Principal Optical Design Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-01-22 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (External Site) Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​ Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issues security clearance is required prior to start date At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. Job Summary: The Electro-Optical Department within Raytheon Missiles & Defense empowers our people to leverage design commonality and innovation, balancing risk and rigor, to achieve predictable and affordable solutions. We are looking for a Principal Optical Design Engineer who willing to collaborate, innovate, and team with our opto-mechanical, detector and cryo engineers to generate and utilize today’s cutting-edge technology to support military programs through the application of optical design tools in the development and production phases of optical seekers. As the Pr. Optical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the success of the optical seeker. The position requires skills, interest and/or experience in infrared systems, optical tolerancing, optical fabrication, and testing. You will work under limited supervision while exercising responsibility in meeting the technical, financial and schedule objectives of projects. What You Will Do: • Optical design, tolerancing, and analysis • Ensuring requirements are met • Stray light analysis and optical testing • Prototype development with optical component suppliers • Provide solutions to a variety of EO problems of moderate scope and complexity Qualifications You Must Have: • Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years applied work experience in optical design. • Experience in infrared systems optical design, analysis, optical tolerancing, fabrication, and testing. • Experience in CODE V and/or Zemax, FRED and/or ASAP, Excel and Matlab • The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Qualifications We Prefer: • Master’s or PhD in Optics, Physics, or Systems Engineering or related discipline • Bachelors degree in Optics, Physics, Systems Engineering or related discipline • Demonstrated experience in optical design and analysis • Industry related documentation experience • Business Acumen • Active DoD issued security clearance What We Offer: Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote. The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. 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 state or federal 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms Apply tot his job