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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

K2 Space

Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware ... Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds * Collaborate with a ...

K2 Space

Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware ... Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds * Collaborate with a ...

Eon

GNC Engineer - All Levels

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Today, approximately 95% of the global internet travels through a few hundred subsea fiber-optic ... You define the acquisition timeline and probability budget and prove both in simulation before ...

New

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All JobsOptical Simulation Engineer JobsOptical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Pasadena, CA

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$90.5K

$156.7K

$183.8K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Pasadena, CA is $156,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $140,700.00 and $182,200.00 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 Pasadena, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

Optical Simulation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Pasadena, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $156,651 per year, or $75.3 per hour.

Avionics Test Engineer, Optical

K2 Space

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price - and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger - helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
K2's plan doesn't stop at satellite buses. Operating our own vehicles and manifesting regular rides to space uniquely positions K2 to design, test, and deploy-at-scale ambitious optical payloads in MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space on unprecedented timelines. The satellite bus is the platform - the payloads are the mission.
As an Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will be working alongside the Optical team to interface with ambitious optical payloads, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
  • Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing
  • Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
  • Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
  • Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
  • Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
  • Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
  • Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline or any equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 2+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
  • Strong programming abilities (Python, C++, or Rust)
  • Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures

Nice to Have
  • Experience with design and testing of optical systems
  • Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (ex. beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks.
  • Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
  • Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
  • Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
  • Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
  • Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $150,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, "U.S. Persons" include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a "U.S. Person."
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022

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