Principal Optical Design Engineer

RTX•Tucson, AZ

1d•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Optical Design Engineer will support the development of advanced infrared imaging seekers from concept through production. The role focuses on broadband imaging system design, tolerancing, and integration in ruggedized, thermally dynamic environments. The Effector Optics Department develops advanced optical seeker systems for defense applications, integrating optical, opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems engineering disciplines to produce high-performance infrared imaging solutions for demanding environments. This is an onsite position in Tucson, Arizona. An active and transferable U.S. government-issued security clearance is required before the start date, and the role requires U.S. citizenship. Candidates must also be able to obtain an interim U.S. government-issued security clearance before starting. The listed clearance type is Secret - Current. The salary range is $107,500 to $204,500 USD. Relocation assistance is available. Eligible hires may receive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, an employee assistance program, the Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Eligibility and specific benefits depend on the business unit and applicable collective-bargaining agreement. Eligible hires may also qualify for annual short- and/or long-term incentive compensation; these payments are not guaranteed.

Requirements

Typically, a STEM degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 5 years of 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.
U.S. citizenship is required because only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
An active and transferable U.S. government-issued security clearance is required prior to the start date; ability to obtain an interim clearance is also required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Optics, Physics, or a 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.
Active DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

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 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.

Benefits

Relocation assistance available.
Eligible hires may receive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability benefits.
401(k) match.
Flexible spending accounts.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee assistance program.
Employee Scholar Program.
Parental leave.
Paid time off and holidays.
Eligible hires may qualify for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation; payments are not guaranteed.