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Optical Systems Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...

Senior Software Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $152K/yr

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of Defense ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$130K - $165K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Systems Engineer to join our team designing, building, and testing electro-optic mechanical stabilized systems. The Systems Engineer will execute multiple ...

Senior Embedded Software Engineer II Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space domain and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) challenges for Department of ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Systems Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$77.3K

$133.8K

$157K

How much do optical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical systems 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 an optical systems engineer?

Optical Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems that use light, such as cameras, telescopes, lasers, and fiber optic communication devices. They apply principles of optics, physics, and engineering to create solutions for imaging, sensing, and transmitting information. Their work often involves selecting components, modeling optical performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to integrate optical technologies into larger systems. Optical Systems Engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

What types of projects and teams do optical systems engineers typically work with, and how does collaboration factor into daily responsibilities?

Optical Systems Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and manufacturing specialists. Their daily responsibilities usually involve designing, testing, and optimizing optical components or systems, such as lenses, lasers, or imaging devices. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as they must integrate optical solutions with other engineering domains and ensure all system requirements are met. Collaborative problem-solving and regular cross-functional meetings are common, making strong interpersonal skills valuable in this role.

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

AspectOptical Systems EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; often certifications in optical designBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in optical design software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments, often cross-disciplinary teamsDesign studios, R&D labs, manufacturing, focused on optical component and system design
Employer & Industry UsageOptical, aerospace, defense, telecommunications, imaging industriesOptical, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, medical devices

Optical Systems Engineers focus on integrating optical components into complete systems, ensuring functionality and performance. Optical Design Engineers primarily develop and optimize individual optical components and assemblies. Both roles require strong optical knowledge, but their focus differs from system integration to component design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical systems engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Systems Engineer, you need strong knowledge in optics, physics, and engineering principles, 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 measurement instruments is often required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and solving complex problems. These skills and qualifications ensure precise system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in the development of advanced optical technologies.
What are popular job titles related to Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona? For Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Systems Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
Infographic showing various Optical Systems Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,829 per year, or $64.3 per hour.

Electro Optical Software Product Manager

Keysight Technologies, Inc.

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Keysight Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 156 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Overview

Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

You Are:

You are a visionary and technically savvy product leader with a deep understanding of optical and electro-optical systems. With a background in physics, electrical engineering, optics, or optical engineering, you have hands-on experience designing and manufacturing electro-optical devices and thrive at the intersection of technology and market needs. You are passionate about translating complex customer requirements into actionable product feature plans for R&D and excel at collaborating with cross-functional teams, including software developers, marketing, and sales. Your knowledge of EM solver software (including FDTD, RCWA, and beam propagation tools) is complemented by your ability to grasp emerging trends in AI, solid modeling, and photonics.

You are comfortable engaging with customers, gathering feedback, and participating in industry events to keep your finger on the pulse of market evolution. You are equally adept at crafting technical marketing materials and supporting the sales process as you are at guiding agile software development cycles. Your communication skills are top-notch, enabling you to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, and you thrive in a fast-paced, global environment. Travel excites you as an opportunity to build relationships and champion Keysight’s optical solutions worldwide. Your curiosity, adaptability, and drive for continuous learning make you a valued team member and a catalyst for innovation.


Responsibilities
  • Co-author and review technical marketing materials, including product descriptions, competitive analyses, ads, white papers, and web content for the Optical Design Engineering team.
  • Participate in industry events and conferences to represent Keysight and stay current with optical technology trends.
  • Engage in strategic product planning, requirements generation, and roadmap development in close collaboration with R&D teams.
  • Support agile software development activities, including planning meetings, bug triage, test prioritization, and feature acceptance testing.
  • Manage alpha and beta programs by recruiting users, collecting feedback, and synthesizing results to shape future product releases.
  • Work with external partners—such as glass manufacturers, model providers, and embedded catalog vendors—to enhance product capabilities.
  • Analyze and validate product packaging and pricing through customer feedback and competitive intelligence.
  • Support sales, distributors, and customer engagements through on-site visits, tradeshows, user group meetings, and technical presentations.
  • Contribute to professional development by attending technical sessions, taking relevant courses, and building strong team relationships.
The Impact You Will Have:
  • Drive the evolution of Keysight’s optical design software portfolio, ensuring alignment with industry needs and technological advancements.
  • Empower customers to innovate in areas such as sensors, transceivers, lasers and photonic integrated circuits by delivering best-in-class design solutions.
  • Enhance Keysight’s market leadership through effective product positioning, compelling marketing, and robust customer engagement.
  • Accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge simulation and modeling tools within the photonics and optics community.
  • Facilitate seamless collaboration between R&D, sales, and marketing, leading to successful product launches and customer satisfaction.
  • Strengthen Keysight’s global presence by representing the company at key industry events and building strategic partnerships.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the Optical Design Engineering team.

Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Qualifications:
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, Optical Engineering, or a related discipline with emphasis on electro-optics.
  • Proven experience using EM solver software (e.g., FDTD, RCWA, diffraction-based, beam propagation tools) for EO device design.
  • Background as an optical, electrical, or systems engineer in the design and manufacture of electro-optical devices (sensors, transceivers, lasers, PICs, etc.).
  • Demonstrated ability to translate customer needs into product features and specifications.
  • Hands-on experience collaborating with software development teams to define and communicate product requirements and use cases.
  • Familiarity with AI systems, solid modeling, and photonics tools is a plus.
  • Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally for customer engagement, tradeshows, and team meetings.
Who You Are:
  • Excellent communicator—able to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in cross-functional, multicultural environments.
  • Strategic thinker with a customer-centric mindset and strong analytical skills.
  • Resourceful, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Curious, adaptable, and committed to continuous professional growth.
  • Comfortable networking and building relationships across industry and academia.
The Team You’ll Be a Part Of:

You’ll join the Optical Design Engineering (ODE) team, a dynamic team of physicists, engineers, product managers, and software developers dedicated to advancing the state-of-the-art in photonics and optical design. The team’s core mission is to deliver innovative simulation and modeling tools that empower engineers and researchers to push the boundaries of what’s possible in optical technology. Collaboration, learning, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills. 

California  pay range: MIN $145,970 - MAX $243,280

Note: 

This role is eligible for our Keysight Results Bonus Program 

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement
Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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