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Sr Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gamma Scientific

CA · On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems and instruments. Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration ...

Gamma Scientific

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems and instruments. Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA

$151K - $195K/yr

  • Retirement

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 ...

Alcon MX

Sr. Optical Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$102.85 - $133.10/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Senior Optical Engineer** team member. This role is part of Alcon's Engineering function, a team focused on improving quality, processes, products, packaging and materials across our business to help ...

LLNL

Senior Optical Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

  • Retirement

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

  • Retirement

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 ...

Alcon

Sr. Optical Engineer

Belmont, CA · On-site

$156K - $202K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Sr. Associate, Optical Engineering (Science/Tech/Engineering Path), is primarily responsible for contributing to the design, testing, and analysis of optical systems by supporting research on ...

Muon Space

Senior Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$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

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

$150K - $194K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Raytheon Technologies

Senior Optical Engineer (Onsite)

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Not Required Senior Optical Engineer (Onsite) At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world ...

Leidos

Senior Optical Engineer

Rancho Santa Fe, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

KLA Corporation

Senior Optical Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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

Chula Vista, CA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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All JobsSr Optical Engineer JobsSr Optical Engineer Jobs in California

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.

Senior Optical Engineer

Gamma Scientific

CA • On-site

$128K - $166K/yr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Gamma Scientific, with over 60 years of experience, is a leader in developing commercial light measurement instruments trusted by some of the world’s top organizations. Our systems are built for 24/7 operation on production floors and feature advanced real-time measurement and analysis capabilities. Offering versatile configurations, our solutions cover a broad spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared and can be customized for unique testing needs. Additionally, our ISO 17025-compliant, NVLAP-accredited laboratory provides ENERGY STAR® lighting and LM-79 testing services.


Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Senior Optical Engineer role based in San Diego County, CA. The Senior Optical Engineer will be responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems and instruments. Day-to-day tasks include optical design, systems development, laser integration, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project requirements. The role also involves troubleshooting and solving complex design challenges while ensuring compliance with industry standards.


Qualifications

  • Proficiency in Optical Design and Optical Engineering
  • Strong knowledge of Laser technologies and related applications
  • Experience in Systems Design, including development and integration
  • Solid understanding of Physics principles relevant to optoelectronic systems
  • Proficiency with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, or similar)
  • Experience with lab instrumentation and measurement techniques is a plus
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

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