Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optronics (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 95,500 - 181,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement program

Three weeks vacation

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer specializing in opto-mechanical design for their Carlsbad location. In this role, you will lead mechanical design of optical assemblies, perform critical analyses, and collaborate on system-level requirements.

The ideal candidate should have strong CAD proficiency, significant opto-mechanical experience, and a commitment to high-performance designs. Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, a generous 401(k) plan, and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant experience or advanced degree with 3 years experience.
• At least 8 years of opto-mechanical design experience for harsh environments.
• Deep understanding of ASME Y14.5-2018 GD&T and tolerance stack-ups.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design of optical and opto-electrical assemblies.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, structural analysis for reliability.
• Develop 3D CAD models and documentation following standards.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design experience

Strong proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo)

Precision mechanical design principles

Experience designing optical components

Hands-on prototyping and testing

Education

Degree in STEM

Tools

Creo

Ansys Workbench

Job description

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

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

Country: United States of America

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizenship required for access to information under this program/contract.

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Optronics (Onsite)

At RTX and Collins Aerospace, we design and develop high‑precision optical systems for space, airborne, simulator, and body‑worn environments. We are looking for a highly skilled Senior Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role you will be responsible for the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of precision optical and visual display systems.

What You Will Do

• Lead mechanical design of optical and opto‑electrical assemblies, including lens housings, fixtures, mounts, and alignment mechanisms.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, structural analysis, and material selection to ensure high performance and reliability.
• Work with optical engineers to translate system‑level optical requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and documentation following engineering standards.
• Conduct design reviews, prototype evaluation, and root‑cause investigations for design‑related issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative design methods and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development and best practices.
• Lead or support technical research and contribute to continuous process improvement activities.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with minimum 3 years of experience.
• At least 8 years of opto‑mechanical design experience for products used in harsh environments.
• Strong proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Creo).
• Deep understanding of precision mechanical design principles, ASME Y14.5‑2018 GD&T, and tolerance stack‑ups.
• Experience designing components for optical systems such as lenses, lasers, sensors, and imaging assemblies.
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, metrology, testing, and verification of opto‑mechanical assemblies.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Knowledge of thermal management, material science, adhesives, and mounting techniques used in optical systems.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Experience with spaceborne, airborne, or ruggedized optical systems.
• Experience with opto‑mechanical, electro‑mechanical, or visual displays.
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices and optical assembly techniques.
• Proficient with hand tools and light power tools.
• Background in finite element analysis (modal, shock and random vibration) with preference on Ansys Workbench.
• Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace or defense.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and a lifetime income strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages: pet, home, auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Health and wellness programs including Ovia Health, fertility and family planning, employee assistance plan, and wellness incentives.
• Telemedicine and virtual doctor visits.
• Child and elder care services.
• Relocation assistance.
• And more.

Salary Range: $95,500 – $181,700 USD.

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.