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Infrared Detector Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience with principles of Focal Plane Array assembly, infrared detector technology and ... Proficiency in engineering computing, including MATLAB, Python or other related languages

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our detector team ... This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche ...

Sr. FPA Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as Senior FPA Test Engineer! Are you ready to launch your career to ... Strong expertise in infrared detector performance and FPA test methodologies * Experience with test ...

We are seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Process Engineer to join our detector team ... This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche ...

Quality Engineer

Montgomeryville, PA

$70K - $91K/yr

Interface with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure transfer to Production of new or ... Experience with Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC), Infrared Detector Assemblies, and Hybrid ...

Sr. FPA Test Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join Teledyne Imaging Sensors as Senior FPA Test Engineer! Are you ready to launch your career to ... Strong expertise in infrared detector performance and FPA test methodologies * Experience with test ...

Wafer Fab Equipment Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$113K - $151K/yr

... of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness ... The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing hands-on ...

Quality Engineer

Montgomeryville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Interface with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure transfer to Production of new or ... Experience with Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC), Infrared Detector Assemblies, and Hybrid ...

... of infrared detector devices. The role focuses on improving OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness ... The Equipment Engineer will be a liaison between process and maintenance providing handson ...

Quality Engineer

Montgomeryville, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Interface with Engineering, Procurement, and Operations to ensure transfer to Production of new or ... Experience with Read Out Integrated Circuits (ROIC), Infrared Detector Assemblies, and Hybrid ...

Detector Process Intern

Santa Barbara, CA

$19 - $24.75/hr

This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche ... Perform fabrication processes; troubleshoot and resolve process problems w/process engineering lead

Detector Process Intern

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

This role is essential in fabrication of infrared focal plane arrays, especially infrared avalanche ... Perform fabrication processes; troubleshoot and resolve process problems w/process engineering lead

Device Scientist

Goleta, CA · On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

Collaborate with process engineers, research technicians, and test engineers to participate in ... S Citizen Desired Background • Finite element modeling • Infrared detector technology • ...

Collaborate with process engineers, research technicians, and test engineers to participate in ... S Citizen Desired Background Finite element modeling Infrared detector technology Statistical ...

Showing results 21-40

Infrared Detector Engineer information

See salary details

$46K

$116.3K

$207.5K

How much do infrared detector engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for infrared detector engineer in the United States is $116,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an infrared detector engineer?

Infrared Detector Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain sensors and systems that detect infrared radiation. Their work enables technologies like night vision, thermal imaging, and spectroscopy used in industries such as defense, aerospace, medical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. These engineers typically have backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or materials science and work with advanced materials and electronics to improve detector performance. They may also be involved in troubleshooting, calibration, and integration of infrared detectors into larger systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an infrared detector engineer?

To thrive as an Infrared Detector Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, often with an advanced degree and experience in semiconductor device fabrication. Familiarity with simulation software, cleanroom processes, and characterization tools such as spectrometers and cryogenic systems is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing detector performance, ensuring precision in research, and meeting project goals in high-tech environments.

What are some common challenges faced by infrared detector engineers when integrating detectors into larger systems?

Infrared Detector Engineers often encounter challenges related to thermal management, signal noise, and compatibility when integrating detectors into larger systems. Ensuring that the detector operates within optimal temperature ranges while minimizing interference from surrounding electronics requires careful design and testing. Additionally, engineers must collaborate closely with systems engineers and software developers to ensure seamless data acquisition and processing. Addressing these challenges often involves iterative prototyping, detailed simulations, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

What is the difference between Infrared Detector Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectInfrared Detector EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; experience with IR sensorsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of optics and photonics
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign studios, labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageDefense, aerospace, night vision, thermal imagingConsumer electronics, telecommunications, imaging systems

Infrared Detector Engineers focus on developing and optimizing IR sensors and detectors, primarily for thermal imaging and night vision applications. Optical Engineers work on designing and improving optical systems, including lenses and photonics components, often for imaging and communication devices. While both roles require a strong background in physics and optics, Infrared Detector Engineers specialize in IR-specific technologies, whereas Optical Engineers have a broader focus on light manipulation and system integration.

What are popular job titles related to Infrared Detector Engineer jobs?

For Infrared Detector Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Infrared Detector Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,311 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Focal Plane Process Engineer

Goleta, CA • On-site

Raytheon
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-26

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-GOLETA-B01 ~ 6825 Cortona Dr ~ BLDG B01

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

Raytheon Vision Systems (RVS) is a world leader in the research, design, and manufacturing of focal plane arrays and flight-based vision systems. Our Focal Plane Operations Process Engineering department provides world class semiconductor and focal plane array manufacturing processes in support of production and development products. We have an opportunity for a talented Focal Plane Process Engineer with a background in Semiconductor Fabrication.

The Focal Plane Process Engineering department at RVS supports semiconductor fabrication of challenging Electro-Optical applications in the Space, Tactical, Airborne, and Emerging markets. Process Engineer to support and maintain Infrared Focal Plane Manufacturing. This position is to maintain and develop precision alignment, assembly, and machining processes to produce semiconductor chip stacks used in the manufacture of Infrared Focal Plane Arrays. Raytheon is manufacturing some of the world’s largest and most advanced Focal Plane Arrays and these products lead to unique requirements in flip chip bonding which will be developed and documented as part of this position.

Raytheon Vision Systems is a cross functional organization, and the ideal candidate will have breadth of knowledge in the disciplines of Mechanical Engineering, Semiconductor Process Engineering, Process control, Precision Alignment and Materials Science.

What You Will Do

  • Managing process development and improvement projects, including novel processing techniques, yield increase, throughput, and safety improvements
  • Responsible for reviewing material in WIP, certifying operators, dispositioning out of flow material, and hands on processing of novel detector designs
  • Providing Process Ownership of flip chip bonding, diamond point turning, precision alignment, or optical coatings
  • Developing requirements and qualification plans for new equipment procurements.
  • Work in a cleanroom environment will full coverall garments.

Qualifications You Must Have  

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience in Process or Manufacturing Engineer in an Optics, Electro-Optics, Semiconductor, Fabrication and/or Microelectronics environment.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with principles of Focal Plane Array assembly, infrared detector technology and semiconductor physics
  • Project management experience
  • Knowledge of statistical process control and design of experiments
  • Equipment and controls system experience
  • Expert level knowledge of semiconductor processing equipment, methods, and processes
  • Familiarity with a cleanroom work environment (Class 100)
  • Experience with industrial manufacturing equipment
  • Proficiency in engineering computing, including MATLAB, Python or other related languages
  • Experience with compound semiconductors, small pitch interconnects, aerospace epoxies and Infrared Optical Coatings
  • Ability to collaborate well with other engineering disciplines is essential, as well as the ability to be an effective verbal and written communicator.

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.
  • Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

This position is an onsite role – Goleta, CA:

Visit RVS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zixvFAC2kA

Explore Raytheon in Goleta: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-goleta-ca-location

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As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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