Optics Manufacturing Engineer

Prattwhitney; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 69,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Job summary

RTX is seeking a highly skilled Optics Manufacturing Engineer for its Richardson, TX facility to support the production of high-precision optical components using state-of-the-art grinding and polishing technologies.

Relocation benefits are available. The role focuses on developing process plans, ensuring quality and cost targets, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet project milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience with high-precision CNC lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders in a precision manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience operating and programming 3-axis and/or 5-axis CNC using CAM software such as Mastercam or similar platforms.
• MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, with optical manufacturing expertise and polishing machines.
• Ability to interpret GD&T on engineering drawings and measure with optical interferometry.
• Experience setting up machines, running initial runs, troubleshooting, and performing root cause analysis for corrective actions.
• Experience creating CAD models using Creo or similar software.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for fabrication and metrology of high-precision optical windows, lenses and prisms.
• Develop robust manufacturing process plans meeting complex optical specs while optimizing cost, throughput, quality and yield.
• Interpret and verify conformance of drawings, specs, and procedures to standards.
• Support bid/proposal efforts by estimating time and resources for manufacturing activities.
• Drive continuous improvement via data analysis and process optimization.
• Collaborate with technicians to resolve production issues on the factory floor.
• Specify, procure, and validate equipment for optical manufacturing and testing.
• Lead RCCA efforts for product/process failures using 5 Whys and Fishbone.
• Interface with cross-functional teams to ensure requirements and milestones.

Skills

CNC programming

Mastercam

Creo CAD

GD&T interpretation

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Manufacturing process optimization

Optical manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

MS/PhD in Mechanical/Precision Engineering

Tools

Mastercam

Creo

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-15 Country: United States of America Location: US-TX-RICHARDSON-521 ~ 1601 N Plano Rd ~ PLANO BLDG EOI Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring 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. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

At Raytheon's Optics Manufacturing Center, the Manufacturing Engineering team plays a critical role in sustaining our competitive edge in the design and production of complex optical components, assemblies, and systems. We are responsible for driving operational excellence—ensuring high-quality product delivery that meets schedule, cost, and safety targets.

The Manufacturing Engineering team at our facility in Richardson TX seeks a highly skilled and motivated Optics Manufacturing Engineer. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the production of advanced optical elements using state-of-the-art grinding and polishing technologies. Relocation benefits available. (NOTE: This is high-precision optics technology, not eyeglasses / eyesight related)

What You Will Do

• Provide engineering support for the fabrication and metrology of high-precision optical windows, lenses and prisms
• Develop and document robust manufacturing process plans that meet complex optical and mechanical specifications, while optimizing for cost, throughput, quality, and yield
• Interpret and verify conformance of engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, and test procedures to applicable internal and external standards.
• Support bid and proposal efforts by estimating time and resources required for manufacturing activities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and process optimization
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing technicians on the factory floor to resolve production issues in real time
• Specify, procure, and validate production and metrology equipment required for optical manufacturing and testing
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action (RCCA) efforts for product or process failures using structured problem-solving tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone
• Interface with cross-functional teams, program management, and customers to provide technical guidance, ensure requirements compliance, and support key project milestones

Qualifications

• Typically Requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience
• Experience providing engineering support in a precision manufacturing environment, specifically working with high-precision CNC lathes, milling machines, and surface grinders
• Hands-on expertise in operating and programming 3-axis and/or 5-axis CNC equipment using CAM software such as Mastercam or comparable platforms
• Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in optical manufacturing processes (grinding, pitch polishing, pad polishing) and proficiency in operating planetary and spindle polishing machines
• Skilled in interpreting engineering drawings that incorporate GD&T standards to define manufacturing processes, with experience measuring and evaluating optical components using optical interferometry
• Experienced in setting up machines, executing initial runs, troubleshooting, and performing post-machining inspections, with a strong ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions
• Experienced in creating and evaluating CAD models using Creo or similar software

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation eligibile

The salary range for this role is 68,900 USD - 131,100 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

• Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
• Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.