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Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Viavi Solutions

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ... Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of ...

Viavi Solutions

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ

$102K - $135K/yr

The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ... Create detailed mechanical engineering drawings and layouts, ensuring proper application of ...

Nacho Offroad Technology

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

PCB & Optical Integration: Work closely with electrical engineers to integrate custom PCBs, wiring ... Strong proficiency in 3D CAD design (SolidWorks) and practical application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5). * ...

Posted today

TSMC

Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

... Optical Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. * * Technical Skills: * Ability to design and execute experiments and interpret complex data. * Understanding and application of ...

TSMC

Photomask Process/Equipment Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... Optical Science, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. * * Technical Skills: * Ability to design and execute experiments and interpret complex data. * Understanding and application of ...

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All JobsOptical Application Engineer JobsOptical Application Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Optical Application Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$50.1K

$109.9K

$150.9K

How much do optical application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical application engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $109,914.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $134,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical application engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Application Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and relevant industry standards is essential. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you translate customer requirements into practical solutions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering innovative optical solutions that meet technical specifications and client needs.

What is an optical application engineer?

An Optical Application Engineer is a professional who specializes in designing, developing, and supporting optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, for various applications. They work closely with clients to understand technical requirements and provide solutions that meet specific optical performance needs. Their responsibilities often include testing prototypes, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with engineering and sales teams to ensure successful product integration. Optical Application Engineers play a crucial role in industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, imaging, and manufacturing.

How does an optical application engineer typically collaborate with product development teams to deliver client solutions?

Optical Application Engineers often work closely with product development teams by translating client requirements into technical specifications, participating in design reviews, and troubleshooting integration challenges. They serve as a vital bridge between customers and internal engineering, ensuring that optical systems meet performance criteria and application needs. Frequent collaboration includes providing feedback on prototypes, suggesting design modifications, and supporting testing and validation processes. This teamwork helps ensure that final products align with both technical standards and client expectations.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Application Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Optical Application Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Application Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Application Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

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

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

Optical Application Engineer jobs near you

Principal Optical Engineer - 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 539 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary seeker engineering team responsible for optical design, analysis, integration, and test of development and flight hardware. The role is centered on optical engineering for imaging and sensing systems (visible through LWIR), with an emphasis on how opto-mechanical design and environments drive optical performance.
Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications (e.g., refractive/reflective optics, relay optics, athermalized systems, objective lenses).
  • Perform optical performance analyses (e.g., wavefront error, MTF, line-of-sight (LOS) stability, boresight, sensitivity, and tolerancing) across expected environmental and operational conditions.
  • Develop and maintain optical error budgets, including contributions from alignment, manufacturing tolerances, thermal and structural effects, and line-of-sight stability.
  • Perform Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysis in collaboration with structural and thermal analysts to ensure optical performance is maintained through the full mission profile.
  • Define optical requirements and allocate tolerances at the system, subsystem, and component levels; flow requirements to optomechanical design and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate closely with opto-mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure that optical designs are realizable, producible, and testable.
  • Guide and review the development of optomechanical designs (mounts, cells, structures) that support optical alignment, stability, and environmental robustness.
  • Develop and review parametric 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and associated documentation that fully capture opto-mechanical requirements and constraints.
  • Support and sometimes lead laboratory and environmental test activities, including optical alignment, calibration, performance verification, and correlation of analysis to test (vibration, thermal, shock, etc.).
  • Participate in design reviews (internal and customer), presenting optical design concepts, analyses, error budgets, and test results to stakeholders.
  • Assist with troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates for prototype and production hardware when optical performance issues are identified.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience; or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • Active U.S. Government - Secret security clearance at time of application.
  • Demonstrated experience with optical systems used in imaging, sensing, or seeker applications (may include internships, projects, or early-career roles).
  • Experience with optical performance analysis and an understanding of how structural and thermal environments affect imaging quality and line of sight (e.g., STOP/SILOS concepts).
  • Proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or equivalent) for design, analysis, and tolerancing.
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, SolidWorks) to interface effectively with opto-mechanical designs; ANSYS Mechanical experience preferred.
  • Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more spectral bands (e.g., visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills for complex optical/optomechanical challenges in a project environment.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to generate clear documentation and present optical design/analysis results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on optical systems.
  • Previous experience with DoD missile defense or seeker programs, including familiarity with performance verification frameworks, environmental qualification, and flight test correlation.
  • Hands-on experience with STOP and SILOS modeling workflows and integration of structural/thermal results with optical design tools.
  • Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high-reliability, environmentally challenging electro-optical applications.
  • Previous experience or knowledge of DoD missile defense programs and associated standards.
  • Deep experience with EO systems, including optical design, analysis and tolerancing, stray-light control, error budgets, radiometric budgets, opto-mechanical design, and focal plane technologies.
  • Proficiency with optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, and mechanical/optomechanical CAD tools such as NX and SolidWorks.
  • Experience planning and executing optical and environmental test campaigns and correlating measured optical performance to predictive analyses.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,400.00
The 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

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