Date Posted:2026-08-03
Country:United States of America
Location:US-CA-CARLSBAD-582 ~ 2752 Loker Ave W ~ LOKER
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
Principal Optical Engineer (Onsite)At Collins Aerospace Optronics, we design and develop high precision optical systems for space, airborne, simulator and body-worn environments. We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Optical Engineer to lead the design and development of high-precision optical and visual display systems for aviation, spacecraft, and head-worn applications. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, development, integration and testing of precision optical and visual display systems.. This role serves as a senior technical leader within a multidisciplinary environment, working closely with mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to deliver robust, high-performance optical systems from concept through production. You will act as the optical engineering subject matter expert, guiding design direction and mentoring engineers across multiple programs.
What You Will Do: - Lead the creation of system-level optical requirements and ensure alignment across mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams
- Perform tolerance analysis, stray-light analysis, STOP analysis and manufacturability reviews to ensure robust performance and smooth transitions to manufacturing
- Define methods for optical testing, maintenance, and repair of optical systems
- Document test processes, procedures, and methodologies
- Develop detailed optical designs using tools such as Zemax OpticStudio, and LightTools
- Guide prototype development, hands-on breadboarding, optical alignment, and test system creation
- Mentor and support junior and mid-level engineers
- Influence technology roadmaps by identifying emerging optical technologies and proposing innovation pathways
- Prepare and maintain clear documentation, engineering reports, and design reviews for internal and external stakeholders
Qualifications You Must Have:- Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
- 8+ years of industry experience in optical design, imaging, illumination, spectroscopy, or related system-level optical engineering
Qualifications We Prefer:- Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering
- Proven success transitioning optical systems from concept into full product development and manufacturing
- Expertise with optical modeling tools (Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, MATLAB/Python)
- Strong understanding of optomechanical interfaces, tolerance analysis, and optical test methodologies
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts and influence design decisions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment as well as individual contributor
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues within cross-functional teams
- Experience with analytical instruments, laser-based systems, imaging sensors, or spectroscopy platforms
- Familiarity with regulatory and quality systems related to optical system development
- Experience mentoring technical staff and guiding cross-functional engineering teams
- Proven track record working with evolving customer requirements
What We Offer:Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
- Generous 401(k) plan that includes 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 you can buy 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
- Eligible for relocation assistance
- And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.
Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 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. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
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.
