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Optical Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ

$102K - $135K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY ... The Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) business segment of VIAVI leverages its core ...

Showing results 21-40

Optical Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Arizona is $133,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,200.00 and $155,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What Does an Optical Engineer Do?

An optical engineer oversees the scientific application of optics and light in an industrial, research, or manufacturing setting. As an optical engineering professional, your responsibilities include the design of instruments and products that rely on optics, from space telescopes to DVD players. You also may work in research and development to create new technologies and applications for optical science. Your specific duties and the level of education you need varies depending on the field in which you work

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

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Optical Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer jobs in AZ? For Optical Engineer jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,829 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Raytheon 2026 EO Optical Systems Engineer I (Onsite)

Raytheon

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-30

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-9070 ~ 9070 S Rita Rd ~ 9070 BLDG

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 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. 

The Electro-Optics (EO) department is responsible for requirements decomposition, detailed design and production support of the EO Sensors/Seekers, including the detectors, cryogenic systems, and structures making up the sensor/seeker subsystems. The multi-disciplined department includes engineers that may be responsible for the following: Designing, modeling/analyzing, and verifying optical components within a sensor/seeker designing the structures that hold the optics, including any mechanisms needed to move optics, as well as the cryogenic systems used to cool and maintain the temperature of EO detectors. Relaying critical detector interface and performance requirements to detector suppliers and verifying requirements are met. Utilize many different engineering discipline skills to assemble, test and verify optical, electrical, and mechanical components as they are built up into the sensor/seeker subsystem

What You Will Do:

  • Participate as mentee and Individual Contributor supporting program activities.
  • Optical alignment/testing of optics assemblies.
  • EO modeling, simulation, and analysis applications.
  • Requirements development, requirement validation, and subsystem trade studies.
  • Design of optical and opto-mechanical seeker systems and/or test fixtures for missiles.
  • Working with engineering and production personnel to troubleshoot and provide root cause and corrective action to design and process issues.
  • Support production related activities in the assembly and documentation of electro-optical subsystems.
  • Troubleshooting hardware and process issues down to CCA and component levels
  • Resolution of issues on production lines and in testing (including suppliers)
  • Failure analysis / root cause determination and corrective action implementation 


Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained prior to start.
  • Experience with Electro-Optical subsystems.
  • 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.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard. 3.0 cumulative GPA desired.
  • Ability to develop and present technical briefings.
  • Experience in troubleshooting investigations and processes
  • Experience with test equipment, test automation scripting, test conduction, sensor control

What We Offer:

  • 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.

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. 

Clearance Information: This position requires a 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

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 57,200 USD - 108,800 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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