Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-05-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (External Site)

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Electro-Optics (EO) Department is seeking a Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of precision opto-mechanical subsystems supporting infrared and visible imaging systems. This role is critical to ensure our EO hardware performs reliably in demanding environments and transitions successfully from development into production.

What You Will Do

• Lead concept development, detailed design, and documentation of opto-mechanical assemblies using Creo (Pro/E).
• Design precision structures, mounts, housing, and mechanisms supporting imaging sensors and optical assemblies.
• Perform tolerance analysis and apply GD&T (ANSI Y14.5) to ensure manufacturability and performance.
• Support structural and thermal analyses (including FEA) to validate designs.
• Participate in hardware integration, verification, and environmental test activities.
• Support transition to production, including supplier collaboration, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
• Deliver technically sound solutions within cost, schedule, and performance constraints.
• Collaborate across optics, structures, thermal, electronics, and systems engineering teams to develop robust mechanical architectures that enable high-performance imaging solutions.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience or an advanced degree in a related field and minimum 5 years’ experience.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (Creo preferred) including modeling and drawing creation.
• Experience designing mechanical hardware for precision assemblies.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience supporting infrared or visible imaging systems.
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y14.5.
• Opto-mechanical design experience involving imagers, afocal assemblies, gimbals, or focus / field-of-view switching mechanisms.
• Experience leading a small cross-functional design team through full development lifecycle, including design reviews and hardware integration.
• Experience performing or collaborating on Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Experience supporting environmental qualifications (vibration, shock, thermal).
• Industry experience transitioning hardware from development to production.
• Active DoD security clearance.

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• Relocation assistance available!
• Learn More & Apply Now!

Learn More & Apply Now!

• Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for 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.
• This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
• This position requires security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

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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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

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. 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.

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