Principal Optical Design Engineer

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.

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.

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 Active DoD security clearance What We Offer Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected