Optical Engineer Intern

Job Description

Optical Engineer Intern | RTX

The Tone:
This is a internship at RTX, located in El Segundo, CA. RTX is a leader in aerospace and defense, providing an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems and advance skills for a safer, more connected world. At Raytheon, the company leverages over 100 years of engineering expertise to develop innovative sensor solutions that meet national defense needs and stay ahead of future threats. This role contributes directly to solving tough, meaningful problems.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: El Segundo, CA
• Pay: $42000–$88000 yearly
• Team: Space Optics Department, developing optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and special test equipment.
• Mission: This role designs, analyzes, assembles, integrates, and tests optical systems to develop innovative sensor solutions for mission needs.
• Tech Stack: Zemax, CodeV, FRED, Matlab, CAD software

What You’ll Actually Do
• Design: Design and analyze optical systems using specified software like Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or Matlab.
• Documentation: Derive optical requirements and generate necessary drawings for optical systems.
• Procurement: Oversee the procurement of custom optics and manage supplier relationships.
• Assembly: Perform hands-on assembly and alignment of optical sensors in cleanroom environments.
• Testing: Conduct optical testing and troubleshoot issues in lab and field environments.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Intern enrolled in a Bachelor’s (or higher) degree program, entering Junior year by the start of Summer 2026, pursuing Optics, Physics, Engineering, or Mathematics. U.S. citizenship is required to access information under this program/contract.
• Experience: Hands-on experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment; experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.
• Skills: Optical design, optical analysis, optical alignment, optical measurement equipment operation, CAD software proficiency.
• Bonus: Demonstrated good communication skills, experience fabricating optics and coatings, experience building and aligning optical assemblies, experience fabricating parts in a machine shop, existing security clearances.