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Optics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Becoming

Optics Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

Apple

Optics and Vision Scientist

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $26.50/hr

Apple is seeking a scientist with deep expertise in human visual optics and vision science to help develop groundbreaking imaging and display technologies for future products. Joining the Vision ...

KLA Corporation

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$136K - $231K/yr

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 ...

Apple

Optics and Vision Scientist

Cupertino, CA

$184K - $324K/yr

Apple is seeking a scientist with deep expertise in human visual optics and vision science to help develop groundbreaking imaging and display technologies for future products. Joining the Vision ...

Agile Defense

Fiber Optics Technician

China Lake, CA · On-site

Fiber Optics Technician II Location: China Lake Naval Base in Ridgecrest, CA Clearance Level: Active DoD - Interim Secret (can obtain upon offer) SUMMARY E&I activities include the following ...

Cherokee Federal

Optics Technician

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$80K/yr

Optics Technician A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal ...

Cherokee Federal

Optics Technician

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$65/hr

Optics Technician A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal ...

Orbotech

Optics Research Scientist

Milpitas, CA

$136K - $231K/yr

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 ...

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

The Robot Optics Team is passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, including working on our surgical ...

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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 Jul 15, 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 a career in optics?

A career in optics involves designing, developing, and testing optical systems and devices such as lenses, lasers, and imaging equipment. Professionals in this field often work in research, manufacturing, or applied sciences, requiring knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools like optical software and measurement instruments.

What are optics jobs?

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 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.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of optics, high-paying roles such as senior research scientists, optical engineering directors, or executives in optics-related companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, advanced certifications, and management experience in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

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 careers use optics?

Careers that use optics include optical engineers, laser technicians, and photonics scientists, who design and develop optical systems, devices, and technologies. These roles often require knowledge of optics principles, precision measurement tools, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in physics or engineering.

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.

Is optics in demand?

Optics jobs are in demand across industries such as telecommunications, defense, healthcare, and manufacturing, driven by advancements in laser technology, imaging systems, and optical communication. Skills in optical design, alignment, and proficiency with tools like CAD software can enhance employment prospects in this field.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Optics Engineer

Becoming

San Francisco, CA

$152K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 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