Principal Optical Design Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-02-02

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (External Site)

Position Role Type: Onsite

Salary Range: $107,500 USD - $204,500 USD

Security Clearance 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

About Raytheon

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. We bring 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. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

About the Role

The Electro-Optical Department within Raytheon Missiles & Defense empowers our people to leverage design commonality and innovation, balancing risk and rigor, to achieve predictable and affordable solutions. We are looking for a Principal Optical Design Engineer who is willing to collaborate, innovate, and team with our opto-mechanical, detector and cryo engineers to generate and utilize today's cutting-edge technology to support military programs through the application of optical design tools in the development and production phases of optical seekers.

As the Principal Optical Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the success of the optical seeker. The position requires skills, interest and/or experience in infrared systems, optical tolerancing, optical fabrication, and testing. You will work under limited supervision while exercising responsibility in meeting the technical, financial and schedule objectives of projects.

What You Will Do

• Optical design, tolerancing, and analysis
• Ensuring requirements are met
• Stray light analysis and optical testing
• Prototype development with optical component suppliers
• Provide solutions to a variety of EO problems of moderate scope and complexity

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years applied work experience in optical design
• Experience in infrared systems optical design, analysis, optical tolerancing, fabrication, and testing
• Experience in CODE V and/or Zemax, FRED and/or ASAP, Excel and Matlab
• The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance prior to the start date
• U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master's or PhD in Optics, Physics, or Systems Engineering or related discipline
• Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Systems Engineering or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience in optical design and analysis
• Industry related documentation experience
• Business Acumen
• Active DoD issued security clearance

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 Eligible – 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 and holidays
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (payments not guaranteed and dependent upon various factors including individual performance, business unit performance, and/or company performance)

Note: Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Additional Information

This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ. 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.

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.

If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

This role is a U.S.-based role.

Equal Opportunity

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.

About RTX

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.