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Weekend Optical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Rivet Industries

Optical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Optical Engineer Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131 Compensation*: $175,000-$250,000 USD + benefits Role Description: We are seeking a motivated Optical Engineer to ...

AEI-CIG

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $200K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking an Optical Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of optical transceiver products for high-speed optical communication systems. The candidate ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development of custom illumination and sensing components. Bachelor's in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Physics, or relevant field of ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Working extended hours and weekends as needed * Note that an active clearance may provide the ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Working extended hours and weekends as needed * Note that an active clearance may provide the ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$130K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... Working extended hours and weekends as needed * Note that an active clearance may provide the ...

Gamma Scientific

CA

$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 ...

New

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$152K - $197K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$159K - $206K/yr

As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical instruments ...

Aeva, Inc.

Optical Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$132K - $179K/yr

Aeva is looking to bring on an Optical Engineer to join our dynamic, fast-paced, and highly innovative environment. The position will contribute to the design, development, and testing of complex ...

Gamma Scientific

Senior Optical Engineer

San Diego, CA

$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 ...

New

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

The team is looking for an Optical Engineer to work on the development of custom illumination and sensing components.","responsibilities":"Simulate, optimize and tolerance the performance of complex ...

Ephemeris Net

Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$160K - $250K/yr

The Role We are looking for an Optical Engineer to own the design, build, test, and flight of the optical systems that move data through the Ephemeris Net network, including coherent optical ...

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $200K/yr

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Apple

Optical Engineer

Cupertino, CA

$147K - $272K/yr

Description As an optical engineer focused on novel instrumentations, you will be responsible for designing and developing industry leading optical instruments for metrology systems. These optical ...

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Weekend Optical Engineer information

What is the difference between Weekend Optical Engineer vs Part-Time Optical Technician?

AspectWeekend Optical EngineerPart-Time Optical Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in optics, physics, or engineering; relevant certificationsHigh school diploma or associate degree; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentOptical labs, research facilities, or manufacturing plants, primarily on weekendsOptical retail stores, labs, or clinics, often in retail hours
Employer & IndustryOptical manufacturing companies, research institutionsOptical retail stores, healthcare providers
Work ScheduleWeekend shifts, part-time hours, project-basedPart-time, flexible hours, often weekends or evenings

The Weekend Optical Engineer typically requires a higher level of technical education and works in specialized environments like labs or manufacturing facilities. In contrast, the Part-Time Optical Technician often works in retail or healthcare settings with more flexible hours. Both roles may involve optical device handling but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

Are optical engineers in demand?

Optical engineers are in demand due to their expertise in designing and developing optical systems for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field requires strong technical skills, knowledge of optics and photonics, and often a relevant degree or certification, with employment opportunities expected to grow as technology advances.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Weekend Optical Engineer jobs in California? For Weekend Optical Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Weekend Optical Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Weekend Optical Engineer jobs in California are:
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Weekend Optical Engineer jobs near you

Optical Engineer

Rivet Industries

San Jose, CA • On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Rivet
Rivet is an American company building integrated task systems - fusing hardened hardware with software, sensors, AI, and networking - for industrial workforces and defense personnel. We create capabilities that multiply the effectiveness of every individual and withstand the world's toughest environments.
We serve the people who build, operate, maintain, and defend our way of life. From technicians and engineers to first responders and service members, they embody the hard work, ingenuity, and meritocratic values that drive Western prosperity. Yet too often they are forced to rely on outdated tools that fail under modern pressures. Rivet exists to reset that priority.
At Rivet, you'll join a mission-driven team that fuses disciplines to deliver decisive outcomes where they matter most. Whether shaping our technology, strengthening our partnerships, or building our culture, every role here contributes to equipping the front lines with the modern systems they deserve.
EOE
Work Authorization Requirement: Due to the nature of our business and compliance with federal regulations, all candidates must be a "U.S. Person". Upon hire, you will be required to provide documentation verifying your status as a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Role: Optical Engineer
Location: 2550 N First Street Suite 250, San Jose, California 95131
Compensation*: $175,000-$250,000 USD + benefits
Role Description: We are seeking a motivated Optical Engineer to join our Augmented Reality (AR) hardware team and take a key role in the design, simulation, prototyping, and testing of advanced optical systems for near-eye displays and sensing. You will work closely with industrial designers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and perception teams to bring next-generation augmented reality products from concept to production.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the optical design and analysis of near-eye display (NED) subsystems, including waveguides, projectors, lenses, illumination, and imaging optics.
  • Develop and maintain optical models using tools such as Zemax, Code V, LightTools, or equivalent.
  • Define optical performance requirements and flow them down to component and subsystem specifications.
  • Drive laboratory setup, alignment, and characterization of optical prototypes.
  • Document optical designs, test procedures, and experimental results.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and perception teams to integrate optical modules into systems.
  • Interface with external suppliers on technology evaluation and component selection (microdisplays, waveguides, lenses, coatings, light sources).
  • Contribute to design reviews and continuous improvement of optical architectures.

Role Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Strong foundation in geometric optics, physical optics, display and imaging metrics.
  • Proficiency with at least one optical design tool (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn in a fast-paced start-up environment. Ability to manage projects independently.
  • Ability to communicate clearly across disciplines and contribute to system-level trade studies.
  • Must be a US Person (citizen or permanent resident).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience in optics, display, or photonics.
  • Knowledge of microdisplay-based systems (LCOS, OLED, microLED).
  • Demonstrated experience in near-eye display technologies (AR, VR, and MR) and optics
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for data analysis and modeling.

*Total compensation may vary within this range and is determined by years and level of relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and other factors. In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for equity grants and other forms of compensation. Eligible employees also receive a competitive benefits package, including unlimited PTO.

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