Senior Principal Optical Designer

Date Posted:

2026-06-08

Country:

United States of America

Location:

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

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

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'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.

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. Tasks will include innovative optical design for new space and airborne programs, supported by tolerance and alignment simulations. Additional responsibilities may include stray light analysis, STOP analysis, image simulation, and radiometry. This engineer will maintain optics-related error trees, budgets, and allocations throughout the program and support backend requirements verification of the as-built optical design and test configuration. They must be able to work in both a collaborative environment and as an individual contributor with minimal supervision, depending on project needs. This engineer will also serve as a technical resource across multiple programs, providing leadership and oversight where required, and is expected to mentor junior optical engineers in optical design.

What You Will Do

• Perform optical design and analysis using Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or MATLAB.
• Conduct stray light analysis using Zemax, CodeV, or FRED.
• Develop and tolerance optical designs to ensure manufacturability.
• Derive optical requirements and generate supporting drawings.
• Maintain optical error trees and budgets (e.g., wavefront, spectral, mechanical).
• Support test equipment design, alignment activities, and requirements verification.
• Present technical work in face‑to‑face meetings with management and customers.

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.
• Existing security clearance(s).

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