Edmund Optics Tucson Jobs: 20 New Optics & Photonics Careers Hiring Now
Published May 18, 2026 | TucsonHIRED Team
Edmund Optics, a leading global supplier of optics, imaging, and photonics technology, is adding 20 new jobs in Tucson as part of the region's recent six-company expansion. For optical engineers, technicians, and precision manufacturing professionals, Edmund Optics represents one of the most established names in Tucson's growing optics and photonics cluster — an industry the Chamber of Southern Arizona identifies as one of the region's core growth sectors.
This article is part of our coverage of Tucson's 285-job economic development push, which spans aerospace, mining, optics, manufacturing, and distribution.
Why Tucson Is a Global Optics & Photonics Hub
Tucson is widely recognized as "Optics Valley" — one of the most concentrated optics and photonics ecosystems in the world. The region is home to:
- The University of Arizona's Wyant College of Optical Sciences — the top-ranked optics program in the United States, producing hundreds of trained optical professionals every year
- Steward Observatory and the Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab — producing the world's largest telescope mirrors
- More than 150 optics and photonics companies operating across the Tucson metro
- A deep supplier network supporting astronomy, defense, semiconductor, medical, and consumer optics applications
For Edmund Optics, locating in Tucson means immediate access to a workforce already trained in precision optics design, manufacturing, and metrology — talent that's hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Edmund Optics' Existing Tucson Footprint
Edmund Optics currently employs 35 people in Tucson and operates two facilities in the area. The company previously opened a 21,225-square-foot assembly and advanced design facility on East Elvira Road near Tucson International Airport, which created approximately 50 technology jobs including engineers, technicians, and skilled assembly workers.
Their Tucson operations support advanced design efforts and high-volume manufacturing services, including clean-room assembly, inspection, and testing for both commercial and defense applications. The new 20-job expansion builds directly on this foundation.
Roles Edmund Optics Is Hiring in Tucson
🔬 Optical Engineers
Optical engineers designing lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, and complete optical assemblies. Bachelor's or master's degree in optical sciences, physics, or related field typically required. Experience with Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design software strongly preferred.
⚙️ Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineers
Manufacturing engineers and mechanical engineers supporting production processes, tooling design, and process improvement across optical assembly lines.
🔧 Optical Technicians
Skilled optical technicians handling lens grinding, polishing, coating, assembly, and metrology. Prior precision optics or precision manufacturing experience strongly preferred — though Tucson's training pipeline means strong candidates without direct optics experience can be developed on the job.
📦 Manufacturing Specialists & Clean-Room Assembly
Assembly technicians and manufacturing specialists working in clean-room environments on precision optical components and subassemblies. Comfort with detailed, microscope-aided work and strong manual dexterity required.
✅ Quality Assurance & Metrology
Quality assurance specialists and metrology technicians using interferometers, spectrophotometers, and other precision measurement equipment to verify optical performance to spec.
What Optics Industry Pay Looks Like in Tucson
Optics and photonics roles command premium wages in Tucson's specialized market:
- Entry-level optical engineers: $70,000 – $90,000 annually
- Mid-career optical engineers (5–10 years): $95,000 – $135,000 annually
- Senior optical and systems engineers: $135,000 – $180,000+ annually
- Optical technicians: $20 – $35 per hour depending on experience and certifications
- Manufacturing and assembly specialists: $18 – $28 per hour
- Quality assurance and metrology: $50,000 – $85,000 annually
Roles involving defense applications or requiring security clearance eligibility typically command a 10–20% premium over commercial-equivalent positions.
Benefits Edmund Optics Typically Offers
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement — particularly valuable given the University of Arizona's optics programs nearby
- Professional development and conference attendance support (SPIE, OSA)
- Career advancement pathways within a global company
- Employee discount on Edmund Optics products
What Edmund Optics Looks For in Candidates
- Engineers: Degree in optical sciences, physics, mechanical engineering, or related field; familiarity with optical design software; understanding of tolerancing and manufacturability
- Technicians: Precision manufacturing experience, comfort with microscopy and metrology equipment, ability to work in clean-room environments
- All roles: Strong attention to detail, ability to follow precise specifications, and collaborative mindset for cross-functional engineering and production teams
- U.S. citizenship or work authorization required; some defense-related roles may require clearance eligibility
How to Apply for Edmund Optics Jobs in Tucson
The fastest way to find current Edmund Optics openings in Tucson is to search Edmund Optics jobs in Tucson on TucsonHIRED.com. You can also explore related opportunities by searching optics jobs in Tucson, photonics jobs in Tucson, optical engineering jobs in Tucson, or optical technician jobs in Tucson to find positions across Tucson's optics and photonics cluster.
Application tip: Highlight any optical design software experience (Zemax, Code V, FRED, LightTools), metrology tools you've used (interferometers, spectrophotometers, profilometers), and any clean-room or precision manufacturing background prominently on your resume. If you're a University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences graduate or current student, mention it — Edmund Optics actively recruits from the program.
More Tucson Hiring Expansions to Know About
Edmund Optics' 20 jobs are part of a broader wave. Five other companies — Shamrock Foods, Delta Zee Solutions, Freeport-McMoRan, and Kilgore Manufacturing — are also expanding in Tucson, bringing the total to 285 new jobs across the region.
📢 Employers in Optics, Photonics & Precision Manufacturing
Hiring optical engineers, technicians, or precision manufacturing talent in Tucson? Create your employer account on TucsonHIRED.com and reach Tucson's deep pool of optics and photonics professionals — including graduates from the University of Arizona's top-ranked College of Optical Sciences.
