Principal Optical Design Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-16 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-9070 ~ 9070 S Rita Rd ~ BLDG 9070 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: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date 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. 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. The Effector Optics Department designs and delivers advanced optical seeker systems for defense applications. Our teams integrate optical, opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems engineering disciplines to produce high-performance infrared imaging solutions that operate in demanding environments. We are seeking a Principal Optical Design Engineer to support the development of advanced infrared imaging seekers from concept through production. This role focuses on broadband imaging system design, tolerancing, and integration within ruggedized, thermally dynamic environments. This position is on-site in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

• Lead optical design and analysis of infrared imaging systems and seekers.
• Perform detailed optical tolerancing and sensitivity analyses to ensure producibility and performance margin.
• Conduct stray light analysis and ghost assessments to support high signal-to-noise imaging performance.
• Support optical fabrication, vendor engagement, and prototype build activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems engineers.
• Support system integration, alignment planning, and optical performance validation.
• Ensure technical performance, cost, and schedule objectives are met across development phases.
• Contribute to design reviews and documentation throughout development and transition to production.

Qualifications

You Must Have Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years’ experience.

• Experience designing and analyzing infrared or broadband imaging optical systems.
• Experience with optical tolerancing and performance sensitivity analysis.
• Experience with CODE V and/or Zemax for imaging system design.
• Experience with stray light tools such as FRED and/or ASAP.
• Experience using MATLAB (or similar tools) for analysis and modeling.

We Prefer

• Advanced degree in Optics, Physics, or related discipline.
• Experience developing optical systems for thermally dynamic or high-vibration environments.
• Experience supporting optical fabrication, alignment, and integration of complex assemblies.
• Familiarity with detector-based imaging systems and cryogenic optical assemblies.
• Experience supporting hardware transition from prototype through production.

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation assistance available!

• 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
• 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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

Active DoD security clearance

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.

This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ:

This position requires security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process.

More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here:

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.