Senior Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-05-06

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ 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:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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.

Raytheon brings 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. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks a motivated Optical Designer to apply their interest, training, and expertise to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and special test equipment. We own all aspects of the optical design needed to field innovative sensor solutions that meet mission requirements.

What You Will Do

• Lead innovative optical design efforts for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations to ensure performance and robustness.
• Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP (structural, thermal, optical performance), image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
• Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations (e.g., wavefront, spectral, mechanical) throughout the full program lifecycle.
• Support backend verification of as-built optical designs and test configurations to ensure requirements compliance.
• Serve as a technical leader across multiple programs, providing guidance, oversight, and mentorship to junior optical engineers.
• Design and analyze optical systems using industry-standard tools such as Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB.
• Conduct detailed stray light analysis to mitigate performance risks and improve system fidelity.
• Develop and tolerance optical designs with a focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
• Derive optical requirements and translate them into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
• Support test equipment design, optical alignment activities, and system integration efforts.
• Present technical results and design decisions to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience performing stray‑light analysis using FRED.
• Experience building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
• Experience designing opto‑mechanical hardware in CREO.

What We Offer  

• A total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care. 

• 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, Innovation, and Safety. 

• Relocation assistance available. 

Learn More & Apply Now!  

• 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. 

• This position requires onsite work in El Segundo, CA:  Welcome to Raytheon in El Segundo, CA  

#LI-TR1 

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 145,600 USD - 276,800 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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