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Optical Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DigiLens Inc.

Be Seen First

Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

About the Role DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work ...

United Health Centers

Optical Technician

Fowler, CA · On-site

$22/hr

Overview We are recruiting for an Optical Technician (Optometry) to join our team in one of our state of the art health centers. Consider joining the team to leave a lasting impact in your local ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities that involve laser communications (lasercom). We support programs and activities from initial concept ...

The Aerospace Corporation

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$137K - $177K/yr

The Optical Communications Department provides technical leadership to US Government activities that involve laser communications (lasercom). We support programs and activities from initial concept ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. * Develop and execute optical test plans to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$139K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. * Develop and execute optical test plans to ...

TRL11, Inc.

Lead Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA

$138K - $179K/yr

Conduct optical system modeling, simulation, and performance analysis using tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, or similar optical analysis software. * Develop and execute optical test plans to ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

Ephemeris Net

Optical Engineer II

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Role We are looking for an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent optical ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch capability to support national security efforts.While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use ...

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Optical information

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$10

$21

$36

How much do optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical 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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the optical field, high-paying roles such as specialized ophthalmologists or optometrists with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced degrees, clinical expertise, and sometimes ownership of private practices or leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

Is optical technician a good career?

Optical technicians assist in the fabrication, repair, and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, often working in optical labs or retail settings. The role typically requires technical skills, attention to detail, and may involve certification or training programs; job prospects are steady with opportunities for advancement in the optical industry.

How much money do opticians get paid?

Opticians typically earn a median annual salary of around $37,000 to $40,000, depending on experience, location, and certification. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, such as fitting complex lenses or working in high-demand areas, and may include benefits like health insurance and paid time off.

What Is the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, and an Optician?

Optometrists and ophthalmologists are both medical eye care professionals, but they differ in their level of training. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors and complete eight years of medical school. They can practice medicine and perform surgery. Optometrists are not medical doctors. Optometrists earn a doctor of optometry degree after attending four years of optometry school. These professionals primarily perform eye exams and vision tests, but they can also identify some basic eye abnormalities. Optometrists are also licensed to prescribe some medications. Opticians are eyewear specialists and do not need any formal medical education.

What are the different careers in optometry?

Careers in optometry include optometrists who examine, diagnose, and treat eye conditions, as well as opticians who fit and dispense corrective lenses. Other roles include ophthalmic technicians, vision therapists, and practice managers, all working in clinical or retail settings. These careers often require specific certifications or licenses and involve skills in patient care, eye health, and use of diagnostic tools.

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 strong understanding of optics, lens fabrication, and vision correction, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with lensometers, auto-refractors, and optical dispensing software is typically required. Attention to detail, customer service skills, and effective communication help you excel when assisting patients and collaborating with eye care professionals. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate prescription fulfillment, patient satisfaction, and the smooth operation of optical services.

What is the difference between Optical vs Optometrist?

AspectOpticalOptometrist
CredentialsTypically requires optical technician or assistant certificationRequires Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree and licensure
Work EnvironmentOptical stores, eyewear retail, labsClinics, private practices, healthcare settings
Industry UsageFocuses on eyewear fitting, lens selection, customer serviceFocuses on eye exams, vision testing, diagnosing eye conditions

Optical roles mainly involve assisting with eyewear and customer service, while optometrists provide comprehensive eye care and diagnosis. Both are essential in eye health but differ significantly in education and scope of practice.

What are optical jobs?

Optical jobs refer to roles within the vision care and eyewear industry, such as opticians, optical assistants, and technicians. These professionals help customers select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, assist with vision tests, and provide support to optometrists and ophthalmologists. They may also perform repairs and adjustments on eyewear and educate customers about lens options and eye care. Working in optical jobs typically requires strong customer service skills and a basic understanding of eye anatomy and optical products.

What are some common challenges faced by optical technicians, and how can they effectively address them?

Optical technicians often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving lens technologies, managing high volumes of customer orders, and ensuring precise fabrication and fitting of eyewear. Staying updated through ongoing training and certifications is essential to handle new equipment and materials. Additionally, strong communication and organizational skills help in coordinating with optometrists and delivering excellent customer service. Collaborating closely with the rest of the optical team ensures that patient needs are met efficiently and accurately.
More about Optical jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical jobs in California? For Optical jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optical jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optical jobs? Cities in California with the most Optical job openings:
Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,009 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Optical Engineer

Optical Engineer

DigiLens Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

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Job description

About the Role

DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work closely with a cross-functional team of engineers on core waveguide development, holographic waveguide fabrication, and testing of our next-generation augmented reality waveguides. In addition to mastering many aspects of holographic and digital optics, there will be the potential to advance your career in a vibrant, fast-growing company with room for employees to grow.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Build, align, optimize, and debug DigiLens’ waveguide holographic exposure tools for R&D and NPI engineering activities.
  • Perform “hands-on” building, testing, and evaluating of optical breadboard apparatuses to characterize / test / validate optical performance of DigiLens waveguides, or related optical hardware.
  • Work individually, or with DigiLens team members, to conduct optical engineering activities to support the design and development of DigiLens waveguide optical devices and/or other business needs, as directed.
  • Write, maintain, and follow process documentation as needed.
  • Generate clear technical summary reports related to activities, including descriptions, measurement and data extrapolation summaries, to support design, product and process development as needed.
  • Maintain a lab notebook to document and record development activities, including hardware performance, test results, design developments, fabrication instructions, design/process/procedure corrections or improvements, and inventions.
  • Work within cross-functional discipline teams to make DigiLens design concepts a physical reality.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 3 to 5 years of industry experience.
  • Experienced with setup, use, and alignment of optical components and related test equipment.
  • Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software.
  • Strong verbal and written communicator to enable effective problem-solving.
  • A natural team player with excellent cross-functional teamwork skills.
  • Passionate about optical engineering and AR.
  • High energy and drive to work in a startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Strong background in optical test equipment.
  • Experience with micro display technologies.
  • Familiar with Python, Matlab, Jump, or similar environments.
  • Familiarity/experience with mechanical CAD, 3D printing.

Company Description

DigiLens is a leader in holographic waveguides used for augmented extended reality (XR) and other displays. The company has developed a patented optical platform and photopolymer technology that delivers best-in-class solutions using a unique, low-cost contact-copy manufacturing process. DigiLens enables OEM partners to design and build XR-enabled devices for the global automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and military industries.
We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.