Optical Scientist Jobs in Arizona

Optical Scientist jobs in Arizona are concentrated in defense optics, aerospace systems, and semiconductor photonics, with steady demand at every level from entry-level lab roles to senior research and systems engineering positions. The Phoenix metro, Tucson, and the Chandler-Tempe corridor are the primary hiring hubs, where established employers like Raytheon Technologies, Honeywell, and the University of Arizona anchor the market. Imaging systems design, laser engineering, and optical sensor development are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Optical Scientist Jobs

Overview

Open roles27
Top employerEyeglassworld
Top cityTucson, AZ
Cities hiring10
Work type100% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 27+ Optical Scientist jobs

America's Best
Sales Associate – Optical - Part Time
We won't show you this job again
America's Best
Added 2d ago
Sales Associate – Optical - Part Time
America's Best
Phoenix, Arizona
Business Operations
Revenue Operations & Enablement
Sales
High school diploma or GED

Have you applied for this role?

Northrop Grumman
Sr Principal Integration and Test Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 4)
We won't show you this job again
Northrop Grumman
Added 2d ago
Sr Principal Integration and Test Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 4)
Northrop Grumman
Chandler, Arizona
Engineering (Non-Software)
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project & Program Management
Software Engineering
$135k - $203k/yr
Master's degree in physics
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Northrop Grumman
Staff Integration and Test Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 5)
We won't show you this job again
Northrop Grumman
Added 2d ago
Staff Integration and Test Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 5)
Northrop Grumman
Chandler, Arizona
Engineering (Non-Software)
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project & Program Management
Software Engineering
$168k - $252k/yr
Master's degree in physics
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

AEG Vision
Optical Consultant
We won't show you this job again
AEG Vision
Added 2d ago
Optical Consultant
AEG Vision
Maricopa, Arizona
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Social Work & Counseling
High school diploma or GED
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

Eyemart Express
Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Sierra Vista, AZ #322
We won't show you this job again
Eyemart Express
Added 3d ago
Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Sierra Vista, AZ #322
Eyemart Express
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Skilled Trades
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

See All 27 Optical Scientist Jobs in Arizona

Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Optical Scientist Jobs

Optical Scientist Jobs by City in Arizona

Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Tucson
9 jobs
Phoenix
6 jobs
Tempe
3 jobs
Chandler
3 jobs
Gilbert
1 job
Glendale
1 job
Goodyear
1 job
Maricopa
1 job
Scottsdale
1 job

Optical Scientist Job Market in Arizona

A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

E
Eyeglassworld6 open roles
AEG Vision
AEG Vision3 open roles
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • Technology & Software
  • Electronics & Hardware
  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals

What Arizona Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in optical scientist jobs across Arizona.

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in optical science, physics, or optical engineering required
  • Hands-on experience with optical system design and analysis tools such as Zemax or Code V
  • Familiarity with laser systems, fiber optics, or electro-optical sensor development
  • Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
  • Experience in laboratory testing, alignment, and characterization of optical components
  • Strong background in imaging systems, wavefront analysis, or interferometry techniques

Optical Scientist Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a optical scientist in Arizona?

Optical science is not a state-licensed profession in Arizona, so there is no state board exam or registration required to work in the role. Most Arizona employers expect at minimum a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a closely related field, with many defense and aerospace employers preferring a master's or doctorate. The University of Arizona's College of Optical Sciences in Tucson is one of the leading programs in the country and is a direct pipeline into Arizona's optics industry.

Which companies hire optical scientists in Arizona?

Arizona optical scientist roles are posted by Eyeglassworld, AEG Vision, and Northrop Grumman and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Arizona's strong defense and aerospace base means many of these employers also require or prefer candidates who can obtain a security clearance.

Which Arizona cities have the most optical scientist jobs?

Tucson, Phoenix, and Tempe have the most optical scientist openings in Arizona. The Phoenix metro and its suburbs like Chandler and Tempe drive volume through large defense contractors and semiconductor firms, while Tucson's concentration reflects the University of Arizona's optics research ecosystem and the Raytheon Technologies campus that has operated there for decades.

Are there remote optical scientist jobs in Arizona?

Yes, but they're rare. Optical science is fundamentally a hands-on discipline involving laboratory equipment, optical benches, and physical prototypes, so most roles require on-site presence. About 0% of optical scientist openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to involve modeling, simulation, or system-level analysis work that can be done without direct access to a lab.

How can I get hired as a optical scientist in Arizona with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through internships or co-op programs tied to Arizona's university pipeline, particularly those offered by Raytheon Technologies and Honeywell, both of which recruit directly from optics and physics programs. Entry-level roles are often titled optical engineer, photonics technician, or lab associate. Candidates who have completed coursework at the University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences, assembled a senior design project portfolio, or earned an optics-related certification will stand out to Arizona employers over those with a general physics background alone.

Where can I find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Arizona?

You can find and apply to optical scientist jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.

See All 27 Optical Scientist Jobs in Arizona

Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Optical Scientist Jobs