starting base salary will be determined by the match to certain role-related criteria such as educational degree(s) or equivalent, relevant work experience, skillset needed for the role, and geographic location; this is not an all-inclusive list as some roles may require unique skills or experience.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.


MaxLinear is a global, NASDAQ-traded company (MXL) where the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. We are a fabless system-on-chip product company, striving to improve the world’s communication networks for everyone through our highly integrated radio-frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multi-market applications.

We hire the best people in the industry and engage them in some of the most exciting opportunities that connect the world we live in today. Our growth has come from innovative, bold approaches to solving some of the world’s most challenging communication technology problems in the most efficient and effective manner.

MaxLinear began by developing the world’s first high-performance TV tuner chip using standard CMOS process technology. Others said we couldn’t achieve the extremely high-performance requirements using CMOS, but we proved them wrong and achieved enduring global market leadership with our designs. Since then, we’ve developed a full line of products that drive 4G and 5G infrastructure; enable data center, metro and long-haul optical interconnects; bring 10Gbit to the home; power the IoT revolution; and enable robust and reliable communication in harsh industrial environments. Over the years, we’ve expanded through organic growth and through several acquisitions that have perfectly complemented our existing portfolio and enabled us to deliver complete end-to-end solutions in our target markets. One such example was the acquisition of Intel’s Home Gateway Platform Division that added Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Broadband Gateway Processor SoC technology to our connected home portfolio creating a complete and scalable platform of connectivity and access solutions to fully address our customers’ needs.

Our headquarters are in Carlsbad, near San Diego, California. We also have major design centers in Irvine and San Jose, California; Valencia, Spain; Bangalore, India; Munich, Germany; Israel; and Singapore.

We have approximately 1,200 employees, a substantial majority of whom have engineering degrees and include masters and Ph.D. graduates from many of the premiere universities around the world. Our employees thrive on innovation, outstanding execution, outside-the-box thinking, nimbleness, and collaboration. Together, we form a high-energy business team that is focused on building the best and most innovative products on the market.