This article dives into the latest leadership shake-up at Optex Systems Holdings, Inc., a U.S. defense optics manufacturer that’s been around for decades. They’re bringing on a seasoned optical coating expert, hoping to ramp up research, development, and operations while sticking to their mission—getting high-precision optical systems into military platforms.
Strengthening Optical Coating Leadership at Optex Systems
Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. just named Brian Bushnell as its new Director of Optical Coating Technology, starting January 5, 2026. The company, based in Richardson, Texas, is known for making precision sighting systems for U.S. military vehicles and defense contractors.
This hire shows Optex is still betting big on advanced optical tech, especially thin-film coatings that work across visible and infrared wavelengths. Leadership here matters more than ever, since military platforms keep demanding tougher, better, and more reliable optics for complicated situations.
Brian Bushnell’s Experience in Defense Optics and Engineering
Brian Bushnell brings over twenty years of hands-on experience in opto-mechanical engineering and thin-film optical coating development. Before Optex, he spent eight years at Raytheon in McKinney, Texas, working his way through several management roles.
Proven Leadership at Raytheon
Most recently, Bushnell was the Senior Manager of Mechanical Engineering at Raytheon. He led multidisciplinary teams tackling tough defense systems, always trying to balance innovation, production efficiency, and compliance.
People often describe his leadership style as hands-on and direct. That approach could bring a real boost to Optex’s research pipeline, manufacturing, and day-to-day operations—areas that drive both technical success and financial stability.
Academic Foundation in Engineering and Business
Bushnell’s education mixes technical know-how with business savvy:
This background helps him connect advanced optical science with real-world manufacturing and smart decision-making.
Advancing Thin-Film Optical Coating Technology
Bill Bates, General Manager at Optex’s Applied Optics Center, says Bushnell’s expertise will help push thin-film coating development across the visible-to-infrared spectrum. These coatings matter for sharper images, tougher environmental resistance, and better sensor performance in military optics.
Impact on R&D and Operations
Thin-film optical coatings stand at the core of modern defense optics. Improvements here can:
Optex hopes that by sharpening both development and operations, they can deliver better systems while keeping costs and schedules under control.
Optex Systems’ Role in U.S. Defense Platforms
Founded in 1987, Optex Systems holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and has built a reputation as a go-to for precision optical sighting systems. You’ll find their products on all kinds of U.S. military vehicles, including:
The company works with both the military directly and big-name defense contractors.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Caution
The company’s announcement comes with the usual Safe Harbor statement. They point out that any forward-looking statements about growth, contracts, or financial performance involve some risks and uncertainties.
Still, bringing in a leader with solid experience in optical coating technology shows that Optex wants to stay in the game. The defense optics field keeps changing fast, and they’re clearly not sitting still.
If you want more info about Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. or their tech, check out www.optexsys.com.
Here is the source article for this story: Optex Systems Announces Brian Bushnell as Director of Optical Coatings Technology