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Optical Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for the qualification, validation, and system-level testing of high-speed optical modules (e.g., 400G, 800G, 1.6T) used in advanced datacenter and ...

NextHop AI

Optical Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer, you'll be responsible for the qualification, validation, and system-level testing of high-speed optical modules (e.g., 400G, 800G, 1.6T) used in advanced datacenter and ...

Lumilens

Optical Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

About the Role - Optical Product Test Engineer As an Optical Product Test Engineer, you will play a critical role in validating and ensuring the quality of Lumilens' photonic components, modules, and ...

Lumilens

Optical Test Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

About the Role - Optical Product Test Engineer As an Optical Product Test Engineer, you will play a vital role in validating and ensuring the quality of Lumilens' photonic components, modules, and ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Optical Test Engineer II Department: Assembly, Integration & Test Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $115,000 - $165,000 / year Description As an Optical Test Engineer ...

Muon Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$159K - $184K/yr

About the role Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II to join our team in Mountain View, CA developing ... Previous experience designing test campaigns, developing ground support equipment, and integrating ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA

$136K - $176K/yr

As an Optical Test Engineer at Impulse , you will be responsible for designing, procuring, assembling, and operating optomechanical test setups while working closely with a fast paced, agile team ...

Muon Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$159K - $184K/yr

About the role Muon seeks an Optical Engineer II to join our team in Mountain View, CA developing ... Previous experience designing test campaigns, developing ground support equipment, and integrating ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

Nokia

Staff Optical Test Development Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

We are looking for a staff optical engineer to develop optical test solutions for our optical products. You will be empowered to make decisions and implement your creative ideas to advance Nokia ...

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Optical Test Engineer information

See California salary details

$78.5K

$138.1K

$185K

How much do optical test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical test engineer in California is $138,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optical Test Engineer job?

An Optical Test Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and conducting tests on optical components and systems to ensure they meet performance and quality standards. They work with lasers, lenses, fiber optics, and imaging devices, using specialized equipment to analyze optical performance. Their role includes troubleshooting issues, optimizing system performance, and documenting test results. Optical Test Engineers often collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to refine processes and improve product reliability.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Optical Test Engineer?

As an Optical Test Engineer, your daily tasks often include setting up and performing tests on optical components or systems, analyzing measurement data, troubleshooting issues, and preparing detailed reports. You’ll regularly work with advanced optical instruments to verify system performance and might collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to address technical challenges. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with industry standards are also important parts of the job. This role provides a dynamic mix of hands-on technical work and problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those interested in optics and precision engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Test Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical testing. Familiarity with optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrometers, and software like LabVIEW or MATLAB is highly valuable, and certifications in optics or quality assurance can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this field. Mastery of these technical and interpersonal skills ensures precise testing, reliable product quality, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Test Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Test Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Test Engineer jobs in California? For Optical Test Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Test Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Test Engineer jobs in California are:
Optical Test Engineer jobs near you

Optical Test Engineer

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER

Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.

Scaling advanced photonics demands test and measurement systems as sophisticated as the devices themselves. We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design, build, and validate the optical test infrastructure that ensures our products meet rigorous performance, yield, and reliability standards-from wafer-level characterization through integrated module validation. You will be the critical link between design intent and production reality, turning data into actionable insight across every stage of our manufacturing pipeline.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with PIC design, electrical, mechanical and test teams to define requirements for production and develop test approaches for complex hardware
  • Design, build, and validate optical test systems including imaging, microscopy, polarimetry, profilometry, and interferometry
  • Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance
  • Assist with validation activities, including performance characterization at the wafer-, die-, and integrated module level
  • Work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to identify drivers of performance, yield, reliability, and quality issues
  • Review designs for manufacturability; drive integration build flow, test operations, and execution readiness

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in optics, photonics, lasers, or test
  • Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g., power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzers)
  • 1+ years of programming experience (e.g., C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • Experience in optical lab or production environments with strong attention to detail
  • Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax)
  • Experience integrating and testing electrical and/or avionics systems
  • Experience with documentation practices and configuration management
  • Hands-on experience with electro-optic wafer- and die-level test systems
  • Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
  • Experience writing test plans and procedures, and delivering go/no-go decisions with clear rationale
  • CAD proficiency (NX preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: 
Optical Test Engineer: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year

Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.

In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:

  • Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
  • 401(k) retirement plan access.
  • Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.

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