Optical Systems Manufacturing Engineer

RTX (Raytheon); Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, seeks an Optical Systems Manufacturing Engineer II in Carlsbad, CA. You will support manufacturing and test ops for high-end optical assemblies in terrestrial, airborne, and space-based applications, acting as the manufacturing representative on programs.

The role emphasizes process development, root cause resolution, and continuous improvement within a Quality Management System, with onsite work and travel up to 10% required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field.
• Direct manufacturing engineering experience within an NPI environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new optical assembly and test processes and supporting work instructions.
• Perform root cause analysis of product and process failures and drive 9S corrective actions.
• Define, validate and implement quality and cost improvement opportunities.
• Provide technical expertise and support to the production line.
• Support prototype / production builds and resolve technical and quality issues.
• Lead New Product and Process Development; full life cycle from prototype to rate production.
• Champion continuous improvement activities.
• Perform process characterization studies such as DMAIC, FMEA, DOE, SPC, Kaizen, and 8D.
• Work in a Quality Management System environment such as AS9100 or ISO9001.
• Report builds results with ERP systems.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

Manufacturing engineering

Root cause analysis

Statistical analysis

DMAIC

FMEA

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Physics

Tools

LabVIEW

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-15

Country: United States of America

Location: US-CA-CARLSBAD-582 ~ 2752 Loker Ave W ~ LOKER

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

At RTX, the world 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.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is looking for Optical Systems Manufacturing Engineer II for our Carlsbad, CA team within Mission Systems which is focused on the development of precision optical assemblies and near-eye display systems for Collins Aerospace Optronics. This team is responsible for providing precision optical assemblies used for various airborne and space-based missions, including surveillance, observation, and navigation. This team is also responsible for providing near-eye display systems used in flight simulation and ground-based tactical situations, providing both air and ground forces the fidelity and situational awareness needed to be successful.

This Manufacturing Engineering position will support manufacturing and test operations for high end visible and infrared optical assemblies in terrestrial, airborne and space-based applications. This position is the product development team member representing manufacturing process interests, first responder to production assembly and test technical issues for assigned programs/work cells and manufacturing technologies.

Work includes troubleshooting and implementation of manufacturing changes to processes that improve Quality, On Time Delivery and Cost. The successful candidate will have demonstrated skills in production and test data analysis, test design, implementation and validation of equipment and process, as well as supporting Work Directive Documentation.

Position will work primarily onsite at our Carlsbad, CA location.

What You Will Do:

• Development and implementation of new optical assembly and test processes and supporting work instructions.
• Perform root cause analysis of product and process failures (internal and fielded) and drive our 9S corrective action process
• Define, validate and successfully implement quality and cost improvement opportunities
• Provide technical expertise and support to the production line
• Support prototype / production builds and resolve technical and quality issues
• Lead New Product and Process Development; full life cycle from prototype to rate production. Champion continuous improvement activities.
• Perform process characterization studies such as DMAIC, FMEA, DOE, SPC, Kaizen, and 8D. Troubleshoot electronic assemblies and/or related processes.
• Work in a Quality Management System environment such as AS9100 or ISO9001.
• Report builds results with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool.
• Travel up to 10%.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field
• Direct manufacturing engineering experience within an NPI environment

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics, or Physics preferred, or equivalent experience of at least 2 years.
• Mechanical-electrical assembly/test experience
• Experience developing tests for optical manufacturing; solid, current knowledge of optical and mechanical components; and troubleshooting and debugging skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw data-driven conclusions; understanding of process flows, process controls, and variable reduction.
• Knowledge of statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), Six Sigma methodologies, and risk analysis tools, including FMEA, Cause-and-Effect Analysis, and Fishbone Diagrams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project) and LabVIEW or equivalent s