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Optical Design Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Optical Design information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$76.6K

$136.6K

How much do optical design jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design in Tucson, AZ is $134,921.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,200.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Designer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering or science degree. Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V, and knowledge of CAD systems are commonly required, with certifications in these tools considered advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and refining complex designs. These skills ensure the creation of precise, innovative optical systems that meet stringent performance and quality standards.

What are some common challenges faced by optical design engineers in project development?

Optical design engineers often face challenges such as balancing performance requirements with cost and manufacturability, ensuring tolerance to environmental factors, and integrating optics with mechanical and electronic systems. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams is essential, as changes in one component can impact the entire system's performance. Staying updated with the latest simulation and modeling tools also helps address these challenges efficiently.

What is optical design?

Optical design is the process of creating systems and components that manipulate light, such as lenses, mirrors, and optical instruments. Professionals in this field use principles of physics and engineering to design devices like cameras, microscopes, telescopes, and fiber optic systems. They often use specialized software to model how light will travel through different materials and configurations, optimizing for factors like image quality and efficiency. Optical designers work in industries ranging from consumer electronics to healthcare and aerospace.

What is the difference between Optical Design vs Optical Engineering?

AspectOptical DesignOptical Engineering
CredentialsDegree in optics, physics, or engineeringDegree in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, simulation toolsManufacturing, testing labs, integration environments
Industry UsageDeveloping lens systems, optical componentsImplementing, testing, and maintaining optical systems
Search/Comparison IntentFocus on designing optical systemsFocus on applying and optimizing optical systems

Optical Design involves creating and simulating optical systems and components, primarily focusing on the conceptual and detailed design phase. Optical Engineering extends this work into implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world applications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus within the optical development process.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Design jobs in Tucson, AZ? For Optical Design jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design jobs in Tucson, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design jobs in Tucson, AZ are:
Infographic showing various Optical Design job openings in Tucson, AZ as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,921 per year, or $64.9 per hour.
Principal Electro-Optical Integration & Test Engineer

Principal Electro-Optical Integration & Test Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$131.40K - $160.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-05-13
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (External Site)
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling - to help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression. With more than 100 years of engineering excellence, we solve complex, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
The Effectors Optics Department is seeking a Principal Electro-Optical Integration & Test Engineer to join a multidisciplinary team supporting development, qualification, and production of advanced EO systems. This role focuses on imaging sensor subsystems, hardware integration, verification, and production transition across a diverse portfolio of EO products. This position is central to the successful integration and validation of electro-optical systems. It bridges optics, electronics, mechanical, and software disciplines to ensure subsystems function cohesively, performance requirements are verified, and hardware transitions efficiently from development to production.
What You Will Do
  • Lead optical and electro-mechanical alignment and verification of EO imaging subsystems.
  • Integrate detectors, optics, electronics, and firmware into functioning hardware assemblies.
  • Develop and execute system-level test plans for development and production programs.
  • Design and implement automated test processes and data acquisition tools.
  • Analyze test data and develop models to support performance verification and root-cause investigations.
  • Design and maintain EO subsystem test fixtures and support equipment.
  • Troubleshoot hardware issues at the component and system level.
  • Support production activities including documentation, process improvements, and yield enhancement.
  • Participate in technical reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years' experience.
  • Experience in electro-optical systems, imaging systems, system integration, or hardware test.
  • Experience with system-level integration and verification of complex hardware.
  • Experience with test data analysis and interpretation.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Advanced degree in Optics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related STEM discipline.
  • Experience with imaging systems (IR, visible, or multi-spectral).
  • Experience integrating EO hardware and embedded electronics.
  • Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++ for data analysis and test automation.
  • Experience developing automated test scripts and data acquisition systems.
  • Hands-on experience with laboratory measurement equipment and environmental test setups.
  • Experience supporting products transitioning from development to production.

What We Offer
  • Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation assistance available.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. 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 requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
  • This position requires security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

LI-TR1
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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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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