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Optical Test Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... engineering, Telecommunication, Physics or a related field with an accredited school in US. What ... optical modules. * Test Plan Development & Execution: How to develop, implement, and execute ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Optical Test Co-op

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.10 - $70.40/hr

Proficiency in programming or scripting languages such as Python, Matlab, or VB. * Familiarity with ... and optical test equipment. * Basic understanding of fiber optical communication systems and ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Design and implement optical test setups including alignment tools, calibration methods, and ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics/Electrical Engineering or a related ...

Test Engineer Location: San Jose, CA (Onsite) Duration: 6+ Months contract role ... Knowledge of fundamental hardware blocks & subsystems Optical Design, LVDS Signaling, Signal ...

Optical Component Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$122K - $172K/yr

Your Impact As an Optical Component Test Engineer, you will develop and perform test and failure analysis for optical components used in Cisco silicon photonics transceivers * Work as part of a team ...

Optical Component Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$122K - $172K/yr

Your Impact As an Optical Component Test Engineer, you will develop and perform test and failure analysis for optical components used in Cisco silicon photonics transceivers * Work as part of a team ...

Calibration and functional tests for high-resolution cameras and optical systems. * RF & Wireless ... Partner with the product design and engineering teams during the development phase to influence ...

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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:
Optical Systems Application Engineer

Optical Systems Application Engineer

Credo, Inc

San Jose, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Credo's Optical Systems Applications Engineering group is seeking an Optical Systems Validation Engineer to validate Credo's DSP devices with high-speed optical components for data rates ranging from 50 Gbps to 224 Gbps and beyond. As an Optical Systems Validation Engineer, you will design optical test hardware, create test procedures, and analyze test results to finalize chip and module configurations used across various applications, including AI and data center applications. As an essential team member, your contribution will be critical to Credo's development of high-speed interconnect products for data center applications.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct electrical and optical measurements of optical evaluation boards and modules.
  • Design and analyze optical and high-speed electrical hardware for optical test stations.
  • Evaluate optical components (including, but not limited to, various types of lasers, modulators, and receivers)for performance and reliability in reference designs and for feasibility in test systems.
  • Design and execute engineering validation testing and design validation testing.
  • Perform failure analysis. Work with contract manufacturers or field applications engineering teams when needed.
  • Work collaboratively across teams, including Signal Integrity, Thermal, Mechanical, Firmware, and Electrical Engineering.

MinimumQualifications

  • B.S. (Electrical Engineering) with 7+ years of relevant experience or M.S. (Electrical Engineering) with 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong analog/digital/RF/Optical circuit analysis skills
  • Strong background in circuit theory, linear system theory, feedback, ICs, high-speed RF fundamentals, and link budget analysis
  • Strong laboratory measurement skills with high-speed optical and electrical test equipment
  • Strong communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in optical alignment and fiber coupling.
  • Strong experience with standard optical test instruments, such as power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, optical variable attenuators, and multi-axial stage positioners
  • Strong experience in high-frequency electrical test equipment such as vector network analyzers, digital communication analyzers, spectrum analyzers,
  • Good understanding of tolerances, yield analysis, reliability, and failure analysis variation.
  • Experience in high-speed optical and electrical test and test automation.
  • Programming skills in one or more of the following: Python, C/C++, MATLAB, or LabVIEW for collecting, analyzing, and presenting data
  • Experience in Signal Integrity analysis of high-speed PCBs (Keysight ADS)
  • Experience in mechanical CAD software (AutoCAD or equivalent)
  • Experience in Electromagnetic analysis of optoelectronic assemblies (Ansys HFSS)
  • Experience in PCB layout for high-speed