1

Optical Simulation Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$75K - $102K/yr

... simulations, and ensuring our products withstand the harshest off-road conditions imaginable. If ... PCB & Optical Integration: Work closely with electrical engineers to integrate custom PCBs, wiring ...

Automation Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Develop hardware control software for telescopes, gimbals, weather sensors, and optical bench ... CI/CD, hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulation environments, and release management.Build, lead ...

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$87K - $130K/yr

Familiarity with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic ... optical applications (academic or internship). Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs/SoCs.

FPGA Digital Engineer - 2

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$87K - $130K/yr

Familiarity with simulation tools (Questa/ModelSim) or basic hardware debugging tools (logic ... optical applications (academic or internship). Familiarity with AMD Xilinx Versal FPGAs/SoCs.

Showing results 21-40

Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$82.4K

$142.6K

$167.3K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Phoenix, AZ is $142,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $128,100.00 and $165,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Phoenix, AZ?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

Northrop Grumman

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Sr.

Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as a technical leader on the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Responsibilities include the design, development, verification, and implementation of image processing algorithms, highfidelity simulation tools, and physicsbased models supporting seeker development and flight test.

The team develops and maintains highfidelity 6DOF simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds/maintains the seeker test suite. The selected candidate will lead complex modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs in a fastpaced, teamoriented environment. Responsibilities Lead development of high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed loop 6DOF) for design, performance assessment, and flight test support.

Coordinate and oversee the efforts of team members to ensure timely completion of models and algorithm development in alignment with the program schedule. Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework, conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness. Apply EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics concepts to create realistic models of seeker hardware, scenes, and flight environments, including use of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar)

Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in high performance computing (HPC) environments. Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute M&S activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches. Support HWIL, lab, and real time test activities, correlating simulation predictions with test/flight data and leading root cause analysis and model updates.

Provide technical leadership and briefings to internal and external stakeholders, including participation in design and readiness reviews. Mentor early career and mid-level engineers and drive continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management. Promote continuous improvement in coding standards, configuration management, and verification practices within the M&S team.

Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree and 6 years of related experience; or PhD and 4 years of related experience. Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope

Experience with video/image processing algorithms such as background/noise estimation, target detection, false alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, search/object localization, discrimination algorithms, and sensor control. Professional experience of coordinating and leading teams in efforts to deliver models and development of algorithm solutions for EO/IR or seekerrelated systems in alignment with program requirements and milestones. Experience with image and signal processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++ and either MATLAB or Python.

Demonstrated expertise in physical optical systems simulation and scene generation, knowledge of EO IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles. Experience developing and executing simulations in highperformance computing (HPC) environments. Proven ability to independently tackle complex technical problems, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline. Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope

Experience serving as a technical lead or task lead for modeling and simulation on missile, hypersonic, or other highreliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards. Previous experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks. Familiarity with hardware/software integration and modeling physicsbased or realtime systems, including HWIL environments.

Proficiency in: C/C++ development and Linux environments, MATLAB and Python analysis and prototyping toolchains, Software change/configuration management tools, processes, and realtime programming practices Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene generation tools. Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance on HPCs (e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing). Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $202,600.00 The 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.


What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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