Senior Principal Optical Designer Engineer

Prattwhitney; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 145,600 - 276,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive rewards package

Flexible work schedules

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking an Optical Designer to lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems in El Segundo, CA. The ideal candidate will have a degree in STEM and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in optical design and analysis.

Responsibilities include performing optical analysis, managing optical error trees, and presenting technical results. Benefits include a salary range of $145,600 – $276,800, comprehensive healthcare, flexible work schedules, and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
• Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems.
• Perform optical analysis to validate system performance.
• Develop and manage optical error trees throughout program lifecycle.

Skills

Optical design/analysis

Zemax

Code V

Optical alignment

CAD software

Education

Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)

Tools

MATLAB

FRED

Job description

Position: Optical Designer

Location: Raytheon, El Segundo, CA

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; existing Secret clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovative optical design for space and airborne systems, including tolerance and alignment simulations.
• Perform optical analysis such as stray light, STOP, image simulation, and radiometry to validate system performance.
• Develop, maintain, and manage optical error trees, budgets, and allocations throughout program lifecycle.
• Support backend verification of as-built designs and test configurations to ensure compliance.
• Serve as technical leader across multiple programs, mentoring junior optical engineers.
• Design and analyze systems using Zemax, Code V, FRED, and MATLAB; conduct stray light analysis.
• Develop tolerance designs with focus on manufacturability and alignment feasibility.
• Derive optical requirements and translate into detailed specifications and engineering drawings.
• Support test equipment design, alignment activities, and system integration.
• Present technical results to internal leadership and external customers in formal reviews.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics).
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
• Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
• Experience performing optical design and analysis using Zemax or Code V.
• Experience designing refractive and reflective optical systems.
• Experience modeling optical alignment procedures.
• Experience collaborating with optical fabrication suppliers.

Preferred Skills

• Stray‑light analysis using FRED.
• Building, aligning, and testing optical assemblies.
• Designing opto‑mechanical hardware in CREO.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary range: $145,600 – $276,800 USD.
• Comprehensive rewards package: compensation, healthcare, wellness, work/life benefits.
• Parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance.
• Child/adult backup care, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts.
• Relocation assistance available.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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 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.