Mission Systems Operations - Systems Engineer I (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Paid time off

Employee Scholar Program

Parental leave

Medical insurance

Job summary

RTX is seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to join a 24/7 ops team in Alexandria, VA, contributing to Satellite Flight Operations, Mission Planning, and Ground Systems Engineering. The role focuses on real-time command and control within a dynamic, rotating-shift environment.

Entry-level opportunities support training and career growth, with a security clearance required. Onsite role with potential for comprehensive benefits and strict eligibility for U.S. citizens.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/ SCI with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph.
• U.S. government issued security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Learn and assist in execution of real-time command and control and mission planning activities to satisfy customer requirements.
• Monitor satellite and ground system telemetry.
• Report and document anomalous performance and interact with other team members to validate operational requirements performance.
• Create and/or implement a daily operations plan using complex software and hardware systems.
• Support test activities as necessary.
• Must have the ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts and overtime on a regular basis.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM / Engineering / Physics

Tools

Perl

Python

VBA

Job description

Job Summary

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Country: United States of America

Location: US-VA-ALEXANDRIA-7900-CUST ~ 7900 Telegraph Rd ~ 7900-CUST (External Site)

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Security Clearance Type: TS/SCI with Polygraph

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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.

This is an onsite entry level role located in Alexandria, VA.

We are seeking Aerospace Systems Engineers to work as part of a team that performs and provides Operations, Maintenance and Engineering (OM&E) Command and Control functions to our proprietary customer. Key areas of focus include Satellite Flight Operations, Mission Planning, Vehicle Operations and Engineering and Ground Systems Engineering in support of an integral 24/7 Operations environment.

This position requires working a rotating shift schedule as assigned and based on the adaptable needs of the team. Systems Engineers will support operational teams as part of a larger team which utilizes a dynamic workforce, including many experts in their fields.

Not Relocation Eligible – Relocation assistance not available.

Top Secret/ SCI with Counterintelligence Polygraph is required prior to start. This process can take up to 15 months for issuance so Fall 2027 start or later is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and assist in execution of real-time command and control and mission planning activities to satisfy customer requirements
• Monitor satellite and ground system telemetry
• Report and document anomalous performance and interact with other team members to validate operational requirements performance
• Create and or implement a daily operations plan using complex software and hardware systems
• Support test activities as necessary
• Must have the ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts and overtime on a regular basis

What You Will Learn

• After completion of comprehensive on-the-job training, the candidate will be a part of a certified team of subject matter experts that are integral to our customer’s success Crosstrain in other operational positions as assigned and assist with the training of other personnel on the contract team

Qualifications – Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Physics
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/ SCI with Counterintelligence (CI) Polygraph
• U.S. government issued security clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
• Experience may be obtained through on-the-job experience, research, coursework, or projects

Qualifications – Prefer

• 3.0 cumulative GPA desired
• Experience providing/receiving training to/from a wide range of learning techniques and styles
• Proficient use of both Windows and Unix platforms
• Experience with Perl, Python, VBA and or other scripting languages
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite

Benefits

• 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
• 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.

Salary

The salary range for this role is 57,200 USD - 108,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

Application Window

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Security Clearance Information

DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website: Security Clearance FAQs — United States Department of State.

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.

Location

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.

Company Values

At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Company Overview

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

Role Type

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. This position requires ability to obtain a security clearance.