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Optoelectronic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$106K - $138K/yr

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer This Senior Process Engineer role focuses on developing ... Develop, refine, and optimize manufacturing processes used in the assembly of optoelectronic and ...

Test Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

OSI Optoelectronics is seeking a Test Engineer to join the team. This individual will be responsible for developing and implementing wafer probe and final test solutions for bipolar transistor ...

Sr. Display Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Display engineer you will design, characterize, and validate the optical and electrical ... Essential skills include expertise in OLED device physics, optoelectronics, materials, and strong ...

Senior Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$106K - $138K/yr

Job Title: Senior Process Engineer This Senior Process Engineer role focuses on developing ... Develop, refine, and optimize manufacturing processes used in the assembly of optoelectronic and ...

Advanced Packaging Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures. * Lead ... Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts. Required Education * BS in Electrical Engineering ...

Define and develop next‑generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures. * Lead ... Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts. Required Education * BS in Electrical Engineering ...

Sr. Display Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Display engineer you will design, characterize, and validate the optical and electrical ... Use and expand on optoelectronic models and simulation tools and contribute to the development and ...

Sr. Display Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Display engineer you will design, characterize, and validate the optical and electrical ... Essential skills include expertise in OLED device physics, optoelectronics, materials, and strong ...

Advanced Packaging Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$220K - $250K/yr

Define and develop next-generation optical and optoelectronic packaging architectures. * Lead ... Mentor engineers on advanced technology concepts. Required Education * BS in Electrical Engineering ...

Experience in the design, fabrication, and characterization of optoelectronic materials and devices. Robust engineering skills including use of: software such as Matlab, Python, JMP, Excel or similar ...

Sr. Quality Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

OSI Optoelectronics is seeking a Sr. Quality Engineer. This individual will be responsible for executing the defined strategic quality plan in conjunction with Quality functional leadership. They ...

We are seeking a talented RF Engineer to join our dynamic team at Sunnyvale, CA. In this role, you ... Your experience with high-speed equipment will be highly valuable as we test optoelectronic devices ...

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of ... Experience with high-speed (GHz+) optoelectronic testing. * Experience working with 2D materials (e ...

Experience in the design, fabrication, and characterization of optoelectronic materials and devices. Robust engineering skills including use of: software such as Matlab, Python, JMP, Excel or similar ...

High-speed RF Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$139K - $258K/yr

We are seeking a talented RF Engineer to join our dynamic team at Sunnyvale, CA. In this role, you ... Your experience with high-speed equipment will be highly valuable as we test optoelectronic devices ...

Showing results 21-40

Optoelectronic Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$89.3K

$151.5K

How much do optoelectronic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optoelectronic engineer in California is $89,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optoelectronic Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectOptoelectronic EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related; specialization in optoelectronicsBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Electronics Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, optoelectronic device developmentConsumer electronics, embedded systems, circuit design, general electronics
Industry UsageOptoelectronic components, fiber optics, laser systemsConsumer electronics, industrial automation, communication devices

Optoelectronic Engineers focus on designing and developing devices that involve light and electronics, such as lasers and fiber optics. Electronics Engineers have a broader scope, working on various electronic systems and circuits. While both roles require a strong foundation in electrical engineering, optoelectronic engineers specialize in light-based technologies, making their work more specific to optoelectronic applications.

What are some common challenges faced by optoelectronic engineers in product development projects?

Optoelectronic engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating optical and electronic components within tight space and performance constraints. Achieving precise alignment, minimizing signal loss, and managing thermal effects are frequent technical hurdles. Additionally, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists—is essential to ensure successful prototyping and product scalability. Staying current with rapid advancements in photonics technology can also be demanding but is vital for innovation and career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optoelectronic engineer?

To excel as an Optoelectronic Engineer, a strong background in physics, optics, electronics, and a relevant engineering degree (such as electrical or optical engineering) is essential. Familiarity with simulation software (like Zemax or COMSOL), photonics design tools, and relevant industry certifications can greatly enhance technical proficiency. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optoelectronic systems and ensuring their reliable integration into advanced technologies.

What is an optoelectronic engineer?

Optoelectronic engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test devices and systems that use both light (optical) and electronics technologies. Their work often involves components like lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, and fiber optics, which are used in applications ranging from telecommunications to medical devices. These engineers combine knowledge of physics, optics, and electrical engineering to create and improve products such as high-speed internet systems, imaging devices, and advanced sensors. They may work in research, product development, manufacturing, or quality assurance roles across various industries.
What are popular job titles related to Optoelectronic Engineer jobs in California? For Optoelectronic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optoelectronic Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Optoelectronic Engineer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Optoelectronic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,326 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Staff PIC RF Test Development Engineer

Nokia

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 97 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

In an increasingly connected world, the pandemic has highlighted just how essential telecom networks are to keeping society running. The Network Infrastructure group is at the heart of a revolution to connectivity, pushing the boundaries to deliver more and faster network capacity to people worldwide through our ambition, innovation, and technical expertise

Join Optical Networks division, where innovation meets scale in the AI-driven data center era. With the recent acquisition of Infinera, we've united two industry leaders to create an optical networking powerhouse-combining cutting-edge technology with proven leadership to redefine the future of connectivity.

NION2026

  • Fundamental understanding of high-speed optoelectronic device characteristics and/or high-speed RF communication electronics
  • Familiarity with coherent and/or direct-detect communication (sub)systems: modulation formats, multiplexing concepts, basic performance metrics of broadband communication systems
  • Hands-on experience with high-speed optoelectronic device characterization techniques (e.g. >50GHz electro-optical small signal test, QPSK/PAM large signal test) and equipment (e.g. VNA/PNA, LCA, AWG, real-time oscilloscope)
  • Fundamental understanding of active semiconductor optoelectronic device characteristics (e.g. semiconductor lasers/amplifiers, photo diodes, modulators)
  • Programming experience in Matlab, C, C++, Python, VB.net or similar for automation of instrument control and data acquisition
  • Familiar with active and passive semiconductor optoelectronic device characteristics (e.g. semiconductor lasers/amplifiers, photo diodes, modulators, waveguides) is a plus
  • Ability to build, maintain and troubleshoot complex test hardware and software in a cross-functional environment
  • Attention to detail and willingness to produce detailed documentation
  • Ability to work well in cross-functional development teams, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills

Education / Experience

PhD. in  Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent with minimum of 3 years of applicable graduate-level and/or industrial experience in optical communications, photonics, high speed electronics or systems. We will consider Master's degree with 3+ years of applicable experience.

  • Lead high-speed, coherent and direct-detect component or subsystem design verification test
  • Design of test plans and algorithms, execution of module performance validation tests
  • Work closely with Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, mixed signal ASIC, module design teams as well as system engineering group to ensure quality release of new products

What Nokia employees say

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