Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optronics (Onsite)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

Generous 401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Prattwhitney is looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design of optical and opto-electrical assemblies in Carlsbad, California. The ideal candidate should have a degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant experience.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $95,500 to $181,700, along with extensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and generous vacation time.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in opto-mechanical design.
• Strong proficiency with CAD tools.
• Background in finite element analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanical design of optical assemblies.
• Develop CAD models and detailed drawings.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize designs.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

Precision mechanical design principles

CAD tools (e.g. Creo)

Hands-on experience with prototyping

Thermal management knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Degree in STEM

Advanced Degree in a related field

Tools

Ansys Workbench

Hand tools

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Optronics (Onsite)

Location: 582 ~ 2752 Loker Ave W, LOKER, Carlsbad, CA, USA.

What You Will Do

• Lead the mechanical design of optical and opto‑electrical assemblies, including lens housings, fixtures, mounts, and alignment mechanisms.
• Perform tolerance analysis, thermal analysis, 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

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.
• 8+ years of experience in opto‑mechanical design, particularly 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.
• Knowledge of thermal management, material science, adhesives, and mounting techniques used in optical systems (preferred).
• Excellent communication and documentation skills (preferred).
• Experience with spaceborne, airborne, or ruggedized optical systems (preferred).
• Opto‑mechanical, electro‑mechanical or visual displays experience (preferred).
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices and optical assembly techniques (preferred).
• Proficient with hand tools and light power tools (preferred).
• Background in finite element analysis (Modal, Shock and Random Vibration) with preference on Ansys Workbench experience (preferred).
• Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace or defense (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: 95,500 USD – 181,700 USD.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student Loan Repayment Program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.
• Relocation assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, 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.