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Remote Optical Engineer Jobs in Livermore, CA (NOW HIRING)

Muon Space

Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in Mountain View, CA or Remote, developing infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self ...

Muon Space

Senior Optomechanical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated engineer with a versatile skill set who is comfortable ... optical and infrared instruments and associated test infrastructure for space remote sensing in ...

Nokia

Staff PIC Process Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site +1

... with remote fabrication partners . You will play a key role in enabling nextgeneration optical ... Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field * Minimum 3 years of industry ...

Cisco

Solutions Engineer, NeoCloud

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$229K - $299K/yr

While this position is remote, candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to the San ... Expertise in AI back-end and front-end network designs, including compute, storage, and optics

Cisco

Solutions Engineer, NeoCloud

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$229K - $299K/yr

While this position is remote, candidates should be located in or willing to relocate to the San ... Expertise in AI back-end and front-end network designs, including compute, storage, and optics

Volto USA

MES Scada Engineer _Remote

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

MES Scada Engineer _Remote Location: Seattle (REMOTE 100% / Could be traveling to different locations) Duration: 6 months Role Description: Responsible for advanced Power Systems Application software ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer JobsRemote Optical Engineer Jobs in Livermore, CA

Remote Optical Engineer information

See Livermore, CA salary details

$97.4K

$168.5K

$197.6K

How much do remote optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote optical engineer in Livermore, CA is $168,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $151,300.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote optical engineer?

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 projects or challenges does a remote optical engineer typically 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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote optical engineer?

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 cities near Livermore, CA are hiring for Remote Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Livermore, CA with the most Remote Optical Engineer job openings:

Remote Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer job openings in Livermore, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,454 per year, or $81 per hour.

Staff Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA • On-site, Remote

Muon Space
Space Research Administration • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Muon Spaceexternal

$166K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to act as a technical lead on our team in Mountain View, CA or Remote, developing infrared remote sensing instruments. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated expert with a versatile skill set, comfortable diving into everything from conceptual design and error budgeting to precision optical metrology and rigorous hardware execution. In this role, you will be the definitive technical authority for a new optical subsystem, owning the performance metrics while defining and driving the hands-on assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of critical optical and optomechanical subsystems. Previous experience driving end-to-end optical development, managing stringent performance budgets, and integrating complex electro-optical systems in a fast-paced, small-team environment is required.

Responsibilities
  • Own the delivery of optical subsystems to the instrument program as the primary technical lead.
  • Own and manage comprehensive optical error budgets and performance metrics, including image quality (MTF, WFE), stray light, and radiometric throughput (BOL/EOL transmission) from conceptual design through hardware build and test.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering to support cross-functional technical budgets, including thermal constraints and line-of-sight pointing/jitter, ensuring adequate margins throughout development.
  • Define and drive the strategy for optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) planning and implementation, leading collaboration across cross-functional teams.
  • Support subsystem and instrument level functional, performance, and environmental testing (including vibration, thermal-vacuum/TVAC, and thermal stress).
  • Champion the continuous improvement of testing methodologies, tools, and best practices to enhance overall efficiency and reliability in instrument development.
Qualifications
  • Ph.D. and 5+ years of experience developing imaging systems and infrared remote sensing instruments within a multi-disciplinary environment; or M.S. and 8+ years industry experience; or B.S. and 10+ years industry experience.
  • Expertise in optical design and analysis (Zemax, Code V, FRED), including interpreting STOP analysis, allocating error budgets, and developing component specifications with vendors.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with precision optical metrology, advanced AI&T execution, root cause analysis, and rigorous test data reporting.
  • Software proficiency in one or more languages (e.g., Python, C++) for data analysis and automation.
  • Demonstrated technical leadership and project management skills, with the ability to clearly communicate and collaborate across optomechanical, mechanical, and thermal teams.
  • Ability to obtain security clearance strongly preferred.
Nice-to-have Skills
  • Exposure to systems engineering, specifically requirements development and V&V.
  • Experience working in cleanroom environments.
  • Experience supporting integrated spacecraft-level environmental testing and launch campaigns.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $166,000 - $223,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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