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Phd Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Principal Optical Engineer - 3

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Preferred Qualifications MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on optical systems. Previous experience with DoD missile defense or seeker programs ...

Senior AI/ML & IVR Engineer GCP

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Bachelor's degree (minimum), Master's or PhD preferred, in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field * 7+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering, cloud platforms, and IVR/conversational ...

Sr. Managing Engineer ADAS/AV (MS/PhD)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

About Exponent Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent ...

Showing results 21-40

Phd Engineer information

What is a PhD engineer?

A PhD Engineer is an individual who has completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in an engineering discipline. This advanced degree signifies deep expertise in a specialized area of engineering, often involving original research and the completion of a dissertation. PhD Engineers typically work in academia, research and development, or advanced industry roles where they contribute to scientific innovation and technological advancements. Their work often includes conducting research, publishing scholarly articles, and mentoring students or junior engineers.

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

To thrive as a PhD Engineer, you need advanced expertise in engineering principles, research methodology, and problem-solving, typically supported by a doctoral degree in an engineering discipline. Familiarity with specialized technical tools, modeling software, data analysis platforms, and sometimes professional certifications are commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, innovation, and strong communication skills set top PhD Engineers apart in collaborative and research-driven environments. These competencies are vital for driving technological advancements, publishing impactful research, and leading complex engineering projects.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities for a PhD engineer in an industrial setting?

PhD Engineers in industry often start in research and development roles, where they apply their advanced technical expertise to solve complex problems. Over time, they may progress into senior scientist or technical lead positions, and can also transition into management roles such as R&D manager or director. Career growth is often driven by demonstrated innovation, successful project leadership, and strong collaboration skills. Additionally, PhD Engineers frequently have opportunities to shape company strategy, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to patent portfolios.

What is the difference between Phd Engineer vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd EngineerResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsPhD in Engineering or related fieldPhD in relevant scientific discipline
Work EnvironmentIndustry labs, R&D departments, manufacturingAcademic labs, research institutions, industry R&D
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing firms, engineering firmsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Phd Engineers and Research Scientists hold doctoral degrees and work in research-intensive environments. Phd Engineers typically focus on applied engineering projects within industry, while Research Scientists often work on fundamental scientific research in academic or government settings. The choice depends on whether you prefer industry application or scientific exploration.

Is a Phd engineer useful in engineering?

A PhD engineer brings advanced technical expertise, research skills, and problem-solving abilities to engineering projects. They are often involved in innovation, development, and complex analysis, making them valuable for specialized roles, research positions, and leadership in technical fields.

What jobs can I get with a Phd engineer?

A PhD in engineering qualifies individuals for advanced roles such as research scientist, university professor, R&D engineer, or technical consultant. These positions often require strong analytical skills, expertise in specialized tools or software, and may involve project management or collaboration in innovative environments.

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Phd Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Phd Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Phd Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Systems Engineer- MBSE Level 3/4

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU)
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

$122K - $184K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be available

Clearance Required for Start: No

Clearance Type: None

Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Responsibilities

User Experience, Documentation Owner, Core Systems Engineering.

User Experience

Execute Digital Engineering:

  • Develop new capabilities within the descriptive model to ensure programs can utilize the descriptive model to drive their engineering.
  • Coach programs on the use of the descriptive model.
  • Assist the users of our products to definitively know they have successfully completed a task to the necessary level of fidelity for the program phase.
  • Strive for continuous improvement/efficiencies in the approach.
Drive Intuitive Methodology
  • Scope and align the digital engineering capabilities with the engineering tasks being performed by the programs (i.e. perform Requirement Analyses rather than create a Requirement Diagram).
  • Drive adoption of using task-based templates.
  • Develop navigation diagrams to enable users to maintain their situational awareness.
  • Fewest "clicks", "searches", etc. to add/ update their content. (Smart packages that contain work templates, libraries, etc.)
Lead Usability Studies
  • Collaborate with Customers and Product Owners to study user experiences, and monitor usability, to further improve both tool and program experiences.
Documentation Owner

Manage Documentation.

  • Identify the scope of releases and approve all additions/modifications to Documentation solutions.
  • Review and confirm that all added or modified capabilities are well-formed, documented and follow template criteria.
  • Perform document releases, as needed. Inclusive of updating the Revision History for completeness.
Core Systems Engineering
  • Manage systems engineering activities, work products, and team dynamics using agile/scrum methodologies.
  • Perform requirement decomposition analyses.
  • Support System Architecture development, including Interface Management.
  • Interface with program management, engineering staff and external customers.
  • Prepare and present materials at program major milestone meetings.
Salary

Level 3: $98,400 - $147,600

Level 4: $122,800 - $184,200

QualificationsBasic Qualifications - Level 3
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance.
  • Work onsite at the Chandler, AZ facility.
Basic Qualifications - Level 4
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience, or a PhD and 4 years of experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Ability to obtain Secret Security Clearance.
  • Work onsite at the Chandler, AZ facility.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Agile Framework, Jira, Confluence, creating Video Tutorials (Screen recordings).
  • MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler.
  • Systems Modeling Language (SysML).
  • Experience with Multi-Disciplinary Automation & Optimization (MDAO).
  • ModelCenter, DOORS, HTML, Python, and/or JavaScript.
  • Experience teaching/coaching adults.
  • ASEP (Associate Systems Engineering Professional) or CSEP (Certified Systems Engineering Professional) INCOSE Certification.
Benefits

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and other benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.

EEO Statement

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.

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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