Optical Systems Manufacturing Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-15

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-CARLSBAD-582 ~ 2752 Loker Ave W ~ LOKER

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here:

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world 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.

Collins Aerospace is looking for Optical Systems Manufacturing Engineer II for our Carlsbad, CA team within Mission Systems which is focused on the development of precision optical assemblies and near-eye display systems for Collins Aerospace Optronics. This team is responsible for providing precision optical assemblies used for various airborne and space-based missions, including surveillance, observation, and navigation. This team is also responsible for providing near-eye display systems used in flight simulation and ground-based tactical situations, providing both air and ground forces the fidelity and situational awareness needed to be successful.

This Manufacturing Engineering position will support manufacturing and test operations for high end visible and infrared optical assemblies in terrestrial, airborne and space-based applications. This position is the product development team member representing manufacturing process interests, first responder to production assembly and test technical issues for assigned programs/work cells and manufacturing technologies.

Work includes troubleshooting and implementation of manufacturing changes to processes that improve Quality, On Time Delivery and Cost. The successful candidate will have demonstrated skills in production and test data analysis, test design, implementation and validation of equipment and process, as well as supporting Work Directive Documentation.

Position will work primarily onsite at our Carlsbad, CA location.

What You Will Do:

• Development and implementation of new optical assembly and test processes and supporting work instructions.
• Perform root cause analysis of product and process failures (internal and fielded) and drive our 9S corrective action process
• Define, validate and successfully implement quality and cost improvement opportunities
• Provide technical expertise and support to the production line
• Support prototype / production builds and resolve technical and quality issues
• Lead New Product and Process Development; full life cycle from prototype to rate production. Champion continuous improvement activities.
• Perform process characterization studies such as DMAIC, FMEA, DOE, SPC, Kaizen, and 8D. Troubleshoot electronic assemblies and/or related processes.
• Work in a Quality Management System environment such as AS9100 or ISO9001.
• Report builds results with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool.
• Travel up to 10%.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field
• Direct manufacturing engineering experience within an NPI environment

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Physics preferred, or equivalent experience of at least 2 years.
• Mechanical-electrical assembly/test experience
• Experience developing tests for optical manufacturing; solid, current knowledge of optical and mechanical components; and troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw data-driven conclusions; understanding of process flows, process controls, and variable reduction.
• Knowledge of statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), Six Sigma methodologies, and risk analysis tools, including FMEA, Cause-and-Effect Analysis, and Fishbone Diagrams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project) and LabVIEW or equivalent software.
• Ability to interface effectively across all organizational levels and functions, as well as with customers, while maintaining a cooperative, team-oriented perspective.
• Familiarity with working in a Quality Management System (QMS) environment, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
• Adoption Assistance
• Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!

Operations, Supply Chain and EH&S:

The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide.

Collins Aerospace, a RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite : Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day!

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 75,800 USD - 144,200 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.

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