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

Execute and analyze 6-DOF simulations to evaluate spacecraft performance and mission objectives ... Familiarity with GNC hardware including IMUs, Star Trackers, GPS, LIDAR, and Optical Navigation ...

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

Sr. Electronics Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$102K - $126K/yr

Design, simulation, development, implementation, verification and validation of analog, digital ... optical communication devices. * Analog circuit design (power supplies, amplifiers, signal ...

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Optical Simulation Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$79.3K

$137.1K

$160.9K

How much do optical simulation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical simulation engineer in Houston, TX is $137,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,200.00 and $159,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optical simulation engineer?

An Optical Simulation Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software and modeling techniques to design, analyze, and optimize optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They simulate the behavior of light within these systems to predict performance and identify potential issues before physical prototypes are built. These engineers work closely with product development teams in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. Their expertise helps to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure the quality of optical products.

What are the main challenges an optical simulation engineer faces when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Optical Simulation Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure that optical designs integrate seamlessly into larger systems. A common challenge is translating complex optical requirements into terms that colleagues from other disciplines can understand, while also adapting simulations to reflect real-world constraints such as tolerances and material properties. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as project requirements can evolve rapidly and may require iterative simulations or adjustments. Building strong cross-functional relationships can help overcome these challenges and lead to more robust, innovative solutions.

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

To thrive as an Optical Simulation Engineer, you need expertise in optics, physics, and mathematics, typically with a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Proficiency in simulation software such as Zemax, LightTools, or COMSOL Multiphysics, along with familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These abilities ensure accurate optical system modeling, efficient project workflows, and successful development of innovative optical products.

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

AspectOptical Simulation EngineerOptical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; proficiency in simulation softwareBachelor's or Master's in optics, physics, or engineering; strong design and analytical skills
Work EnvironmentPrimarily uses simulation tools to model optical systems; collaborates with design teamsDesigns and develops optical components and systems; often involved in prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageOptics companies, research labs, aerospace, and defenseOptics and photonics companies, consumer electronics, and medical device industries

Both roles require a background in optics and engineering, but Optical Simulation Engineers focus on modeling and analysis using simulation software, while Optical Design Engineers are more involved in creating and optimizing physical optical systems. They often work together but have distinct responsibilities within the optical development process.

What are popular job titles related to Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Simulation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

Infographic showing various Optical Simulation Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $137,144 per year, or $65.9 per hour.

Raytheon 2026 EO Optical Systems Engineer I (Onsite)

Raytheon

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 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 540 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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