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Optical Technology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies-such as diffractive and meta-optics-analyze experimental data to ...

Leidos

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$87K - $157K/yr

Working closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, you will help evaluate and mature emerging optical technologies-such as diffractive and meta-optics-analyze experimental data to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements. * Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements. * Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct research on new materials and emerging optical technologies to keep R&D aligned with the latest advancements. * Ideal candidates will be able to contribute in areas of secondary ...

San Diego

Optician/Optometric Assistant

Lemon Grove, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a teaching-facility, we take pride in our ability to train and empower team members to understand the importance in vision science as well as the finest optical technology that help our patients ...

San Diego

Optician/Optometric Assistant

Lemon Grove, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a teaching-facility, we take pride in our ability to train and empower team members to understand the importance in vision science as well as the finest optical technology that help our patients ...

San Diego

Optician/Optometric Assistant

Lemon Grove, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a teaching-facility, we take pride in our ability to train and empower team members to understand the importance in vision science as well as the finest optical technology that help our patients ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the ...

Orbotech

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the ...

KLA

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The program manager will work closely with strategic suppliers in the design, development and manufacturing of advanced optical systems. The program manager will engage with KLA technologist at the ...

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Showing results 21-40

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Optical Technology information

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How much do optical technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical technology in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optical technology?

Optical technology refers to the science and application of light and optics, including devices and systems that generate, control, and detect light. This field covers a range of technologies such as lasers, fiber optics, lenses, and imaging systems, which are used in industries like telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and research. Optical technology professionals work on designing, testing, and maintaining these systems to ensure they function effectively for applications such as transmitting data, medical diagnostics, or creating high-precision instruments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in optical technology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Optical Technology often encounter challenges such as keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and troubleshooting complex optical systems. Staying updated through ongoing training and industry certifications can help address the fast-evolving nature of optical tools and techniques. Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams—such as engineers, technicians, and researchers—is also essential for problem-solving and innovation. Developing strong communication and project management skills will further support success in this dynamic field.

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

To thrive as an Optical Technician, you need a solid understanding of optics principles, lens fabrication, and precision measurement, usually supported by postsecondary training or certification in optical technology. Familiarity with lensometers, spectrometers, polishing machines, and specialized software for lens design is commonly required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with clients or other technicians. These skills are critical for producing high-quality optical components and maintaining precise standards in vision care or optical manufacturing.

What is the difference between Optical Technology vs Optical Engineering?

AspectOptical TechnologyOptical Engineering
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in optics, physics, or related fieldBachelor's or higher in optical engineering or physics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, labs, technical supportDesign, development, research in labs or corporate settings
Industry UsageOptical device manufacturing, telecommunications, medical devicesResearch institutions, high-tech companies, product development

Optical Technology focuses on the practical application, assembly, and maintenance of optical devices, while Optical Engineering involves designing and developing optical systems and components. Both roles require a strong understanding of optics but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in telecommunications, medical devices, and laser technology. They typically require strong knowledge of optics, photonics, and related tools, with employment opportunities growing as industries expand their use of optical systems.

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

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

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

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

Optical Technology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Technology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Electro Optical Software Product Manager

Keysight Technologies

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 157 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary:
Keysight Technologies is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs in electronic design and optimization. They are seeking an Electro Optical Software Product Manager who will lead product development, engage with customers, and drive the evolution of optical design software to meet industry needs.
Responsibilities:
• Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Design Engineering team.
• Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Keysight and stay current with optical technology trends.
• Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
• Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
• Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
• Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
• Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
• Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
• Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
• Drive the evolution of Keysight’s optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
• Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, lasers and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
• Enhance Keysight’s market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
• Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
• Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
• Strengthen Keysight’s global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Design Engineering team.
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
• Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
• Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
• Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Preferred:
• Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
Company:
Keysight Technologies is an electronic measurement company. Founded in 1939, the company is headquartered in Santa Rosa, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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