Principal Infrared Optical Design Engineer - Onsite Tucson

RTX; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

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

You will collaborate with opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems teams to ensure robust performance and design reviews throughout the development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree with extensive experience or an advanced degree with several years in optics.
• Experience designing and analyzing infrared or broadband imaging optical systems.
• Proficiency with optical tolerancing and performance sensitivity analyses.
• Experience with MATLAB and optical design tools (CODE V / Zemax / FRED / ASAP).

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

Tolerancing

MATLAB

Code V / Zemax

Stray light analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Degree in STEM fields (engineering/science/math)

Advanced degree in Optics/Physics

Tools

CODE V

Zemax

FRED

ASAP

Job description

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

You will collaborate with opto-mechanical, detector, cryogenic, and systems teams to ensure robust performance and design reviews throughout the development lifecycle.