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Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Principal Optical Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$175K - $195K/yr

To manufacture these products, Systems Irvine is seeking individuals like you to join our team as Principal Optical Engineer. In this position, you will provide technical leadership in the design and ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Atln

Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer

Tustin, CA · On-site

$117.64 - $211.83/hr

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer ...

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All JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer JobsPrincipal Optical Engineer Jobs in California

Principal Optical Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal optical engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a principal optical engineer do?

As a Principal Optical Engineer, you will typically lead the design and development of advanced optical systems, such as imaging devices, laser modules, or photonic components. You may oversee project teams, coordinate interdisciplinary efforts with electrical and mechanical engineers, and provide technical direction for prototype and production phases. Regular responsibilities include conducting simulations, evaluating prototypes, resolving complex technical issues, and ensuring all solutions meet performance, safety, and cost requirements. This role often involves mentoring junior engineers and influencing long-term technology strategy within your organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a principal optical engineer?

Excelling as a Principal Optical Engineer requires deep expertise in optical design, photonic systems, and hands-on experience with lasers, imaging, and fiber optics, typically supported by an advanced degree in physics, optics, or engineering. Proficiency with optical simulation and CAD software (such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools), as well as familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong leadership, project management, and cross-functional communication skills help set professionals apart in this senior role. These competencies enable effective design, implementation, and leadership of complex optical projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and innovation within the field.

What is a principal optical engineer?

A Principal Optical Engineer is a senior-level optical engineering professional responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing optical systems for various applications, such as telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, or consumer electronics. They lead projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure system performance meets technical requirements. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers, conduct simulations and testing, and contribute to innovation in optical technologies. Their role requires expertise in optical design software, fabrication techniques, and a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California? For Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

MKS Instruments, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
The MKS Systems Business Unit develops and manufactures advanced optics, optical assemblies, subsystems, and full laser-based production systems that enable high-value solutions for our customers. As a Principal Optical Engineer in our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will play a key role in designing and developing complex optical systems across a fast-paced, highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. In this role, you will drive projects from initial concept through detailed design, integration, and successful product implementation. The Principal Optical Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering, Laser and Optics.
You Will Make an Impact By:
  • Leading the design, development, and validation of optics and optical systems with full consideration of performance, tolerancing, and manufacturability
  • Translating customer and product requirements into robust optical architectures and specifications, balancing performance, cost, risk, and schedule
  • Performing optical modeling and trade studies that balance high precision performance with opto-mechanical constraints
  • Driving the hands-on realization of designs, including supplier engagement, prototype builds, precision alignment, metrology development, and performance verification
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing technical leadership through design reviews, feasibility assessments, cost evaluations, and data-driven recommendations
  • Travel Requirements: Up to 10% of Travel is required

Skills You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or equivalent discipline; advanced coursework preferred
  • 8+ years of experience functioning at a principal or senior technical level in optical design and optical system development
  • Demonstrated expertise in optical design and analysis, especially complex multi-element optics such as scan lenses, objective lenses, or high-performance imaging systems
  • Advanced proficiency with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V)
  • Strong practical experience in optical assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optical systems. Experience with lasers and laser measurements is highly desired
  • Strong communication skills and problem-solving skills to operate effectively in multi-disciplinary environment

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
  • Office and laboratory work is required, with regular work in a cleanroom environment. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment as well as cleanroom garb is required
  • Must be able to lift, move, or position equipment up to 35 pounds while working in a laboratory environment
  • Noise level in the laboratory environment can temporarily be elevated, but does not typically require PPE

We are interested in a qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we will not be sponsoring work visas for this position, at this time.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $175,000 - $195,000 per year. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.].
MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
#LI-EK1
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be "U.S. persons." "U.S. persons" are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("MKS") is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role

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