Advanced Optical Systems Engineer

Honeywell Aerospace; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-subsidized medical, dental, &

life insurance

401(k) match

Parental leave

12 paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace is seeking an Optical Systems Engineer to design, analyze, simulate, and test advanced optical systems, with focus on Ring Laser Gyroscope technologies used in inertial navigation for aerospace. You will work across cross-functional teams to translate customer needs into optical specifications and drive production-ready solutions.

The role spans early to senior levels, offering growth within a leading aerospace group.

Qualifications

• Must have a degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field with direct industry experience in the optical design process from concept through production.
• Experience in optical design and development across varying seniority levels, from early careers to senior level.
• Proficiency in design, analysis, simulation, optimization, validation, and transition to production of precision optical systems.
• Experience with optical materials and manufacturing processes relevant to product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLGs) used in Inertial instruments, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Perform simulations and analyses to validate design and ensure reliable performance and safety of aerospace systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define optical requirements, trade-off analysis, and cost estimation for design projects and their manufacturing implementation.
• Manage and resolve technical challenges throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through to production.
• Analyze product performance, identify gaps, and develop solutions to improve inspection, stability, throughput, and usability.
• Translate system and customer needs into optical specifications, requirements definitions, and create documentation for suppliers and internal teams.
• Drive execution across complex technical topics with clear ownership, structured problem solving, and strong follow-through.

Skills

Optical design

Simulation & analysis

Design for production

Materials & manufacturing in optics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields

Job description

Job Description

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and eager to push the boundaries of Optical systems? As an Optical Systems Engineer here at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, within our Optical Sensors group, you will play a pivotal role in the design, development, analysis, and testing of advanced Optical systems, ensuring high performance and reliability of our products. You will have strong expertise in optical systems and design engineering, bringing innovative solutions and insights to complex engineering challenges.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) technologies used in Inertial Navigation solutions for aerospace applications, working alongside cross-functional teams to advance existing products, design next-generation solutions and contribute to new product development programs.

NOTE: Considering candidates at varying seniority levels - from early careers through senior levels

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLGs) used in Inertial instruments, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Perform simulations and analyses to validate design and ensure reliable performance and safety of aerospace systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define optical requirements, trade-off analysis, and cost estimation for design projects and their implementation in manufacturing.
• Manage and resolve technical challenges throughout the product lifecycle, from concept through to production.
• Analyze product performance, identify gaps, and develop solutions to improve inspection, stability, throughput, and usability.
• Translate system and customer needs into optical specifications, requirements definitions, and create documentation for suppliers and internal teams in compliance with Honeywell’s guidelines and standards.
• Drive execution across complex technical topics with clear ownership, structured problem solving, and strong follow-through.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Be at the forefront of innovation, contributing to cutting-edge technologies that drive the future of aerospace.
• Dynamic Environment: Engage in a collaborative workspace that encourages creativity, experimentation, and growth.
• Professional Growth: Take advantage of opportunities for continuous learning and advancement within a leading organization that values your career ambitions.

Qualifications

YOU MUST HAVE

• BS or greater in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field as well as direct industry experience in the overall optical design process from concept through production.
• Experience in optical design and development (considering candidates at varying seniority levels, from early careers through senior level)
• Proficiency in the design, analysis, simulation, optimization, validation, and transition to production of precision optical systems
• Experience with optical materials and manufacturing processes relevant to product development.

WE VALUE

• Advanced degrees such as MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
• Hands-on experience on optical components manufacturing with ring laser gyroscopes and the use of optical measurement systems.
• Experience supporting production optics, yield improvement, and precision alignment methods
• Experience with optical testing methods (interferometry, MTF testing)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Benefits Of Working At Honeywell Aerospace

Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/

U.s. Person Requirements

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status.

About Honeywell Aerospace

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

About Honeywell Electronic Solutions

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on-time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Honeywell Aerospace Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology that help aircraft perform safely and with precision. Our systems are on board 90% of the world's aircraft — serving commercial aviation, defense and space operators from integrated flight deck platforms with 30-plus years in service to radiation-hardened systems trusted for human spaceflight.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $140,000. Please note that this salary information serves as a general guideline. Honeywell considers various factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education and training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations.