Lead Infrared Imaging Optical Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RTX in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Optical Design Engineer to drive broadband infrared imaging seeker design from concept to production. You will lead optical design, tolerancing, and integration in rugged, thermally dynamic environments, collaborating with opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems teams.

The role emphasizes high-precision imaging performance, stray-light control, and support across fabrication, testing, and design reviews, with on-site escalation to production phases.

Qualifications

• Typically requires STEM degree and 8+ years experience or advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Experience designing infrared or broadband imaging optical systems.
• Experience in optical tolerancing and performance sensitivity analyses.
• Experience with CODE V and/or Zemax; familiarity with stray light tools.

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 design

Tolerance analysis

MATLAB

CODE V/Zemax

FRED/ASAP

Education

Bachelor's in Optics/Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

CODE V

Zemax

FRED

ASAP

MATLAB

Job description

RTX in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Principal Optical Design Engineer to drive broadband infrared imaging seeker design from concept to production. You will lead optical design, tolerancing, and integration in rugged, thermally dynamic environments, collaborating with opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems teams.

The role emphasizes high-precision imaging performance, stray-light control, and support across fabrication, testing, and design reviews, with on-site escalation to production phases.