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Optical Technology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

OpenAI

Optical Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$342K - $445K/yr

Broad hands-on background with IM/DD optical technologies and optical test/debug workflows. * Experience working with external suppliers/manufacturing partners and production-oriented execution.

Compal

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Backed by Compal's extensive experience in technology innovation and cross-industry integration ... The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ...

Compal USA

Senior Optical Systems Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Backed by Compal's extensive experience in technology innovation and cross-industry integration ... The Senior Optical Systems Engineer candidate will contribute to the development of optical based ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$135K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Voyager Technology Systems is an innovative defense, national security, and space technology ... Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical ...

Voyager Technologies, Inc.

Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$135K - $185K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Voyager Technology Systems is an innovative defense, national security, and space technology ... Optical performance analysis * Stray light analysis (using FRED) * Structural Thermal Optical ...

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Optical Technology information

See California salary details

$10

$21

$36

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.

Optical Network Engineer

OpenAI

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$342K - $445K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

About the team:
OpenAI's Hardware organization develops AI-native silicon and system-level solutions for the unique demands of advanced AI workloads. Building on efforts like Jalapeño, the team is developing future generations of AI-native silicon and tightly integrated systems to power the next generation of frontier models. By co-designing chips, systems, tools, and methodologies, the team helps deliver faster, more efficient, and production-ready hardware for OpenAI's supercomputing platform.
About the role:
We are seeking an experienced Optical Network Engineer to lead Laser related work within our optical interconnect efforts for large-scale compute systems. The role also requires broad, hands-on optical validation experience across IM/DD-based interconnects, working from lab characterization through production readiness and scaled deployment.
In this role you will:
  • Drive laser-focused requirements and technical direction within the broader optical interconnect roadmap.
  • Lead evaluation and validation of optical components and subsystems, including laser-based elements, in lab and production-representative environments.
  • Support end-to-end optical testing for IM/DD interconnects (e.g., module/system bring-up, characterization, debug, and readiness for scale).
  • Work with external partners to align on development milestones, performance targets, and quality expectations.
  • Own technical issue triage and resolution across performance, reliability, and manufacturability topics.
  • Collaborate across internal teams to support integration, rollout, and operational success at scale.
You might thrive in this role if you have:
  • Strong experience in laser-focused optical engineering (development, validation, manufacturing readiness, or field support).
  • Broad hands-on background with IM/DD optical technologies and optical test/debug workflows.
  • Experience working with external suppliers/manufacturing partners and production-oriented execution.
  • Demonstrated ability to debug complex technical issues using data-driven methods.
  • Clear written and verbal communication; ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Advanced degree in a relevant engineering field preferred (or equivalent industry experience).

To comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidates for this role may need to meet certain legal status requirements as provided in those laws and regulations.
About OpenAI
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristic.
For additional information, please see OpenAI's Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft, loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, and non-public information. In addition, job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.
To notify OpenAI that you believe this job posting is non-compliant, please submit a report through this form. No response will be provided to inquiries unrelated to job posting compliance.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made via this link.
OpenAI Global Applicant Privacy Policy
At OpenAI, we believe artificial intelligence has the potential to help people solve immense global challenges, and we want the upside of AI to be widely shared. Join us in shaping the future of technology.

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