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Waveguide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

You will work closely with a cross-functional team of engineers on core waveguide development, holographic waveguide fabrication, and testing of our next-generation augmented reality waveguides. In ...

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

Key Responsibilities This position is responsible for 1) simulating and analyzing waveguide and waveguide stack mechanical and thermal model, 2) collaborating with backend engineers, characterizing ...

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

This position is responsible for 1) simulating and analyzing waveguide and waveguide stack mechanical and thermal model, 2) collaborating with backend engineers, characterizing the experimental ...

Senior CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$123K - $169K/yr

You will develop, maintain and teach others about design methods and best practices, perform spacecraft-level design tasks such as waveguide routing and panel configuration, and manage spacecraft ...

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$124K - $171K/yr

This position is responsible for 1) simulating and analyzing waveguide and waveguide stack mechanical and thermal model, 2) collaborating with backend engineers, characterizing the experimental ...

Install, remove, replace, and maintain microwave antennas, radios, waveguide, coaxial cable, fiber, grounding systems, and associated telecommunications equipment. * Perform microwave antenna ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

You will work with waveguide and waveguide couplers, coaxial cables, and high-voltage power supplies. Work Environment May be a combination of the following but not limited to: * Manufacturing ...

Test Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

You will work with waveguide and waveguide couplers, coaxial cables, and high-voltage power supplies. Work Environment May be a combination of the following but not limited to: * Manufacturing ...

Silicon Photonics Senior Designer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$105K - $113K/yr

You will own waveguide modeling, device design and analysis, and measurement/validation for key photonic building blocks-including high-speed modulators and photodetectors-across our transmit and ...

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Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

In your role, you will use your opto-mechanical skills to develop DigiLens' next-generation waveguide displays and holographic manufacturing technology. This is an exciting opportunity to take your ...

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Waveguide information

What is a waveguide?

Waveguides are structures that direct the flow of electromagnetic waves, such as light or microwaves, from one point to another. They are commonly used in telecommunications, radar, and optical fiber systems to efficiently transmit signals with minimal loss. Waveguides can be made from metal, dielectric, or a combination of materials, and their shape and size are carefully designed to support specific frequencies and modes of propagation. Their main advantage is the ability to control and confine electromagnetic energy, making them essential in high-frequency and optical applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a waveguide engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Waveguide Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, physics, and electromagnetics, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation software like HFSS or CST, experience with vector network analyzers, and knowledge of RF/microwave measurement techniques are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help engineers design reliable systems and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring the optimal design, testing, and implementation of waveguide components in high-frequency communication and radar systems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working as waveguide engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Waveguide engineers often encounter challenges such as precision alignment, managing signal losses, and ensuring compatibility with other optical or RF components. Working with sensitive materials and maintaining strict tolerances requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of physics and engineering principles. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as design, manufacturing, and testing—is common, and effective communication is key to resolving integration issues. Continuous learning and staying updated with industry advancements can help professionals address these challenges successfully.

What is the difference between Waveguide vs RF Engineer?

AspectWaveguideRF Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in waveguide technologyEngineering degree, RF certifications (e.g., FCC, RF certification)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, research centersTelecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace industries
Industry UsageDesign and development of microwave and millimeter-wave systemsDesign, testing, and optimization of radio frequency systems

While waveguides are physical components used to direct microwave signals, RF engineers design and optimize systems that utilize these components. Both roles often overlap in industries like telecommunications and aerospace, but waveguide specialists focus on the hardware, whereas RF engineers work on system-level performance.

What job categories do people searching Waveguide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Waveguide jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Waveguide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Waveguide job openings:

Infographic showing various Waveguide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Optical Engineer

DigiLens Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

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Job description

About the Role

DigiLens is looking for an Optical Engineer to join our engineering team to support both R&D development and New Product Introduction (NPI) engineering activities. You will work closely with a cross-functional team of engineers on core waveguide development, holographic waveguide fabrication, and testing of our next-generation augmented reality waveguides. In addition to mastering many aspects of holographic and digital optics, there will be the potential to advance your career in a vibrant, fast-growing company with room for employees to grow.

Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

  • Build, align, optimize, and debug DigiLens’ waveguide holographic exposure tools for R&D and NPI engineering activities.
  • Perform “hands-on” building, testing, and evaluating of optical breadboard apparatuses to characterize / test / validate optical performance of DigiLens waveguides, or related optical hardware.
  • Work individually, or with DigiLens team members, to conduct optical engineering activities to support the design and development of DigiLens waveguide optical devices and/or other business needs, as directed.
  • Write, maintain, and follow process documentation as needed.
  • Generate clear technical summary reports related to activities, including descriptions, measurement and data extrapolation summaries, to support design, product and process development as needed.
  • Maintain a lab notebook to document and record development activities, including hardware performance, test results, design developments, fabrication instructions, design/process/procedure corrections or improvements, and inventions.
  • Work within cross-functional discipline teams to make DigiLens design concepts a physical reality.

Required Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in optics, physics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • 3 to 5 years of industry experience.
  • Experienced with setup, use, and alignment of optical components and related test equipment.
  • Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software.
  • Strong verbal and written communicator to enable effective problem-solving.
  • A natural team player with excellent cross-functional teamwork skills.
  • Passionate about optical engineering and AR.
  • High energy and drive to work in a startup environment.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Strong background in optical test equipment.
  • Experience with micro display technologies.
  • Familiar with Python, Matlab, Jump, or similar environments.
  • Familiarity/experience with mechanical CAD, 3D printing.

Company Description

DigiLens is a leader in holographic waveguides used for augmented extended reality (XR) and other displays. The company has developed a patented optical platform and photopolymer technology that delivers best-in-class solutions using a unique, low-cost contact-copy manufacturing process. DigiLens enables OEM partners to design and build XR-enabled devices for the global automobile, enterprise, consumer, avionics, and military industries.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.