Engineering Technician Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Arizona
Arizona's engineering technician jobs are concentrated in the Greater Phoenix metro, with major employers like Intel, Raytheon, and Honeywell Aerospace sponsoring foreign nationals across semiconductor fabrication, defense systems, and avionics. Tucson's defense and optics industries add another pocket of demand, particularly at companies like L3Harris and Northrop Grumman.
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Posting Number req27449
Department Steward Observatory
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of Research Engineering Optical Fabrication Technician I. The Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab is a one-of-a-kind facility that produces telescope mirrors from 3m to 8.4m in diameter that are used in telescopes around the world. This entry-level position supports the hands-on operation of mirror grinding and polishing equipment, measurement instruments, and transport equipment used during mirror fabrication.
You will work with a team during a 12-hour overnight shift from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Set up, operate, and maintain optical fabrication equipment, including a Large Optical Generator (LOG) and a Large Polishing Machine (LPM), under direct supervision by following established procedures, safety standards, and production requirements.
- Assemble, align, and test optical components and systems according to experimental specifications and laboratory protocols.
- Troubleshoot optical setups, identify sources of error, and implement corrective actions to maintain experimental reliability.
- Support the movement and handling of mirrors throughout the lab using an air cart within inches of fixed obstacles.
- Work with a team to collect measurements and data to evaluate mirrors' conformance to scientists' and engineers' specifications, including HREP, SCOTS, Test Plate, and Laser Tracker measurements.
- Maintain operational records by documenting machine runs, measurements, machine parameters, and results of runs and notes in logbooks, spreadsheets, and daily reports according to department standards.
- Learn and apply laboratory safety procedures, equipment operating requirements, and technical processes related to optical fabrication and large-scale mirror production.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Ability to acquire and apply basic knowledge of job content, practices, and procedures.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:
- Frequently lifts, moves, and transports equipment, tools, and materials associated with large-scale mirror fabrication processes (up to 50 lbs.) as required.
- Works in a manufacturing and laboratory environment where noise levels may require raised voices or hearing protection.
- Works in proximity to grinding, polishing, measurement, and transport equipment, as well as moving mechanical parts, electrical equipment, elevated work areas, and chemicals used in fabrication processes.
- May have skin or airborne exposure to oils, lubricants, cutting fluids, and other materials used in optical fabrication operations.
- Follow established safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
- Requires weekend night shift work, Thursday through Saturday, 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM.
- This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using shop tools and using them safely around glass.
- Experience using electronic measuring devices and test equipment used on and around glass.
- Experience using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Adobe software.
FLSA Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $20.33 - $25.41
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 5
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level OC1
Job Family Research Engineering
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Contact Information for Candidates
Chip Ragan
RFC Mirror Lab Manager
cragan@arizona.edu
Open Date 10/27/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
Engineering Technician Job Roles in Arizona
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Search Engineering Technician Jobs in ArizonaEngineering Technician Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for engineering technicians in Arizona?
Intel's Chandler and Ocotillo campuses are among the most active sponsors for engineering technicians in Arizona, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing. Raytheon and Honeywell Aerospace regularly sponsor technician roles in the Phoenix area for avionics and defense systems work. In Tucson, L3Harris and Northrop Grumman hire engineering technicians supporting optical systems and military programs. Sponsorship activity tends to follow project cycles and production expansions at these facilities.
Which visa types are most common for engineering technician roles in Arizona?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for engineering technicians in Arizona when the role qualifies as a specialty occupation, meaning it requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field. Some positions, particularly in defense, may also be filled through the TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals under the USMCA. Engineering technician roles that involve hands-on support without a degree requirement typically do not qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship, so the specific job duties and educational requirements matter significantly.
How to find engineering technician visa sponsorship jobs in Arizona?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find engineering technician roles in Arizona where employers are actively open to visa sponsorship. You can filter specifically to Arizona and the engineering technician category to see current listings from companies in Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, and Tucson. Rather than sifting through broad job boards where sponsorship information is often missing or unclear, Migrate Mate surfaces roles where sponsorship is already part of the employer's hiring profile.
Which cities in Arizona have the most engineering technician sponsorship jobs?
The Greater Phoenix metro, including Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, and Scottsdale, concentrates the largest share of engineering technician sponsorship activity in Arizona, driven by the semiconductor, aerospace, and defense industries. Chandler in particular has seen significant growth tied to Intel's manufacturing investments. Tucson is the second major hub, with engineering technician demand anchored in defense optics, unmanned systems, and military contracting. Smaller pockets exist in Peoria and Gilbert tied to advanced manufacturing facilities.
Are there state-specific considerations for engineering technicians seeking sponsorship in Arizona?
Arizona's engineering technician hiring is heavily tied to defense clearance requirements at major employers like Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, and sponsored foreign nationals may face eligibility restrictions for roles requiring U.S. security clearances. Arizona State University and the University of Arizona produce engineering graduates who flow into local technician pipelines, making the state competitive for entry-level sponsored roles. Employers in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly around Chandler, tend to have established immigration infrastructure given the international nature of that industry's workforce.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored engineering technician jobs in Arizona?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.