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Optics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$152K - $196K/yr

The Role We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform. This is a senior builder role. You will design stable, production ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The Role We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform. This is a senior builder role. You will design stable, production ...

Icehouseventures

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

The Role We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform. This is a senior builder role. You will design stable ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

The Role We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform. This is a senior builder role. You will design stable, production ...

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

The Role We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform. This is a senior builder role. You will design stable ...

Ameri-Force

Fiber Optics Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$25 - $29/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Description Client is looking for a Fiber Optic Technicians who are experienced in installation, maintenance and troubleshooting support of voice, video, and/or data communications networks.

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

Orbotech

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about optics/physics/math, eager to learn, and interested in developing expertise in advanced optical system R&D for semiconductor inspection and ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Visalia, CA

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Optics. These include: Vision: Modernizing the eye care experience for all people Mission: Making eye care easy Values: iCARE * Integrity: We see integrity as building a foundation of trust with our ...

Now Optics

Sales Manager (Optical Retail)

Visalia, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

... Optics. These include: Vision: Modernizing the eye care experience for all people Mission: Making eye care easy Values: iCARE * Integrity: We see integrity as building a foundation of trust with our ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptics JobsOptics Jobs in California

Optics information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do optics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics in California is $141,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is optics?

Optics jobs involve working with the science and technology of light, including its generation, manipulation, transmission, and detection. Professionals in this field may work as optical engineers, technicians, or researchers, designing lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems for applications in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. These roles often require a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering, and they can be found in both research and practical, hands-on settings.

What is a job in optics?

A job in optics involves designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often work in research, development, or manufacturing environments and may require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools like optical testing equipment.

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

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and photonics instrumentation is commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision, and meeting project requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Is optics a good career?

Optics is a specialized field within physics and engineering that involves designing and developing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. It offers opportunities in research, manufacturing, and technology development, often requiring strong technical skills and knowledge of physics and mathematics. The career can be stable and well-paying for those with relevant education and experience.

What jobs use optics?

Jobs that use optics include optical engineers, laser technicians, and photonics scientists, who design, develop, and test optical systems and devices. These roles often require knowledge of optics principles, precision measurement tools, and sometimes security clearances or specialized certifications. Industries include telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and defense.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optics often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring precision in measurements and alignments, and troubleshooting complex optical systems. To address these issues, it's important to stay current through continued education, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Many optics roles also emphasize hands-on experience and the ability to adapt to new tools or software, so proactive learning and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectOpticsOptical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, optics, or related fieldOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, academiaOptical labs, manufacturing facilities, retail optical stores
Industry UsageResearch, development, manufacturing of optical devicesAssembly, testing, and fitting of optical instruments and eyewear

Optics generally refers to the scientific study and development of light and optical systems, often requiring advanced education. Optical Technicians focus on assembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices, typically with technical certifications. While both roles work within the optical industry, Optics is more research-oriented, whereas Optical Technicians are more hands-on in manufacturing and service environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optics jobs in California? The most popular types of Optics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Optics jobs in California? For Optics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optics jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Optics jobs? Cities in California with the most Optics job openings:
Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optics Engineer

Becoming

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$152K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Becoming

Becoming is building Developmental Intelligence: AI for predicting how organisms change over time.

Most experimental systems fail when metabolic demands become too high. We are building systems that don't - by combining engineered metabolic environments, sensing, control, and software into tightly integrated products that operate reliably over long time horizons.

Hardware is core to our platform. It must work continuously, predictably, and under real biological constraints.

The Role

We are hiring an Optics Engineer to architect and own optical subsystems within Becoming's integrated hardware platform.

This is a senior builder role. You will design stable, production-grade optical systems that integrate tightly with mechanical structures, electronics, firmware, and data systems - and you will be accountable for their real-world performance.

This is not a research imaging role. You will think in terms of alignment stability, signal integrity, manufacturability, and long-duration runtime.

You will define specifications, make architecture decisions, and own outcomes.

What You'll Own
  • End-to-end ownership of optical subsystems inside complex hardware platforms
  • Optical path architecture: illumination, detection, filtering, and signal optimization
  • Component selection with attention to stability, lifecycle, and manufacturability
  • Mechanical integration and alignment strategy under thermal and environmental constraints
  • Electrical integration of detectors and signal acquisition systems
  • Signal-to-noise optimization and drift mitigation
  • Calibration frameworks and long-term stability validation
  • Prototyping, stress testing, and failure analysis
  • Documentation and standards that enable scaling
Who You Are

You are someone who:

  • Operates with high agency - you identify problems, define solutions, and execute
  • Takes end-to-end ownership of what you build
  • Brings high energy to complex, ambiguous engineering challenges
  • Acts with high integrity - you are honest about tradeoffs, risks, and failure modes
  • Communicates directly and clearly, especially when something won't work
  • Is self-aware about your strengths and gaps, and proactively fills them
  • Thinks like a systems integrator, not a narrow specialist
  • Cares deeply about understanding systems at a first-principles level

Requirements

  • Have built optical systems that operated outside of controlled lab demos
  • Think in systems, not just ray traces
  • Understand how optical decisions impact mechanical tolerances and electrical noise
  • Surface limitations and risks clearly
  • Prefer robust architectures over fragile precision
  • Stay composed debugging signal degradation in live systems
  • Raise the technical bar around you
  • You take responsibility for whether the signal holds up over time - not just whether the design simulated correctly.

Strong Signals

  • Degree in optics, physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent demonstrated depth
  • Experience designing and shipping integrated optical systems
  • Strong first-principles understanding of optical design and detection physics
  • Experience integrating optics with mechanical and electrical platforms
  • Demonstrated ownership of systems operating under real-world constraints
  • Ability to operate without rigid process scaffolding or heavy vendor abstraction

Benefits

  • Competitive salary and meaningful equity
  • Full benefits
  • High-trust, high-ownership environment
  • Rapid growth in scope and responsibility

Apply