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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

We have an opening for a Senior Optical Engineer to support the development of advanced optical instrumentation and payloads for space missions that contribute to U.S. national security and ...

Muon Space

Senior Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$166K - $223K/yr

About the role Muon seeks a Senior Optical Engineer to join our team developing infrared remote sensing instruments. You will own stray light control and analysis by defining precise requirements for ...

Orbotech

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

KLA

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

KLA

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... a Senior Optical Engineer to design, develop, build and qualify various optical subsystems that make up the inspection tool! Your work will include optical system design, optical alignment ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Leidos Defense Space Business Area is seeking a Senior Optical Engineer to support the Emerging Space Systems Division in developing optical payload systems for the Space Force, including missions ...

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Sr Optical Engineer information

What is a Sr Optical Engineer?

Sr Optical Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They often lead projects involving optics for industries like telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Senior Optical Engineers also collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, oversee the integration of optical technologies, and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Their work ensures the performance, reliability, and innovation of optical products and systems.

What types of projects and cross-functional collaboration can a Sr Optical Engineer expect in their role?

As a Sr Optical Engineer, you can expect to work on projects involving the design, testing, and integration of optical systems for products such as imaging devices, sensors, or communication equipment. Collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers is common to ensure that optical components seamlessly integrate with other subsystems. You may also interact with product managers and manufacturing teams to meet technical requirements and production timelines. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, especially when troubleshooting system-level issues or optimizing performance across disciplines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Zemax, Code V, MATLAB, and optical simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications, is essential. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help drive innovation and effective teamwork. These competencies are vital for delivering high-performance optical systems and leading complex projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Sr Optical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSr Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field; 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or production settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, aerospace, telecommunicationsOptical component manufacturers, research institutions

The main difference between a Sr Optical Engineer and an Optical Engineer lies in experience, responsibilities, and seniority. A Sr Optical Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on leadership roles, and oversees complex projects, whereas an Optical Engineer is often in the early to mid-career stage focusing on design and testing tasks.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Sr Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sr Optical Engineer job openings:

Sr Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sr Optical Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Optical Engineer

Malin Space Science Systems, Inc.

San Diego, CA

$140/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) is a private technology company that designs, develops and operates space camera systems for government and commercial aerospace customers and provides services in spacecraft instrument operations and space science research. The Camera Systems Group (CSG) seeks a Sr. Optical Engineer with experience designing and building visible, infrared, and UV optics for camera systems, managing optics subcontracts, developing and executing optical calibration and metrology procedures, and solving challenging optics measurement problems.
The Sr. Optical Engineer works with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and customer teams to specify, scope, design, produce, and verify optics to mission requirements. They identify and help solve design challenges associated with the harsh environments of launch and operation in interplanetary space and during encounters with celestial bodies for both robotic and human spaceflight. The Sr. Optical Engineer manages subcontracts for optical parts, materials, coatings, and assemblies and the development of in-house production and test capabilities.
Essential Functions
  • Specifies optical systems for high-level mission requirements
  • Completes initial conceptual and detailed flight designs of camera optics
  • Manages glass availability through production lifecycles
  • Designs for athermalization and stray light minimization
  • Completes Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) Analysis
  • Develops calibration plans to verify mission requirements, including but not limited to focus/MTF, flat field imaging, radiometry and spectral response, distortion/camera models, boresight alignment
  • Writes performance specification and statements of work for optical subcontracts
  • Manages subcontractors for performance of optical processing, fabrication, and assembly
  • Presents at design reviews
  • Prior to entering assembly, test, storage or development areas within the Camera Systems Group unescorted, receive initial and ongoing annual training in the fundamentals of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Pay Range: $140-165K
Non-Essential Functions
  • Performs other duties as required which may become essential functions

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics; Masters or PhD preferred
  • 8-10 years minimum of relevant experience 
  • Must have extensive experience using ZEMAX optical design software
  • Familiarity with optics assembly techniques for space-based optical systems
  • Experience with radiation-hardened optical design
  • Experience with collimation measurement techniques
  • Experience with laser interferometric measurement of wavefront error
  • Experience with radiometric calibration
  • Knowledge of visible and infrared sensor physics and performance limitations
  • Experience with boresight alignment and metrology
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of clearly explain technical issues and ideas to peers, management, and customer representatives

Physical Requirements
Must be able to comprehend and communicate complex technical and engineering concepts. Must be able to remain in a stationary position while operating a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to work and move around in a cleanroom environment, wearing required outer garments including smock/coveralls, shoe covers, mask, hood and gloves. Moves in and around a lab space. Ability to handle high stress levels in connection with multiple conflicting priorities and deadlines. High tolerance for ambiguity and shifting expectations. Strong analytical and organizational skills with ability to prioritize workload.
Disclaimer
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
 

View MSSS Benefits 
MSSS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of any protected status, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to individuals who are unable to use this online system due to a disability.
To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact egomez@msss.com 

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