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Optical Engineer Jobs in Yuma, AZ (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Civil Engineer

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$99K/yr

Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of ... as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR * Combination of education and ...

Bureau of Reclamation

Civil Engineer

Yuma, AZ · On-site +1

$99K - $127K/yr

Engineering Analysis: Performs engineering analyses to include performing and coordinating ... as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR * Combination of education and ...

Bureau of Reclamation

Civil Engineer

Yuma, AZ · On-site +1

$71K - $103K/yr

Engineering Analysis: Performs conventional and routine engineering analyses assignments associated ... as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR * Combination of education and ...

US Department of the Interior

Civil Engineer

Yuma, AZ · On-site

$71K/yr

This position is a Civil Engineer , GS- 0810-7/9 working in Yuma, Arizona for the LCB 3401 - Lower ... as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR * Combination of education and ...

MP NEXLEVEL LLC

FIBER SPLICER TECHNICIAN

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Perform fiber optic fusion splicing on loose tube, ribbon, and high-density fiber optic cables ... engineering documents, test results, and as-built documentation. * Coordinate with the Foreman ...

MP Nexlevel

FIBER SPLICER TECHNICIAN

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Perform fiber optic fusion splicing on loose tube, ribbon, and high-density fiber optic cables ... engineering documents, test results, and as-built documentation. * Coordinate with the Foreman ...

Turner Mining Group

Senior Mining Engineer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Mining Engineer plays a vital part in leading and supporting the engineering and survey teams. The successful candidate will drive the development ...

Turner Mining Group

Senior Mining Engineer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Mining Engineer plays a vital part in leading and supporting the engineering and survey teams. The successful candidate will drive the development ...

Turner Mining Group

Senior Mining Engineer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Mining Engineer plays a vital part in leading and supporting the engineering and survey teams. The successful candidate will drive the development ...

Western Mesquite Mines

Sr. Mine Engineer

Brawley, CA · On-site

$111K - $153K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Senior Mining Engineer plays a vital part in leading and supporting the engineering and survey teams. The successful candidate will drive the development ...

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All JobsOptical Engineer JobsOptical Engineer Jobs in Yuma, AZ

Optical Engineer information

See Yuma, AZ salary details

$82.1K

$142.1K

$166.7K

How much do optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical engineer in Yuma, AZ is $142,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,700.00 and $165,300.00 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 cities near Yuma, AZ are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?

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

Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings in Yuma, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $142,109 per year, or $68.3 per hour.

Civil Engineer

Yuma, AZ • On-site

US Department of the Interior
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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$99K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

This position is a Civil Engineer, GS- 0810-11/12 working in Yuma, Arizona for the LCB 3401 - Lower Colorado Basin- YAO.
Qualifications:Only experience and education obtained by 09/07/2026 will be considered.
In order to qualify for this position you must possess both the Basic Requirement and Minimum Qualification.
Basic Requirement:
  1. Basic Requirements: Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR
  2. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:-- Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.- Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.- Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.- Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)
In addition to meeting the educational requirements above, your resume must clearly reflect ALL of the experience (or education for the GS-11) listed below. You must be clear and concise in describing your experience - HR will not make assumptions.
GS-11: To qualify for the GS-11, your resume must reflect one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-09 level performing all of the following duties:
  1. Planning, scheduling, coordinating and conducting engineering facility examinations, reviews, and/or inspections which include conducting condition assessments and transfer inspections
  2. Identifying future needs for the asset investment, such as extraordinary maintenance and rehabilitation, and project management planning
  3. Experience supporting the implementation and administration of a variety of assigned contracts, including construction contracts, service contracts, and interagency agreements
OR
  1. Have 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.
OR
  1. A combination of education and experience as described in 1 and 2 above which together equals 100% of the requirement
GS-12: To qualify for the GS-12, your resume must reflect one year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-11 level performing all of the following duties:
  1. Providing professional engineering experience developing project scope of work and cost estimates, overseeing field construction activities, review of technical documents, drawings and specifications, and coordination with project stakeholders and contractors OR
  2. Experience in reviewing technical documentation, performing engineering investigations and analysis, inspecting industrial systems or facilities, writing technical reports, and coordinating repairs to industrial systems or facilities

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).Employment Type: OTHER

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