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Senior Electro Optical Engineer Jobs in California

Apex

Electro-Optical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline * Hands-on experience ...

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

SR. OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARFALL) SpaceX optical systems require a powerful blend of theoretical ... Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will own free-space optical system design, validation, and ... Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products

SpaceX

Sr. Optical Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

As a Senior Optical Engineer, you will own free-space optical system design, validation, and ... Experience driving product vision and system-level trades for complex electro-optical products

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Senior Electro Optical Engineer information

What does a senior electro optical engineer do?

A Senior Electro Optical Engineer designs, develops, and tests optical and electro-optical systems such as lasers, sensors, and imaging devices. They work on projects involving the integration of electronics and optics to create advanced technologies for industries like defense, telecommunications, and medical devices. Their responsibilities also include overseeing prototypes, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet technical specifications and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior electro optical engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, and electronics, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Expertise in optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards are essential, along with certifications like Certified Optical Engineer (COE) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly set top performers apart. These skills ensure the effective design, analysis, and implementation of advanced optical systems critical for innovation and product quality.

How does a senior electro optical engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As a Senior Electro Optical Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key part of the role. You will work closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers to integrate optical components into larger systems, ensuring that all design aspects meet performance and manufacturing requirements. Regular meetings, design reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are common, and your expertise is often called upon to resolve complex technical challenges. This collaborative environment fosters learning and innovation while requiring strong communication skills and the ability to bridge gaps between different engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Senior Electro Optical Engineer vs Electro Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Electro Optical EngineerElectro Optical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; experience preferredBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace, defense, telecommunicationsResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defense
Employer & Industry UsageTypically in advanced R&D roles, leading projectsDesign, develop, and test electro-optical systems

The main difference between a Senior Electro Optical Engineer and an Electro Optical Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Senior roles often involve project leadership and advanced problem-solving, while Electro Optical Engineers focus on design and development tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work in comparable environments, but senior positions demand more experience and leadership skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Electro Optical Engineer job openings:

Senior Electro Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Electro Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Electro-Optical Engineer (All levels)

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Electro-Optical Engineer (All levels)
Department: Avionics
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Reporting To: Bryce Wilson
Compensation: $150,000 - $250,000 / year
Description
As a Senior Electro-Optical Engineer at Impulse, you will own the development of flight camera systems and optical payloads from early architecture through test and flight. This role is for someone who wants to do more than contribute analysis in a narrow lane, you will be responsible for the technical execution of a spacecraft electro-optical product and will help define how it is built, tested, and
integrated.
You will work across optics, camera hardware, embedded software, opto-mechanics, avionics, test, and spacecraft integration to deliver high-performance flight systems on aggressive timelines. This is a high-autonomy role with significant room for growth. The right person will be comfortable acting as the technical owner of the product, driving decisions, coordinating cross-functional execution, and closing hardware quickly.
(Leveling will be commensurate with experience).
Responsibilities
  • Own the technical development of flight camera systems and optical payloads from concept through flight.
  • Define requirements, drive architecture trades, and make key decisions across optics, detector selection, embedded camera interfaces, opto-mechanics, thermal design, and calibration strategy.
  • Partner closely with embedded software, avionics, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, and test teams to bring up, validate, and mature hardware.
  • Lead subsystem integration, test planning, issue resolution, and performance closure for electro-optical flight hardware.
  • Drive execution with a high degree of autonomy, including risk retirement, prioritization, vendor coordination, and communication of technical status to leadership.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience developing complex hardware systems in at least one relevant domain: camera systems, embedded imaging systems, electro-optical payloads, opto-mechanics, or optical systems.
  • Demonstrated experience owning a subsystem, product, or major technical workstream through development and test.
  • Strong cross-functional engineering judgment and the ability to translate mission needs into practical hardware decisions.
  • Hands-on experience debugging and maturing real hardware in a lab, integration, or production environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience developing flight cameras, imaging payloads, optical navigation systems, electro-optical spacecraft hardware, or other precision imaging systems.
  • Strong core competency in one or more of the following: camera embedded software, electro-optical hardware, opto-mechanics, or optical system design.
  • Experience with CMOS image sensors, camera electronics, detector bring-up, image pipelines, or embedded camera software.
  • Experience with optical design and analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, or similar.
  • Experience with calibration, image quality characterization, and environmental test of precision imaging systems.
  • Space hardware experience, including qualification, acceptance, launch survivability, and spacecraft integration, is strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience operating as a responsible engineer, technical lead, principal investigator, or product-facing engineering owner is a plus.

Why this role at Impulse
This is an opportunity to take real ownership of hardware that flies. You will have the autonomy to shape architecture, drive execution, and influence product direction while working on spacecraft payloads in a fast-moving environment.
As the team grows, this role offers meaningful opportunities to expand in scope and technical leadership.
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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