Principal Optical Engineer
$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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
$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 ...
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$114K - $151K/yr
A cutting-edge technology startup is seeking a highly experienced Principal Optical Engineer to lead its optics department in Santa Monica, CA. The role involves leading design and prototyping ...
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$114K - $151K/yr
A cutting-edge technology startup is seeking a highly experienced Principal Optical Engineer to lead its optics department in Santa Monica, CA. The role involves leading design and prototyping ...
Manassas, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
Manassas, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
As a Principal Optical Design Engineer within our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will serve as a technical authority in the design and development of high-precision optical ...
Irvine, CA · On-site
$175K - $195K/yr
As a Principal Optical Design Engineer within our Central Engineering organization in Irvine, CA, you will serve as a technical authority in the design and development of high-precision optical ...
Cambridge, MA · On-site
$95K - $245K/yr
We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of ...
Cambridge, MA · On-site
$95K - $245K/yr
We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in ... As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of ...
Tustin, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
... Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer Full Time Tustin, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1077 ... Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and ...
Tustin, CA · On-site
$150 - $200/hr
... Sr. Principal Optical Design Engineer Full Time Tustin, CA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1077 ... Lead Vendor/supplier sub-contract management including optics, mechanics, tooling fabrication, and ...
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 ...
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 ...
$127K - $164K/yr
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the ElectroOptics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of a ...
$127K - $164K/yr
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the ElectroOptics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as part of a ...
Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Manassas, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
Manassas, VA · On-site
$164K - $213K/yr
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
Location(s) Bridgewater, New Jersey Company Molex Career Field Engineering Job Number 192692
Location(s) Bridgewater, New Jersey Company Molex Career Field Engineering Job Number 192692
Austin, TX · On-site
$127K - $165K/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 ...
Austin, TX · On-site
$127K - $165K/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 ...
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid
$148K - $204K/yr
Conduct and well manage design documents, ECR/ECO, design change implementation in new product ... D in Optics, Optical Engineering, Opto-mechanical instrumentation. Advanced education ...
Merrimack, NH · On-site
$149K - $254K/yr
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer II will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EO systems. This role is for an Optical Lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and ...
Merrimack, NH · On-site
$149K - $254K/yr
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer II will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EO systems. This role is for an Optical Lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and ...
San Jose, CA · On-site
$185K - $240K/yr
About the Role Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Optical Assembly Engineer to drive development of optical assembly processes that support next-generation photonics products for scale up and scale ...
San Jose, CA · On-site
$185K - $240K/yr
About the Role Astera Labs is seeking a Principal Optical Assembly Engineer to drive development of optical assembly processes that support next-generation photonics products for scale up and scale ...
Merrimack, NH · On-site
$149K - $254K/yr
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer II will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EO systems. This role is for an Optical Lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and ...
Merrimack, NH · On-site
$149K - $254K/yr
The Senior Principal Optical Engineer II will lead a team in the development and maturation of advanced EO systems. This role is for an Optical Lead, responsible for the design, analysis, and ...
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
Position Overview QinetiQ US is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer experienced in electro ... Provide optical subject matter expertise to program managers and manufacturing staff. * Assist in ...
$83K - $90.8K
0% of jobs
$90.8K - $98.5K
0% of jobs
$98.5K - $106.3K
0% of jobs
$106.3K - $114.1K
0% of jobs
$114.1K - $121.9K
0% of jobs
$126.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$121.9K - $129.6K
38% of jobs
The median wage is $133.2K / yr.
$129.6K - $137.4K
26% of jobs
$137.4K - $145.2K
0% of jobs
$145.2K - $153K
0% of jobs
$153K - $160.7K
0% of jobs
$163.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$160.7K - $168.5K
36% of jobs
$83K
$143.6K
$168.5K
| Aspect | Manager Principal Optical Engineer | Optical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experience | Bachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering |
| Work Environment | Leads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departments | Focuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems |
| Industry Usage | Used in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizations | Common in manufacturing, R&D, and product development sectors |
The main difference is that the Manager Principal Optical Engineer oversees teams and projects, requiring leadership skills, while the Optical Engineer primarily focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the managerial responsibilities distinguish the Manager Principal Optical Engineer.
Cities with the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings:
The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:
States with the most job openings for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:
For Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

El Segundo, CA
$137K - $177K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 4 days ago
8.2
Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
38th of 72 rated aerospace companies
Date Posted:
2026-05-06Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.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 clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: SecretSecurity Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1At 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
Qualifications You Must Have
Qualifications We Prefer
What We Offer
Learn More & Apply Now!
#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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Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services
10,000+ Employees
Waltham, MA, US