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Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 4

San Diego, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a ...

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$205K - $255K/yr

We are seeking a world-class Senior Staff to Principal Optical Test Engineer to lead the development and execution of advanced test strategies for Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) solutions. This senior role ...

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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.

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$148K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description


Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conduct all activities in a manner consistent with Coherent' s corporate values and Code of Conduct.
  • Provide professional technical support to internal departments, sales and marketing teams worldwide, and customers as needed.
  • Introduce and help develop efficient and improved methods for optical system assembly and inspection as needed.
  • Involved directly with new product development projects incorporating optical, electrical, mechanical, software and system integration engineering functions.
  • Ensure meeting project schedule and timelines and milestones, and the completion of complex cross-disciplinary activities within project team.
  • Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product release process.
  • Communicates project status and progresses to management as appropriate, including recommendations on resources, process development, and product improvement and management.
  • Individual contributor on the project team in addition to project management responsibilities.
  • Keep abreast of customer needs and new competitive products, assessing the related impact on company projects/products development plans.
  • Identify, select, and implement new development, component, manufacturing and/or testing technologies.
  • Maintain technical relationships with key suppliers, as needed.

Education & Experience
  • MS or Ph. D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered in exceptional circumstances.
  • 10+ years' experience in design, simulation, testing, and inspection of fiber optics, optical imaging systems, laser, illumination or other optical systems.
  • A minimum of 5 years' experience in optical design and simulations for fiber optics, Si-Photonics, laser, life science, LiDAR, machine vision and other related industries.
  • Experienced in working with customers and engineering team to effectively and successfully bring optical products through product life cycle from prototyping to volume production.

Skills
  • Strong foundation in Si-Photonics, optics, physics, fiber optics, optical networks system.
  • Proficient in using optical design tools - e.g. OptiStudio, Code-V etc. to do Optical system design, simulations, optimization, tolerance analysis.
  • Hands-on experiences in optical design for industries within semiconductors, fiber optics, machine vision, and laser. Experience of Co-package optical design and architecture is preferable.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced with precision mechanical components and manufacturing, materials for fiber optical modules and assemblies.
  • Able to utilize various equipment and to develop test plans for optical devices and optical components, assemblies and systems for engineering and production.
  • Demonstrate ability to DfX, DfM and to solve complex issues in optical design and opto-mechanical product development.
  • Preferred experience of working in a fast paced optical or Si-photonics manufacturing environment, especially dealing with multiple projects of optical and opto-mechanical assemblies.
  • Be flexible and work efficiently in a multi-site, cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment
  • Leadership and the ability to work highly independently with minimal guidance from supervisors on specific tasks
  • The ability to work and deliver on aggressive schedules.
  • Ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese is preferable.
  • Preferred U.S. Citizen or Permanent Residence due to possible sensitive IP discussion with U.S. customers.

  • Able to develop long-term plans, programs and goals, to evaluate work accomplishments and provide effective feedback.
  • Able to learn, share, work with, and interpret software and test equipment based on requirements.
  • Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of evaluation methods through product development.
  • Good independent planning skills to successfully complete multiple and cross-functional projects.
  • Creative, analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Capability to teamwork and collaborate among different functions.
  • Capable in technical communication and being able to express effectively to manufacturing personnel.
  • Ability to work in cross-organization, cross-culture, and global team environment.
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

Working Conditions
  • This position is hybrid / remote
  • May require occasional off-site meetings or travel
  • Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary
  • Interaction with team members and external contacts is a regular part of the job
  • May require occasional overtime and flexibility in work hours to accommodate the executive's needs

Physical Requirements
  • Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or conducting meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
  • Mobility within the office environment to attend meetings or interact with colleagues.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to attend scheduled training, follow the site EHS procedures and Corporate EHS standards. This includes the use of proper protective equipment (PPE) as required by the job responsibilities.
Managers will ensure that all safety and environmental procedures are followed consistently. They will ensure that risk assessments are performed, proper training, work instructions, required PPE is available, and will monitor compliance.
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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