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Director Optical Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Director Optical Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$82.4K

$142.6K

$167.3K

How much do director optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for director optical engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $142,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,100.00 and $165,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectDirector Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in optics, physics, or engineering; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in R&D, product development, managing teamsDesign, testing, and development of optical systems
Industry UsageStrategic oversight, project management, cross-department coordinationHands-on technical work, prototype development, testing

The main difference is that a Director Optical Engineer focuses on strategic leadership, team management, and project oversight, while an Optical Engineer is primarily involved in technical design and development tasks. The director role requires more experience and leadership skills, whereas the optical engineer role emphasizes technical expertise and hands-on work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Director Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Director Optical Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Optical Engineer job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $142,593 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Staff Integration and Test Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 5)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systemsis searching for a Staff Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 5) to be part of our Integration and Test team in Launch Systems, at our Chandler, AZ facility. This position will be 100% on-site in Chandler. Relocation assistance is not available.

Job Responsibilities

The candidate will serve as an Integration and Test Staff Electrical Engineer for one of our key programs, requiring the candidate to function in adynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Daily responsibilities may require direct contactwithLaunch Systems flight hardware and electrical ground support equipment.Specific duties may include:

  • Developing and maintaining a strong technical understanding of seeker systems to aid in identification and troubleshooting of potential issues and ensuring all requirements flowed from the customer's statement of scope are addressed.

  • Leading/directing/performing hands-on electrical testing of EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.

  • Developing/maintaining EO/IR assembly and test procedures for launch vehicle systems (sensors, imaging optics, etc) and electronic ground support equipment.

  • Incorporating hardware and/or software design changes.

  • Documenting & dispositioning hardwarediscrepancies, pursuing root cause & corrective actions.

  • Coordinating and scheduling day-to-day integration and test activities across engineering disciplines by communicating with lead engineers; leading and participating in daily status meetings.

  • Leading, training, tasking cross-functional engineers and team members.

  • Transferring knowledge to less experienced I&T engineers.

  • Asserting producibility and testability concepts into early design phases.

  • Overseeing all I&T bay and cleanroom activities to ensure compliance with safety standards, Launch Systems procedures, processes, and command media.

  • Ensuring special test equipment is maintained, calibrated, and ready for use.

Basic Qualifications

  • Minimum Education / Experience: 12 Years with Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or qualifying discipline; 10 Years with Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or qualifying discipline.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

  • Understanding/Experience with EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.

  • Experience with cleanroom operations ISO-6, ISO-7.

  • Hands-on electrical testing and diagnostic experience.

  • Understanding of Space Environment test requirements - thermal vacuum, cycle testing, vibe and shock testing, etc.

  • Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, high voltage systems, and laser systems.

  • Experiencewithaerospace standards/guidelines.

  • Experience with documenting & dispositioning hardwarediscrepancies, and pursuing root cause & corrective actions.

  • Experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform.

  • Experience leading/training junior engineers and/or team members.

  • Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10-20%.

Your Distinct Strengths:

  • Ability to innovate and lead digital transformation efforts.

  • Ability to independently resolve problems and drive all tasks to completion.

  • Ability to work at a fast pace, while multi-tasking, and still communicate effectively.

  • Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Electro-Optical Engineering or Physics.

  • Active U.S. Government security clearance of Secret or above.

  • Experience with relevant seeker con-ops and performance needs.

  • Experience with optical imaging systems ranging from the visible to LWIR spectrum.

  • Extensive understanding/experience with EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.

  • Former/current EE lead on other LV programs, or other similar programs.

  • Extensive understanding of Space Environment test requirements - thermal vacuum, cycle testing, vibe and shock testing, etc.

  • Extensive experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems.

  • Extensive experiencewithaerospace standards/guidelines.

  • Experience performing formal requirements decomposition and/or verification.

  • Experience with external customer interfacing including meetings, presentations & negotiations.

  • Extensive experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform.

We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Primary Level Salary Range: $168,200.00 - $252,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939