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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Merced, CA · On-site +1

$27 - $30/hr

Remote: California Location Status: Work will be primarily performed remotely from home office ... The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring ...

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Merced, CA · Remote

$27 - $30/hr

Remote: California Location Status: Work will be primarily performed remotely from home office ... The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring ...

Race Communications

Fiber Designer I - Remote

Phelan, CA · Remote

$27 - $30/hr

Remote: California Location Status: Work will be primarily performed remotely from home office ... The Fiber Designer 1 plays a key role in the planning and design of fiber optic networks, ensuring ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

National City, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Cardiff By The Sea, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

La Jolla, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

El Cajon, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

Leidos

Software Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site +1

$87K - $157K/yr

... ocean remote sensing, and high-performance computing . We're looking for a Software Engineer ... radar, optical, and infrared sensor systems. * Engineer high-performance backend systems for ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer Jobs in California

Remote Optical Engineer information

See California salary details

$81.9K

$141.7K

$166.3K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical engineer 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Remote Optical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Remote Optical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optics, photonics, and optical system design, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as Zemax or LightTools, CAD software, and possibly certifications in optical engineering or fiber optics is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, effective communication, and self-motivation are key soft skills, especially when working remotely. These skills are vital for delivering precise optical solutions, collaborating efficiently across virtual teams, and managing projects independently.

What are some typical projects or challenges a Remote Optical Engineer might work on?

As a Remote Optical Engineer, you may work on projects ranging from designing lenses or laser systems to optimizing fiber optic communications or developing imaging devices. Common challenges include troubleshooting optical alignment remotely, accurately simulating system performance, and ensuring close collaboration with mechanical and electrical engineering teams across different time zones. The ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and navigate virtual project management tools is essential for success. These diverse projects offer opportunities to innovate, enhance your technical skills, and contribute to cutting-edge technologies from anywhere.

What is a Remote Optical Engineer job?

A Remote Optical Engineer designs, analyzes, and tests optical systems and components while working from a remote location. They may be involved in developing lenses, fiber optics, laser systems, or imaging technologies for industries like telecommunications, healthcare, or aerospace. Using simulations and modeling software, they optimize optical performance and troubleshoot design challenges. Collaboration with teams happens virtually, requiring strong communication skills. This role often demands expertise in optics, photonics, and related engineering principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Optical Engineer jobs in California? For Remote Optical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Optical Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Optical Engineer job openings:
Remote Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,730 per year, or $68.1 per hour.
Senior Instrument Calibration Scientist

Senior Instrument Calibration Scientist

Muon Space

San Diego, CA • Remote

$184K - $223K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a Senior Instrument Calibration Scientist to join our team in Mountain View, CA with a focus on calibration of infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineer or scientist with a versatile skill set who is comfortable working across many layers of technical depth. This role will be a key member of the instrument team, establishing scalable calibration hardware infrastructure and processes to ensure delivery of science-grade radiometric and geometric calibration artifacts to the data team. Previous experience developing and operating infrared electro-optical systems, remote sensing instruments, and test infrastructure in fast-paced and small-team environments is preferred.

Responsibilities
  • Own radiometric and geometric calibration standards across multiple instrument programs, developing best practices and ensuring adherence to defined processes.
  • Lead the design and development of scalable calibration test hardware infrastructure.
  • Lead the planning and execution of pre-launch radiometric and geometric calibration campaigns to establish baseline sensor performance models.
  • Support definition and tracking of metrics to monitor the performance of instruments from ground to orbit.
  • Collaborate and communicate effectively with instrument and spacecraft systems engineers, data scientists, mission operations engineers, and program managers.
  • This position participates in a 24/7 on-call rotation to support on-orbit anomaly resolution. The on-call rotation is approximately one week per month.
Qualifications 
  • B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of experience working in a multi-disciplinary environment, with demonstrated experience with imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments.
  • Software skills in one or more languages (e.g. Python, Julia, C++).
  • Experience working hands-on with precision optical equipment for instrument characterization and calibration.
  • Experience with root cause analysis efforts including data analysis and testing.
  • Experience performing data analysis, post-processing, and test report generation.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and organization skills.
  • Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new challenges each week.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Experience supporting business development including technical contributions to proposals.
  • Experience translating mission and science requirements into technical requirements.
  • Experience developing instrument concept of operations (ConOps).
  • Experience working in cleanroom environments.
  • Experience supporting environmental testing (thermal stress screening, TVAC, random vibration), integrated spacecraft testing, and launch campaigns.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $184,000 - $223,000 plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process

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