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Optical Test Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Build R&D breadboards, assemble prototypes, and test and characterize their performance to validate the optical and system design.Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$110K - $143K/yr

Build R&D breadboards, assemble prototypes, and test and characterize their performance to validate the optical and system design. * Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems ...

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All JobsOptical Test Engineer JobsOptical Test Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ

Optical Test Engineer information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$73.9K

$130K

$174.3K

How much do optical test engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical test engineer in Tucson, AZ is $130,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,900.00 and $147,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical test engineer?

An Optical Test Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and conducting tests on optical components and systems to ensure they meet performance and quality standards. They work with lasers, lenses, fiber optics, and imaging devices, using specialized equipment to analyze optical performance. Their role includes troubleshooting issues, optimizing system performance, and documenting test results. Optical Test Engineers often collaborate with design and manufacturing teams to refine processes and improve product reliability.

What does an optical test engineer do?

As an Optical Test Engineer, your daily tasks often include setting up and performing tests on optical components or systems, analyzing measurement data, troubleshooting issues, and preparing detailed reports. You’ll regularly work with advanced optical instruments to verify system performance and might collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to address technical challenges. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with industry standards are also important parts of the job. This role provides a dynamic mix of hands-on technical work and problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those interested in optics and precision engineering.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an optical test engineer?

To thrive as an Optical Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, usually supported by a relevant degree and experience in optical testing. Familiarity with optical test equipment such as interferometers, spectrometers, and software like LabVIEW or MATLAB is highly valuable, and certifications in optics or quality assurance can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help differentiate top performers in this field. Mastery of these technical and interpersonal skills ensures precise testing, reliable product quality, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of Optical Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ?

For Optical Test Engineer jobs in Tucson, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Optical Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Test Engineer job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,272 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Arizona Optical Metrology LLC
Specialized Design Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Arizona Optical Metrology LLCexternal

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

AOM is bringing decades of experience in optical metrology expertise to bear on some of the most demanding optics applications on earth – the fast-growing commercial space telescope industry, extreme precision optics for EUV lithography, and a host of other consumer, research, and industrial technologies that will shape humanity’s future through optics.

We are a fast-growing optics metrology business supporting amazing technology development all around the world.We operate with the pace and feel of a tech startup with the security of a mature technology at its core.It’s challenging, fun, and offers many opportunities to learn and grow for a motivated Optical Engineer.

Our products and services include:

  • Computer Generated Holograms (CGHs) enabling interferometric testing of optical surfaces – aspheres, freeforms, cylinders, conic sections, and many other complex surface shapes and optical systems
  • Mechanics for precise positioning and alignment of CGHs and test optics
  • Development of complete optical test setups for the fast-growing commercial space telescope industry, consumer electronics customers, the semiconductor lithography industry, and many other applications.
Essential Functions
  • Highly skilled in optical modeling in Zemax, including macros and linking extensions
  • Experience withInterferometric optical testing, including test setups, making measurements, and reducing data
  • Comprehension of optical drawings and specifications, and ability to translate these into feasible metrology solutions, including error budget and test uncertainty estimates
  • Proficiency with programming languages Matlab, C, Java, and Python
  • Occasional customer site visits and tradeshow participation to demonstrate use of our products
  • Develop detailed reports and customer-facing documentationfor custom CGH designs
Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess these skills and qualifications:

  • BSin Optical Engineering and 5years'practical experience in related field, or MS with 3 years' experience
  • Proficient in optical design and analysis in Zemax
  • Strong programming skills a plus
  • Hands-on experience setting up and aligning optical systems, making precision measurements with Interferometer, CMM, laser trackers is a plus
  • Understanding of optical surface specification, GD&T, kinematic constraints, and experience putting these ideas into practice is a plus
  • Due to the nature of some of the projects we take on, US Citizenship or Permanent Resident visa (green card) required
Why AOM?

We are a fast-growing optics metrology business supporting amazing technology development all around the world.We operate with the pace and feel of a tech startup with the security of a mature technology at its core.It’s challenging, fun, and offers many opportunities to learn and grow for a motivated Optical Engineer.

Compensation

Competitive salary
Generous benefits package

401kcontribution
Profit sharing

Community

Company lunches, activities, and events

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