Senior Optical Engineer; Onsite

Senior Optical Engineer (Onsite)

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At Collins Aerospace Optronics, we design and develop unique optical systems for space, airborne, and body-worn environments. We are seeking an experienced Senior Optical Design Engineer to lead the design and development of high‑precision optical and visual display systems for aviation, spacecraft, and head‑worn applications. At Optronics, you will have the opportunity to work with a multi-discipline Engineering team on the design, analysis, development, and testing of complex optical and visual display systems.

The candidate will apply knowledge of optical fabrication processes, such as design-to-cost, material selection, engineering procurement, and engineering lab processes to the design and development of hardware.

What You Will Do:

• Develop detailed multi-element optical designs using tools such as Zemax Optic Studio, and Light Tools
• Perform tolerance analysis, stray‑light analysis, STOP analysis and manufacturability reviews to ensure robust performance and smooth transitions to manufacturing
• Define methods for optical testing, maintenance, and repair of optical systems
• Document test processes, procedures, and methodologies
• Guide prototype development, optical alignment methodology, and test system creation
• Prepare and maintain clear documentation, engineering reports, and design reviews for internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• 6+ years of industry experience designing diffraction limited lens objectives, preferably spaceborne
• Proficiency in tolerancing and designing for manufacturability
• Strong experience with optical modeling and analysis tools (Zemax Optic Studio, Code V, Light Tools, MATLAB/Python)
• Demonstrated success transitioning optical designs from concept to production
• Demonstrated experience with manufacturing, compensation and testing of lens objectives

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering or closely related discipline
  
  Experience with core concepts of optical engineering, including design, stray light analysis, sensitivity analysis, tolerance analysis, and thermal analysis
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented environment as well as an individual contributor
• Proficient presentation skills and the ability to work with customers and technicians alike
• Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues within cross‑functional teams
• Experience with imaging systems, analytical instruments, laser‑based systems, or spectroscopy platforms
• Familiarity with regulatory and quality systems related to government and commercial optical system development
• Proven track record working with evolving customer requirements
• Experience designing infrared lens assemblies including alignment and testing

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, miss ionized systems for specialized aircraft and…