1

Phd Electrical Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Memory Circuit Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related discipline. Technical Experience: * Design, characterization, and verification of custom ...

PhD Engineer (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote micro1 is engaging PhD-level Engineers in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical disciplines to contribute to a ...

Packaging Module Development Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$127K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics / Applied Physics, or a related field; OR * Master's degree in mechanical engineering, Materials Science ...

Yield Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical or related engineering STEM field with 6+ months of experience The experience mentioned above should be in the ...

Packaging Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical or related engineering STEM field with 6+ months of experience The experience mentioned above should be in the ...

Yield Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$127K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum Qualifications: • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics/Applied Physics, or a related field with 3+ years of experience or PhD in ...

Showing results 21-40

Phd Electrical Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$47.1K

$103.5K

$156.6K

How much do phd electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd electrical engineer in Arizona is $103,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,300.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a PhD electrical engineer do?

A PhD Electrical Engineer conducts advanced research, designs, and develops electrical systems or components, often pushing the boundaries of technology. They may work in academia, leading research projects and teaching, or in industry, developing innovative solutions for complex engineering problems. Their expertise is critical in areas like communications, power systems, electronics, and signal processing. PhD-level engineers also contribute to scientific publications and may secure patents for new inventions.

What is the difference between Phd Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPhd Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Electrical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsDesign, development, and testing in industry or construction
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, high-tech companiesManufacturers, utility companies, consulting firms

The main difference between a Phd Electrical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer lies in their education level and typical work environment. A Phd Electrical Engineer usually holds a doctoral degree and focuses on research, development, and advanced problem-solving, often in academia or R&D. In contrast, an Electrical Engineer typically has a bachelor's or master's degree and works on practical design, implementation, and maintenance in industry settings.

What are some common challenges faced by PhD electrical engineers when transitioning from academia to industry roles?

PhD Electrical Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to faster-paced project timelines, aligning research expertise with immediate business needs, and working within multidisciplinary teams. Unlike academic environments that may prioritize theoretical advances, industry roles usually focus on practical applications, product development, and measurable outcomes. Building strong communication skills and learning to collaborate with professionals from non-engineering backgrounds can help ease this transition and foster career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD electrical engineer?

To thrive as a PhD Electrical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in electrical engineering principles, research methodologies, and a doctoral degree in the field. Proficiency with simulation software (such as MATLAB or SPICE), programming languages, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with experience in publishing academic research. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you excel in both collaborative and independent research environments. These abilities are crucial for driving innovation, advancing technology, and contributing valuable insights in both academic and industry settings.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Electrical Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Electrical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Phd Electrical Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,524 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Sr. Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$136K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to support the Electro-Optics (EO) Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
This is a key lead role in supporting the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). The role will coordinate multi-disciplinary team efforts to integrate and test development/flight hardware, ensuring performance at the subassembly and seeker system level. Responsibilities include leading the integration and testing of hardware, characterizing and evaluating performance, developing the seeker test suite, maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment, and capturing representative data to support physics-based model development. The selected candidate should excel in a fast-paced environment with diverse assignments and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead multidisciplinary teams in the integration and testing of electro-optical subsystems, ensuring top-tier system performance at the subassembly and seeker system levels.
  • Develop, author, and review comprehensive test plans, procedures, and test cases based on detailed system requirements and design specifications.
  • Oversee the integration of hardware, software, and firmware, ensuring interoperability and adherence to project timelines and technical objectives.
  • Execute and troubleshoot complex test procedures, analyze data, and verify that systems and components meet or exceed performance and design requirements.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers; facilitate team training and technical growth.
  • Champion root cause analysis and corrective action processes, driving continuous improvement, reliability, and quality.
  • Prepare, review, and present detailed test reports, summarizing observations, test configurations, and key results for program stakeholders.
  • Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and environments, ensuring readiness and accuracy for all test activities.
  • Collaborate closely with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to ensure alignment of testing strategy with program milestones and customer expectations.
  • Ensure all testing activities comply with organizational, safety, and government standards.
  • Drive continuous technical learning, staying up to date on emerging optical engineering best practices, tools, and methodologies.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 6 years of experience; or a PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application.
  • Demonstrated experience with EO imaging systems (visible to LWIR), including optical design, alignment, and test.
  • Proven experience in maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability in integration and test environments
  • Proficiency with free-space alignment tools (autocollimators, theodolites, laser systems, FTIR) and hands-on integration of complex hardware.
  • Familiarity with the development of custom optical test equipment and developing pathfinder procedures for the use of the equipment
  • Managing and maintaining optical laboratory spaces, including oversight of equipment, inventory, and safety protocols.
  • Skilled at implementing and enforcing laboratory best practices to maintain high standards of cleanliness and operational efficiency.
  • Practical knowledge of root cause and corrective action (RCCA) methodologies.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as lead and motivate cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Extensive experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or high-reliability EO applications.
  • Familiarity with DoD missile defense programs and associated technical standards.
  • Expertise in EO system technologies including optical design, tolerancing, error budgets, opto-mechanics, and focal plane arrays.
  • Hands-on experience with radiometric measurements, use of spectroradiometers, cameras, and detectors.
  • Proficiency with optical design/analysis software (Zemax, Code V, FRED).
  • CAD experience (SolidWorks, NX, or Creo) for test fixture and experimental layout design.
  • Working knowledge of LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar data acquisition and analysis tools.
  • In-depth understanding of cleanroom environments, procedures, and contamination controls required for precision optical integration and testing.
  • Demonstrated leadership in technical project delivery and mentoring teams.

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