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Optics Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

West Point Optical

Optician/Optical Specialist

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

The basic function of the Optician is to attract and retain patients by delivering an exceptional patient experience, foster patient retention, and promote outstanding doctor satisfaction. MAJOR ...

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Fiber Optic Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$60 - $350/day

Splice and test fiber optics. * Install and mount network equipment, wall plates, and related hardware * Test completed installations to ensure quality and proper operation * Maintain a clean ...

American Vision Partners

Optician

Surprise, AZ

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Overview As an Optician, customer service is priority one! You'll assist patients with selecting and ordering eyewear, adjustments and fittings, and educating on proper eyeglass and contact lens care.

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Optics information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$82.4K

$142.6K

$167.3K

How much do optics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics 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 optics?

Optics jobs involve working with the science and technology of light, including its generation, manipulation, transmission, and detection. Professionals in this field may work as optical engineers, technicians, or researchers, designing lenses, lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems for applications in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense. These roles often require a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering, and they can be found in both research and practical, hands-on settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and optical engineering, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), laser systems, and photonics instrumentation is commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and conveying technical information. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative optical systems, ensuring precision, and meeting project requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in optics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optics often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, ensuring precision in measurements and alignments, and troubleshooting complex optical systems. To address these issues, it's important to stay current through continued education, collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Many optics roles also emphasize hands-on experience and the ability to adapt to new tools or software, so proactive learning and effective communication are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Optics vs Optical Technician?

AspectOpticsOptical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, optics, or related fieldOften requires a certificate or associate degree in optical technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, academiaOptical labs, manufacturing facilities, retail optical stores
Industry UsageResearch, development, manufacturing of optical devicesAssembly, testing, and fitting of optical instruments and eyewear

Optics generally refers to the scientific study and development of light and optical systems, often requiring advanced education. Optical Technicians focus on assembling, testing, and maintaining optical devices, typically with technical certifications. While both roles work within the optical industry, Optics is more research-oriented, whereas Optical Technicians are more hands-on in manufacturing and service environments.

What is a job in optics?

A job in optics involves designing, testing, and manufacturing optical devices such as lenses, microscopes, and lasers. Professionals in this field often work in research labs or manufacturing environments and may require knowledge of physics, engineering, and specialized tools like optical software or measurement instruments.

What jobs use optics?

Jobs that use optics include optical engineers, laser technicians, and photonics scientists, who design, develop, and test optical systems and devices. These roles often require knowledge of optics principles, precision measurement tools, and sometimes certifications in laser safety or optical design software. They are common in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, medical devices, and defense.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What are popular job titles related to Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

For Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Optics jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Optics jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Optics job openings:

Optics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,593 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Advanced Optics / Test Technician

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc

Scottsdale, AZ • On-site

$31.14 - $33.40/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 245 rated software companies

Job description

Basic Qualifications
Associate's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience is required plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities for this Position
Imagine building your career by developing the solutions that support the mission of our nation's service members, intelligence analysts and first responders. That's the challenge that's waiting for you at General Dynamics Mission Systems. Here you have the opportunity to redefine innovation and excellence for the world. Are you ready? Then make a career move that makes an impact at General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Using your expertise, the Advanced RF/Optics Technician will provide hands-on support on the installation and/or repair of systems to restricted customers, users or company personnel, either at domestic or international field sites. We'll count on you to perform a variety of equipment/process operations involving an application or technical skills in a specific area (optical, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, etc.). You'll interpret complex engineering drawings, diagrams and schematics to understand the necessary interfaces.
  • Position: Optical Test Technician - Rydberg Sensor Data Collection
    Required Qualifications
    • Associate degree in electronics, photonics, engineering technology, physics, or a related technical discipline; equivalent hands-on laboratory and test experience may be considered.
    • 3+ years of hands-on experience performing RF/Optical test and measurement in a laboratory, production, or field-test environment.
    • Proficiency operating RF/Optical instrumentation, including vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes, attenuators, couplers, and RF switching equipment.
    • Working understanding of RF/Optical propagation, phase, frequency response, calibration, impedance matching, cable/connector care, and measurement uncertainty.
    • Experience setting up and documenting repeatable RF measurement configurations, including baseline/reference measurements and controlled test conditions.
    • Hands-on experience working safely with laboratory lasers and familiarity with laser safety practices, controlled areas, protective eyewear, beam-path awareness, and alignment procedures.
    • Experience with fiber-optic components, including fiber coupling, connectors, patch cables, collimators, polarization-sensitive components, and proper fiber inspection/cleaning practices.
    • Experience aligning free-space optical paths, including mirrors, lenses, beam steering, focusing, and verification of optical alignment through an experimental cell or test fixture.
    • Ability to follow detailed test procedures precisely, recognize anomalous measurements, troubleshoot setup issues, and escalate equipment or safety concerns appropriately.
    • Strong data-collection discipline: accurately record test configuration, frequency settings, environmental conditions, specimen state, instrument settings, calibration status, and run metadata.
    • Comfortable working with large experimental data sets and basic data tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Python, or automated test-data collection software.
    • Ability to handle and document test articles in accordance with site safety, security, and chain-of-custody procedures.
    • Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, researchers, and other technicians.

    Preferred Qualifications
    • Experience with atomic, quantum, photonic, vapor-cell, electro-optic, or laser spectroscopy test systems.
    • Familiarity with cesium vapor cells, electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), Rydberg-atom sensing, or related optical/RF measurement methods.
    • Experience using Toptica laser systems or comparable tunable diode-laser equipment.
    • Experience developing or improving automated test setups using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, SCPI, or instrument-control software.
    • Familiarity with machine-learning data collection requirements, including class labeling, data integrity checks, balanced experimental conditions, and reproducibility.
    • Experience supporting experiments that compare empty and material-filled enclosures or perform low-frequency penetration and phase-delay measurements.
    • Prior work in regulated, controlled, government, defense, or research laboratory environments.

    Physical and Safety Requirements
    • Ability to work in a laboratory environment and wear required laser, electrical, and general laboratory personal protective equipment.
    • Ability to perform careful bench work involving small optical and RF components.
    • Ability to move or position test fixtures, instruments, and boxed test articles within normal laboratory lifting limits.
    • Willingness to complete required laser-safety, electrical-safety, RF-safety, and site-security training before independent operation.

Salary Note
This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
Combined Salary Range
USD $31.14 - USD $33.40 /Hr.
Company Overview
General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!
Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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