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Optics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

KLA Corporation

Optics Technology Manager

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$159K - $271K/yr

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

Amphenol TCS

Optics Product Line Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $215K/yr

Optics Product Line Manager Location: Santa Clara, California Amphenol High Speed Products Group is the market leader for high speed, high bandwidth electrical connectors for the Telecom/Datacom ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning, and others to produce world-class precision optics. In this role, you will report to the ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals * Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g., power meters ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning, and others to produce world-class precision optics. In this role, you will report to the ...

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals * Hands-on experience with optical test equipment (e.g., power meters ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Optics Fabricator 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $32.12/hr

As an Optics Fabricator at MKS Instruments, you will partner with Production, Engineering, Planning, and others to produce world-class precision optics. In this role, you will report to the ...

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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 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.

Lead Optics Test Engineer (ODVT)

Arista Networks

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Arista Networks is an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data center, campus and routing environments. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation. We leverage the latest advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and software-defined networking to provide our clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world. Our solutions are designed to not only meet the current demands of the digital landscape but to also anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
At Arista we value the diversity of thought and perspectives that each employee brings to the table. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment, where individuals from various backgrounds and experiences feel welcome, is essential for driving creativity and innovation.
Our commitment to excellence has earned us several prestigious awards, such as Best Engineering Team, Best Company for Diversity, Compensation, and Work-Life Balance. At Arista, we take pride in our track record of success and strive to maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in everything we do.
Job Description
Who You'll Work With
You'll work closely with various engineers, product managers, and key vendors to ensure seamless interoperability across Arista's platforms
What You'll Do
Arista Networks is seeking an Optics Engineer to join the Optics/Hardware group. The Arista Optics team manages copper and optical interconnection products across all Arista platforms, covering everything from 10G to 1.6T client optics and long-haul coherent optical solutions. The candidate will be actively involved in ODVT testing of optical transceivers within platform environments to ensure system interoperability. This role positions the individual as a subject matter expert, with responsibilities including optics specification development, testing, and analysis.
This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with industry and technical expertise in optics to contribute and lead in the upcoming transition to 1.6T full retimed, LRO, and LPO-the next generation of AI data center networking solutions.
  • Lead Optical Design Verification Testing (ODVT) for PAM4-based 50G, 100G, 200G, 400G, 800G, and 1.6T optical transceivers.
  • Perform ODVT measurements and characterization of 800G LPO, and 800G/1.6T optical transceivers.
  • Write and maintain Python-based code to automate test flows, control lab instruments and log test results at scale.
  • Set up and run optical/electrical tests using tools like BERTs, power meters, spectrum analyzers and oscilloscopes.
  • Conduct benchmarking of emerging optical technologies to assess performance and compatibility.
  • Develop and maintain manufacturing test infrastructure for optical transceiver products.
  • Serve as the optics subject matter expert, providing support to internal teams and external customers.
  • Create comprehensive test reports, documenting test procedures, equipment used, and results obtained.

Qualifications
  • MS degree in Optical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • At least 10 years of experience in the networking industry.
  • Hands-on experience with ODVT testing of optical transceivers.
  • Strong knowledge of coherent optical systems.
  • Familiarity with optical technologies, optical form factors, relevant industry standards, and higher order modulations.
  • Ability to participate in person at the ODVT hardware laboratory as required.

Compensation Information:
The new hire base pay for this role has a salary range of $150,000 to $230,000. Arista offers different pay ranges based on work location, so that we can offer consistent and competitive pay appropriate to the market. The actual base pay offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, relevant experience, and work location. The pay range provided reflects base pay only and in addition certain roles may also be eligible for discretionary Arista bonuses and equity. Employees in Sales roles are eligible to participate in Arista's Sales Incentive Plan, which pays commissions calculated as a percentage of eligible sales. US-based employees are also entitled to benefits including medical, dental, vision, wellbeing, tax savings and income protection. The recruiting team can share more details during the hiring process specific to the role and location.
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Additional Information
Arista Networks is an equal opportunity employer. Arista makes all hiring and employment-related decisions in a non-discriminatory manner without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or any other factor determined to be unlawful under applicable federal, state, or law law. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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