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Optics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Tekberry

Optics Assembly Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$100/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

Optical Assembly Technician Pay Rate: $32-$40/hour (depending on shift) Job Type: Full-Time; 2-year Contract City: Santa Clara, CA Shift(s): Mon-Fri * Day: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM * Swing: 2:00 PM - 10:30 ...

Arista Networks

Optics Software Engineer Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

The Arista Optics team develops and qualifies copper and optical interconnect products across all Arista platforms, ranging from 10G to 12.8T optical solutions.. As an Optics Software Engineer Lead ...

Arista Networks

Optics Software Engineer Lead

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

The Arista Optics team develops and qualifies copper and optical interconnect products across all Arista platforms, ranging from 10G to 12.8T optical solutions.. As an Optics Software Engineer Lead ...

PDF Solutions

Electron Optics Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$140K - $155K/yr

Role Summary PDF is seeking an experienced Electron Optics Engineer to work on PDF's electron beam inspection tool used for enhancing yield in state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor fabs. We are ...

PDF Solutions

Electron Optics Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$140K - $155K/yr

Role Summary PDF is seeking an experienced Electron Optics Engineer to work on PDF's electron beam inspection tool used for enhancing yield in state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor fabs. We are ...

Orbotech

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD or MS in Physics, Optics, EE with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience. * Technical expertise in at least 2 optics areas: design, coating, metrology, optomech, materials

KLA Corporation

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD or MS in Physics, Optics, EE with a minimum of 5 years relevant industry experience. * Technical expertise in at least 2 optics areas: design, coating, metrology, optomech, materials

PDF Solutions, Inc.

Electron Optics Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$140 - $155/hr

Role Summary PDF is seeking an experienced Electron Optics Engineer to work on PDF's electron beam inspection tool used for enhancing yield in state‑of‑the‑art 300 mm semiconductor fabs. We ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Robot Optics Intern

Neuralink

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$35/hr

Internship

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Team Description:

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 robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As a Robot Optics Intern at Neuralink, you will build, characterize, and calibrate optical and optomechanical systems used directly in our surgical robots and associated consumables manufacturing systems. These systems are responsible for everything from sub-micron conventional imaging to laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. In this role, you will be expected to:

  • Design and simulate optical imaging systems
  • Test, verify, and maintain vision systems in robots
  • Repair and troubleshoot existing optical subassemblies
  • Test and verify optics consumables
  • Develop image acquisition and processing software
  • Conduct preliminary tests of new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate and implement process improvements
  • Prepare relevant documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for robot optics

Required Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with basic optics fundamentals such as aberrations, transmission/reflection, light polarization, Gaussian beams, etc.
  • Experience with visible and IR optical equipment (e.g., fiber splicers, light sources, beam profilers, power meters, resolution targets)
  • 1+ years of optical engineering experience, including simulation and design of optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • 1+ years of relevant industrial experience with assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optomechanical systems
  • 1+ years of experience with benchtop testing, performance characterization, and metrology benchmarking of optical systems
  • Experience documenting and following procedures in the optical design pipeline (e.g., assembly, characterization, verification) with a high level of detail

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of engineering first principles
  • Education in an engineering-related field
  • Experience with data analysis and image processing
  • Experience with optics alignment and optics bench testing
  • Experience with fiber optics fabrication
  • Mechanical engineering and CAD skills
  • Experience with optical simulation and design software (e.g., Zemax, CodeV, OSLO, LightTools)

Additional Requirements and Competencies:

  • Ability to travel to and work in Fremont, CA
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing
  • Comfortable working in laboratory and vivarium environments as needed

Pay Transparency:

Based on California law, the following details are for California individuals only.

California Hourly Rate:
$35/Hr USD

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