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Optical Design Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

FPGA Engineer II with Security Clearance

Plano, TX · On-site

$118K - $163K/yr

... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor ... Design support is expected from requirements definition through production release. Design ...

New

Support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of fiber optic and telecommunications ... Ensure engineering documentation, permits, and system records are accurate, complete, and ...

Support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of fiber optic and telecommunications ... Ensure engineering documentation, permits, and system records are accurate, complete, and ...

Support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of fiber optic and telecommunications ... Ensure engineering documentation, permits, and system records are accurate, complete, and ...

Applications Engineer

Allen, TX · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Applications Engineering Lead Location: Allen, TX Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Security ... fiber-optic interconnect design and manufacturing. Located in Allen, Texas, AFSI provides full ...

Senior Firmware Engineer

Allen, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Design, develop and verify CMIS Compliant Firmware for Optical Transceivers * Design, implement and ... Support NPI and Application Engineering teams in bringing products to the market * Troubleshoot and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Keller, TX · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

... Design for Manufacturability (DFM) projects through proper stage gating and change management Experiences/Education - Required * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical ...

... Design for Manufacturability (DFM) projects through proper stage gating and change management Experiences/Education - Required * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Keller, TX · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

... Design for Manufacturability (DFM) projects through proper stage gating and change management Experiences/Education - Required * Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical ...

Showing results 41-60

Optical Design Engineer information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$78.6K

$138.4K

$185.5K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Dallas, TX is $138,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,600.00 and $156,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges optical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Optical Design Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to bring complex optical systems to life. A common challenge is ensuring that the optical specifications are maintained while accommodating constraints from other disciplines, such as size, thermal management, and manufacturability. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both optical principles and broader engineering requirements are crucial to balancing these sometimes competing demands. Regular team meetings and clear documentation help keep projects aligned and facilitate successful integration across all engineering domains.

What is the difference between Optical Design Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectOptical Design EngineerOptical Test Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, CAD software, collaboration with R&D teamsTesting labs, measurement equipment, quality assurance teams
Industry UsageOptical product development, lens design, imaging systemsProduct validation, quality control, performance testing
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Optical Design Engineers focus on creating and optimizing optical systems using design software, while Optical Test Engineers verify and validate these designs through testing and measurements. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work closely in optical product development, but their core responsibilities differ in design versus testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of optics, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or LightTools is essential, along with familiarity with CAD tools and simulation systems. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the creation of high-performance optical systems that meet technical requirements and client needs.

What is an optical design engineer?

Optical Design Engineers are professionals who design and develop optical systems and components, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They use principles of physics and engineering to create products used in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Their work often involves computer-aided design (CAD) software and optical simulation tools to ensure that optical systems meet specific performance requirements. Optical Design Engineers collaborate with other engineers and scientists throughout the development and testing process. They play a key role in advancing technologies that rely on light manipulation and imaging.

What cities near Dallas, TX are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,410 per year, or $66.5 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer - EO/IR with Security Clearance

RTX

Plano, TX • On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-02
Country:
United States of America Location:
US-TX-PLANO-465 ~ 465 Independence Pkwy ~ INDEPENDENCE 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: Top Secret Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date At RTX, the world's 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 freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Naval Airborne Systems (NAS) is seeking a Senior System Engineer to work on the Science and Technology (S&T) team to model mode performance and develop novel mode algorithms for Electro-Optics/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors for research and development. The Senior System Engineer will apply advanced knowledge of EO/IR sensors and mode performance to analyze and drive new EO/IR sensor design by collaborating with hardware and system design teams. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Plano, Texas. What You Will Do: * Leverage software development skills to develop and implement new mode algorithms for cutting edge processing solutions and platforms
* Performance analysis, algorithm development, algorithm analysis, trade study generation, statistical modeling, performance predictions, and data analysis for complex systems using Raytheon Engineering processes and practices
* Interface with team lead, team members, and related engineers
* Conduct and/or participate in customer and/or program presentations
* Provide task progress status updates and work products to the team lead Qualifications You Must Have: * Typically requires a Bachelor degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of eight (5) or more years of documented work and/or academic experience in optical design, algorithm development, imaging EO/IR systems, physics, image signal processing, and/or discrimination algorithms experience
* Experience in programming in C or C++ and using MATLAB or Python for evaluation of data sets
* 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 Qualifications We Prefer: * Top Secret Clearance
* Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
* Experience developing signal processing algorithms for airborne surveillance application, signal & image processing, digital communications, detection and estimation theory, or AI/ML and training techniques
* UNIX/Linux
* Real-time Programming, software change management tools, and processes
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 Eligible - relocation assistance available for this position 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
* Texas: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-north-texas-location 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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

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