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Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Electrical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$131.40K - $160.70K/yr

PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ... Use software tools, simulations, and analytical techniques to assess electrical design performance ...

$63.80K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ... Modeling and simulation professional theories, concepts, principles, techniques, and practices of ...

$63.80K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and ... Modeling and simulation professional theories, concepts, principles, techniques, and practices of ...

FPGA Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$122.90K - $157.90K/yr

... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor ... simulation, andplace and route. Designs are verified against requirements using both directed test ...

FPGA Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$122.90K - $157.90K/yr

... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor ... simulation, andplace and route. Designs are verified against requirements using both directed test ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

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

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

What are the main challenges an Optical Simulation Engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

What is an Optical Simulation Engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What is the difference between Optical Simulation Engineer vs Optical Design Engineer?

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Optical Simulation Engineer job openings:
Sr. Systems Engineer - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Sr. Systems Engineer - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$98.80K - $135.20K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-04-14
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805
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 Systems Effectors: Processing, Guidance & Control Center is responsible for algorithm development including Guidance, Navigation, and Control; radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical/infrared (EO-IR) Signal Processing (SP); and missile- and sensor-level Modeling and Simulation for Raytheon's broad portfolio of projects, programs, and products. In the GNC department, we design, integrate, and optimize effector guidance, tracking, navigation, and estimation algorithms to meet mission objectives. We support new business initiatives and help develop & execute technology roadmaps.
The Effectors PG&C Center is currently hiring for a Sr. Systems Engineer - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer position in Tucson, AZ to support execution of the portfolio of current and upcoming missile programs. As a Sr. Systems Engineer - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer, you will play a critical role in helping with the evaluation, design, implementation, and integration of embedded software algorithms. You will collaborate with a team of engineers in an integrated product team that will be responsible for tactical embedded software, firmware, and integrated flight software 6 Degrees-of-Freedom simulations to achieve overall system performance requirements. This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.
What You Will Do
  • Development, integration, and testing of embedded tactical missile flight code
  • Definition and execution of system level performance studies and analyses to inform the development and integration of new capabilities, refinement of existing capability, or to address obsolescence
  • Work within an agile framework to lead development of backlogs, plans, and metrics
  • Provide experience and guidance to help the program train new engineers and execute efficiently and effectively
  • Support missile performance analysis including model development, system optimization, and Monte Carlo assessments with expected system disturbances.

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 5 years prior relevant experience
  • GNC, Signal Processing, and/or Modeling / Simulation experience
  • Engineering experience in missile system applications to include at least one of the following:
    • Digital and/or modern control systems
    • Dynamics
    • Kalman filter design
    • Monte Carlo analysis
    • Development and/or simulation of physical systems
    • Signal processing
    • Verification and validation
    • System-level performance assessments
    • GPS/INS navigation systems, sensors, and algorithms
    • Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) systems, sensors, and algorithms for navigation in GPS-degraded environments
  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, C++, and/or Object-Oriented design
  • Experience with GNC and/or Signal Processing algorithms within a simulation or physical environment
  • Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment
  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Active and current Secret or above level Security Clearance
  • Advanced Degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree with 5 or more years of GNC, Signal Processing, and/or Modeling / Simulation experience
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal leadership regarding matters of importance
  • Ability to balance multiple concurrent priorities with overlapping deadline in an Agile environment
  • Experience with and demonstrable achievement in systems engineering principals with regards to product development

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.
  • Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position

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.
  • This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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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