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Senior Electro Optical Engineer Jobs in California

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 ...

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

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

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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:

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.

Senior Electro-Optical Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

$114K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At the Mission Payloads Division (MPD), we are pioneers in remote sensing systems that guide our country's space enterprise. Our talented and dynamic people create and flourish in electronics, sensors, radar, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data network domains. We boldly advance technology through our research and development and then forward to demonstration and integration. With innovative laboratories and prototyping, MPD delivers groundbreaking results. We guide our Department of Defense, intelligence community, and civil clients to enhance national productivity and security and tackle the most critical missions. Bring your intelligence and creative spirit and join us at MPD!

The Visible & Infrared Sensor Systems Department (VISSD), within the Sensing and Processing Subdivision (SPS) in MPD,is seeking an Electro-Optical Engineerto join our team of scientists and engineers that support the design and development of electro-optical (EO) sensor payloads and prototypes. VISSD expertise includes the following: concept definition and mission driven design synthesis of electro-optical space sensors, detailed characterization and performance analysis of visible and infrared (IR) image sensors, as well as the design, assembly, integration and test (AI&T) of ground and airborne prototype sensors. This expertise combined with additional in-house (MPD) laboratories, prototyping, performance modeling, and simulation capabilities, enables VISSD to deliver innovative solutions to our civil, commercial, and national space systems customers.

If you're passionate about sensors, data, and solving hard problems across a broad set of missions, join our team to help shape the future of space sensing.

The selected candidate will be required to work full time on-site at our facility at El Segundo, CA

What You'll Be Doing

  • Support activities involving a group of engineers supporting the development of visible and infrared sensor systems used for space surveillance, overhead persistent infrared systems, and Earth remote sensing applications for SSC, NRO and Civil Space programs

  • Provide and direct independent focal plane array (FPA) characterization activities as well as prototype sensor hardware design and AI&T

  • Work closely with program offices and customers to coordinate tasking, report progress, resolve technical issues, and assure project success

What You Need to be Successful - Engineering Specialist

Minimum Requirements:

  • Degree (Bachelors, Master's, Ph.D.) from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, astronomy, or another related field

  • Eight or more years of industry related experience or time spent obtaining an advanced degree

  • Strong hardware, laboratory, data analysis, analytical, and software skills with a demonstrated ability to complete and/or lead engineering analysis tasks

  • Experience developing engineering analysis methods and tools using a primary computer programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, IDL or another appropriate language)

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work interactively and effectively with customers and contractor personnel

  • This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for Senior Engineering Specialist:

  • Twelve or more years of industry related experience or time spent obtaining an advanced degree

  • Demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring of junior staff

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced (Master's or Ph.D.) degree from an accredited program in physics, electrical engineering, optics, astronomy, or another related field

  • Hands-on experience with visible and infrared remote sensing systems and/or hardware design and development activities

  • Proven ability to perform radiometric calibration of remote sensing systems

  • Strong foundation in semiconductor physics and device fabrication

  • Proficiency with mixed signal integrated circuit design and modeling

  • Technical skills in analog and/or digital board design and modeling

  • Working knowledge of optical alignments

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$129,000.00 - $249,600.00Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

  • Relocation assistance

  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

  • Education assistance programs

  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equalopportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color,religion,geneticinformation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by emailatpeoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org .You can also reviewKnow Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.