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Optical Engineer Jobs in Gilbert, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Viavi Solutions

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 ...

Viavi Solutions

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 ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Gilbert, AZ

Optical Engineer information

See Gilbert, AZ salary details

$80.4K

$139.1K

$163.3K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Gilbert, AZ is $139,140.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $125,000.00 and $161,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical engineer?

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 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.

Are optical engineers in high demand?

Optical engineers are in high demand due to advancements in fields like telecommunications, medical devices, and defense technology. They often require strong skills in optics, laser systems, and CAD software, with employment opportunities growing as industries increasingly rely on optical technologies.

How much do optical engineers make?

Optical engineers in California typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and specific industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in optics design, laser systems, or photonics may offer higher salaries and additional benefits.
More about Optical Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Gilbert, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $139,140 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Staff Optomechanical Engineer - 5

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$152K - $229K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE 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 Systems is looking for a Staff Optomechanical 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 design, integration, and testing of development and flight hardware. The role focuses on the mechanical design and analysis of optical assemblies and structures, ensuring robust performance in demanding flight and environmental conditions.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead or contribute to the mechanical design of optical assemblies, mounts, and structures for imaging and sensing systems.
  • PerformStructural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysisto ensure system performance over expected environmental and operational conditions.
  • Develop complex 3D CAD models, detailed part/assembly drawings, and associated documentation.
  • Work collaboratively with optical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineering teams to refine requirements and ensure design feasibility and producibility.
  • Support environmental test planning, execution, and correlation of analysis with test results (vibration, thermal, shock, etc.).
  • Serve as a reviewer in design reviews and present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates for prototype and production hardware.
  • Assist with the development and maintenance of error budgets related to optomechanical performance and line-of-sight stability

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 10 years of experience; or a PhD and 8 years of experience.
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearanceat time of application, current and within scope.
  • Substantial experience with opto-mechanical or precision electro-mechanical design, analysis, and integration.
  • Demonstrated skill in structural and thermal analysis methods and their impact on optical performance (e.g., STOP/SILOS concepts); ANSYS preferred.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, SolidWorks);NX preferred.
  • Knowledge of configuring parametric CAD models in support of Design of Experiment (DOE).
  • Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more bands (e.g., visible through LWIR) and the impacts of optical component mounting and alignment.
  • Expertise in relevant industry standards (such as ISO, MIL-STD)
  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills, including the ability to generate clear documentation and present design/analysis results.
  • Experience with presenting detailed and concise technical content to program leadership and customer leadership/SMEs

Preferred Qualifications

  • MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
  • Hands-on experience with STOP and SILOS modeling workflows and integration with optical design tools.
  • Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high-reliability, environmentally challenging applications.
  • Previous experience with DoD missile defense programs and associated standards
  • Experience with EO systems including tolerance analysis, precision alignment, error budgets, and opto-mechanical design/integration.
  • Experience configuring parametric CAD models for thermal/structural analysis in support of DOE, with statistical analysis performed using tools such as JMP.
  • Experience with optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, and FRED.
  • Experience supporting hardware test campaigns and correlating analysis to measured performance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00The 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

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