2026 Intern - Optical Engineering - Onsite

RTX • El Segundo, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX. 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. Raytheon in El Segundo, CA seeks a motivated Optical Engineer Intern willing to apply their interest, training, and knowledge to optical design, analysis, assembly, integration, and test. Our Space Optics Department develops optical imaging telescopes, spectrometers, sensors, and special test equipment. We own all aspects of the optical design to field innovative sensor solutions that meet the mission needs.

Requirements

• This position is for an intern who is enrolled in a Bachelor's (or higher) degree program and will be at minimum, entering their Junior year by the start of Summer 2026
• Must be pursuing as bachelor’s or graduate degree in Optics, Physics, Engineering or Mathematics.
• Hands-on experience with optical alignment and measurement equipment.
• Experience with optical design/analysis and CAD software.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Optical design and analysis with Zemax, CodeV, FRED, and/or Matlab.
• Optical requirements derivation and drawing generation.
• Procurement of custom optics and supplier oversight.
• Hands-on assembly and alignment of optical sensors in cleanrooms.
• Optical testing and troubleshooting in lab and field environments.
• Work on-site in a collaborative environment with minimal supervision.

Benefits

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern