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

Job Title: CAD Engineer Location: Pearland, Texas Employee Type: Exempt/Full-time Reports To ... Knowledge of optical metrology software (Hexagon SpatialAnalyzer, Polyworks Inspector, FARO BuildIT ...

Senior FPGA Design Engineer

Houston, TX

$117K - $161K/yr

As a Senior FPGA Design Engineer you will develop FPGA designs for all major vendors and device ... RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor ...

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Optical Design Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$75.9K

$133.6K

$179.1K

How much do optical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical design engineer in Houston, TX is $133,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,200.00 and $151,400.00 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 are popular job titles related to Optical Design Engineer jobs in Houston, TX? For Optical Design Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Design Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Design Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Optical Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Optical Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Design Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,616 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Raytheon 2026 EO Optical Systems Engineer I (Onsite)

Raytheon

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-30

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-9070 ~ 9070 S Rita Rd ~ 9070 BLDG

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 Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring 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. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

The Electro-Optics (EO) department is responsible for requirements decomposition, detailed design and production support of the EO Sensors/Seekers, including the detectors, cryogenic systems, and structures making up the sensor/seeker subsystems. The multi-disciplined department includes engineers that may be responsible for the following: Designing, modeling/analyzing, and verifying optical components within a sensor/seeker designing the structures that hold the optics, including any mechanisms needed to move optics, as well as the cryogenic systems used to cool and maintain the temperature of EO detectors. Relaying critical detector interface and performance requirements to detector suppliers and verifying requirements are met. Utilize many different engineering discipline skills to assemble, test and verify optical, electrical, and mechanical components as they are built up into the sensor/seeker subsystem

What You Will Do:

  • Participate as mentee and Individual Contributor supporting program activities.
  • Optical alignment/testing of optics assemblies.
  • EO modeling, simulation, and analysis applications.
  • Requirements development, requirement validation, and subsystem trade studies.
  • Design of optical and opto-mechanical seeker systems and/or test fixtures for missiles.
  • Working with engineering and production personnel to troubleshoot and provide root cause and corrective action to design and process issues.
  • Support production related activities in the assembly and documentation of electro-optical subsystems.
  • Troubleshooting hardware and process issues down to CCA and component levels
  • Resolution of issues on production lines and in testing (including suppliers)
  • Failure analysis / root cause determination and corrective action implementation 


Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained prior to start.
  • Experience with Electro-Optical subsystems.
  • 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:

  • ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard. 3.0 cumulative GPA desired.
  • Ability to develop and present technical briefings.
  • Experience in troubleshooting investigations and processes
  • Experience with test equipment, test automation scripting, test conduction, sensor control

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.

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. 

Clearance Information: This position requires a 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

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 57,200 USD - 108,800 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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