Senior Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Position:
Optical Designer

Location:

Raytheon, El Segundo, CA

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; existing Secret clearance required.

• Lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations.
• Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP, image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
• Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations throughout program lifecycle.
• Support backend verification of as-built designs and test configurations to ensure compliance.
• Serve as technical leader across multiple programs, mentoring junior optical engineers.
• Design and analyze systems using Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB; conduct stray light analysis.
• Develop tolerance designs with focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
• Derive optical requirements and translate into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
• Support test equipment design, alignment activities, and system integration.
• Present technical results to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.

• Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
• Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
• Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.
• Experience designing refractive and reflective optical systems.
• Experience modeling optical alignment procedures.
• Experience collaborating with optical fabrication suppliers.

• Stray‑light analysis using FRED.
• Building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
• Designing opto‑mechanical hardware in CREO.

• Salary range: $145,600 – $276,800 USD.
• Comprehensive rewards package: compensation, healthcare, wellness, work/life benefits.
• Parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance.
• Child/adult backup care, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts.
• Relocation assistance available.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.