Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optronics (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-06-09



Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-CARLSBAD-582 ~ 2752 Loker Ave W ~ LOKER

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optronics (Onsite)

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.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At Collins Aerospace Optronics, we design and develop high precision optical systems for space, airborne, simulator and body-worn environments.  We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, analysis, development, integration and testing of precision optical and visual display systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—including optical engineering, electronics, manufacturing, and quality—to bring complex products from concept through production. The candidate will apply knowledge of mechanical design and fabrication processes, such as design-to-cost, component selection, engineering procurement, and engineering lab processes. The candidate will also contribute to bid and proposal efforts.

What You Will Do:

• Lead the mechanical design of optical and opto-electrical assemblies, including lens housings, fixtures, mounts, and alignment mechanisms.
• Perform tolerance analysis, thermal analysis, structural analysis, and material selection to ensure high performance and reliability.
• Work with optical engineers to translate system-level optical requirements into robust mechanical designs.
• Develop 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and documentation following engineering standards.
• Conduct design reviews, prototype evaluation, and root-cause investigations for design-related issues.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and suppliers to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement through innovative design methods and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to team development and best practices.
• Lead or support technical research and contribute to continuous process improvement activities

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience
• 8+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design, particularly for products used in harsh environments
• Strong proficiency with CAD tools (e.g. Creo)
• Deep understanding of precision mechanical design principles, ASME Y14.5-2018 GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups
• Experience designing components for optical systems such as lenses, lasers, sensors, and imaging assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, metrology, testing, and verification of opto-mechanical assemblies.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Knowledge of thermal management, material science, adhesives, and mounting techniques used in optical systems.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with spaceborne, airborne, or ruggedized optical systems
• Opto-mechanical, electro-mechanical or visual displays experience
• Familiarity with cleanroom practices and optical assembly techniques
• Proficient with hand tools and light power tools
• Background in finite element analysis (Modal, Shock and Random Vibration) with preference on Ansys workbench experience
• Experience working in regulated industries such as aerospace or defense.

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  
• Tuition reimbursement program 
• Student Loan Repayment Program  
• Life insurance and disability coverage  
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  
• Adoption Assistance           
• Autism Benefit  
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  
• Eligible for relocation assistance
• And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to 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. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.   

  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.   

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 95,500 USD - 181,700 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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