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Manager Principal Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... 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 ...

Senior Principal Optical Engineer

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 ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Manager Principal Optical Engineer information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager principal optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a manager principal optical engineer?

Manager Principal Optical Engineers are senior-level professionals who oversee the design, development, and optimization of optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. In addition to their technical expertise, they manage teams of engineers, coordinate projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure that optical solutions meet performance, cost, and quality goals. They also play a key role in mentoring junior staff and contributing to the strategic planning of optical engineering initiatives within an organization.

How does a manager principal optical engineer balance technical project responsibilities with team leadership duties?

In this role, you'll split your time between hands-on optical engineering—such as system design, simulation, and troubleshooting—and leading a team of engineers. You'll be responsible for setting technical direction, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring project milestones are met. Effective communication and delegation are crucial, as you'll often coordinate with cross-functional teams in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Balancing these aspects requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize both immediate technical challenges and long-term strategic goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager principal optical engineer?

To thrive as a Manager Principal Optical Engineer, you need advanced expertise in optical engineering, physics, and system design, typically backed by a master’s or Ph.D. in optics or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation tools (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD software, and experience managing optical prototyping and testing are crucial. Outstanding leadership, project management, and communication skills help guide multidisciplinary teams and drive complex projects to completion. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative optical solutions, ensuring project success, and fostering a collaborative engineering environment.

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

AspectManager Principal Optical EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (MS/PhD) in optics or related fields, with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and collaborates with cross-functional departmentsFocuses on designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems
Industry UsageUsed in high-tech, aerospace, defense, and research organizationsCommon 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.

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What cities are hiring for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Principal Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Manager Principal Optical Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Manager Principal Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer

Raytheon Technologies

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$137K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


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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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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