Principal Optical Design Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-03-11

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 issued 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. With more than 100 years of engineering excellence, we solve complex, mission-critical problems that create a safer, more secure world.

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.

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

Qualifications 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.
• Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement 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.
• 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 Tucson, AZ:https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
• 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