2026 Intern - Optical Engineering - Onsite

Date Posted:

2026-03-05

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01

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

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.

What You Will Do:

• 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.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• 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.

We Offer:

• 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.
• Relocation Eligibility

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.
• Please upload a copy of your most recent transcripts with your resume when applying to this requisition. Include your cumulative GPA and projected graduation date on your resume.

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 42,000 USD - 88,000 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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