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Contract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OMNIVISION

Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

The Sr/Staff/Principal Optical Engineer works in an aggressive, fast-paced R&D environment to develop and design optical structure to improve image sensor performance. Responsibilities: * Design ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Raytheon

Principal Optical Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department ...

Coherent

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$148K - $204K/yr

D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education qualifications would be a plus. Candidates with suitable hands-on experience with a BS degree will be considered ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Merrimack, NH · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical ...

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All JobsContract Principal Optical Engineer Jobs

Contract Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do contract principal optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract principal optical engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Principal Optical Engineer vs Contract Optical Engineer?

AspectContract Principal Optical EngineerContract Optical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (BSc, MSc, PhD) in optics or related fields, with extensive experienceRequires relevant degrees and experience, but generally less senior
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, oversees teams, and collaborates with clients in R&D or manufacturing settingsSupports optical design, testing, and implementation under supervision
Industry UsageCommonly employed in aerospace, defense, and high-tech manufacturingUsed across similar industries for technical support and design tasks

The Contract Principal Optical Engineer typically holds a senior role with leadership responsibilities, requiring advanced credentials and extensive experience. In contrast, the Contract Optical Engineer focuses on technical execution and support. Both roles are vital in optical projects but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What is a Contract Principal Optical Engineer?

A Contract Principal Optical Engineer is a highly experienced optical engineering professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to lead the design, development, and testing of optical systems and components. Their responsibilities often include overseeing complex optical projects, providing technical leadership, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring that optical solutions meet performance and quality standards. They typically have expertise in areas such as lens design, laser systems, imaging, and photonics. Contract roles allow companies to leverage specialized knowledge for short-term needs without long-term employment commitments.

What are the typical project phases a Contract Principal Optical Engineer is involved in, and how does collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams impact project outcomes?

As a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, you are typically involved throughout the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept and requirements gathering, through design, prototyping, and testing, to final validation. You’ll frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, as well as program managers, to ensure optical systems integrate seamlessly with other subsystems. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as your expertise will directly influence design trade-offs, project timelines, and ultimately the performance of the end product. Working contractually often means quickly adapting to new teams and project scopes, so strong interpersonal and project management skills are especially valuable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Principal Optical Engineer, you need deep expertise in optical design, physics, and engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree in optics or a related field and significant industry experience. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and relevant industry standards is essential, along with certifications like Certified Optical Engineer where applicable. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring technical accuracy, and leading projects to successful completion in a competitive market.
More about Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
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Contract Principal Optical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal Optical Engineer

Principal Optical Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-05-06
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. 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:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
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.
Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks an Optical Engineer willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and special test equipment. We own all aspects of the optical design to field innovative sensor solutions that meet the mission needs.
What You Will Do
  • Optical design and tolerancing, optics requirement generation and procurement, creating alignment and test plans, and hands-on assembly, integration, and test.
  • Optical design and analysis with Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or Matlab.
  • Optical requirements derivation and drawing generation.
  • Procurement of custom optics and supplier oversight.
  • Hands-on assembly and alignment of optical sensors in cleanrooms.
  • Optical testing and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
  • Work in both a collaborative environment and as an individual contributor with minimal supervision, depending on the needs of the project.

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.
  • Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
  • Experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with optical design in Zemax or CodeV.
  • Experience performing straylight analysis in FRED.
  • Experience fabricating optics and coatings.
  • Experience building and aligning optical assemblies.
  • Experience designing opto-mechanical hardware in CREO.
  • Advanced degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics.

What We Offer
  • A total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation, and Safety.
  • Relocation assistance available.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • 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 El Segundo, CA: Welcome to Raytheon in El Segundo, CA

#LI-TR1
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.
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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