Lead Infrared Imaging Optical Designer (Security-Cleared)

RTX; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

RTX in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Optical Design Engineer to drive design of advanced infrared imaging seekers from concept to production. The role emphasizes broadband imaging system design, tolerancing, and integration within rugged, thermally dynamic environments on-site in Tucson.

The candidate will lead cross-functional optics, detector, cryogenic, and systems engineering efforts, perform tolerancing and stray-light analyses, and contribute to acceptance testing and documentation

Qualifications

• 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.

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 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.

Skills

Infrared imaging

Optical tolerancing

MATLAB

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

CODE V

Zemax

FRED

ASAP

Job description

RTX in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Optical Design Engineer to drive design of advanced infrared imaging seekers from concept to production. The role emphasizes broadband imaging system design, tolerancing, and integration within rugged, thermally dynamic environments on-site in Tucson.

The candidate will lead cross-functional optics, detector, cryogenic, and systems engineering efforts, perform tolerancing and stray-light analyses, and contribute to acceptance testing and documentation