ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$185K - $240K/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 ...

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 ...

Astera Labs

Optical Test Engineer, Principal

San Jose, CA · On-site

$185K - $240K/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 ...

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Principal Optical Assembly Engineer

Astera Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$185K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

About the Role 

Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Optical Assembly Engineer to drive development of optical assembly processes that support next-generation photonics products for scale up and scale out AI infrastructure applications. This is a high-impact individual contributor role with technical leadership responsibilities, focused on developing robust assembly processes, expanding lab capability, and improving the yield, quality, and reliability of optical assemblies for NPO and CPO products. 

Responsibilities 

  • Drive development and optimization of optical assembly processes, including active and passive fiber alignment, fiber attach, and epoxy cure. 
  • Define and document process flows, work instructions, and quality control plans for optical assembly. 
  • Support the build-out and scaling of the optical assembly laboratory, including equipment layout, tool qualification, and safety protocols. 
  • Partner with equipment suppliers on the development and qualification of high volume capable active alignment systems, dispensing tools, and curing tools.  
  • Qualify optical adhesives and encapsulants with material vendors for optical performance, thermal and mechanical requirements, process scalability, and reliability. 
  • Develop yield improvement plans and implement statistical process control (SPC) methods for optical assembly. 

Basic Qualifications 

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Optical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 8+ years of experience in optical assembly, photonics packaging, or a related process development role. 
  • Hands-on experience developing precision assembly processes for photonic or optoelectronic products. 
  • Experience leading optical assembly platforms from concept to high volume production. 
  • Experience with alignment-intensive assembly methods and process controls used in fiber-coupled or optical device manufacturing. 
  • Strong understanding of process development, qualification, troubleshooting, and transfer to manufacturing. 
  • Ability to create clear process documentation and translate development work into repeatable production practices. 
  • Experience collaborating with external equipment and materials partners to mature assembly solutions. 
  • Strong foundation in yield analysis, reliability characterization, and process capability methodologies such as Cpk and SPC. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Hands-on experience with active alignment systems for photonic or optical device assembly. 
  • Hands-on experience with optical adhesives, encapsulants, and related material qualification. 
  • Familiarity with optical performance verification, failure analysis, and process optimization. 
  • Experience building high volume assembly tools, equipment qualification, and safe operating practices for optical assembly environments. 

Salary range is $185,000 to $240,000 depending on experience, level, and business need. This role may be eligible for discretionary bonus, incentives and benefits.

Apply