Principal Engineer – Propulsion

Raytheon; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX Corporation in Tucson, Arizona, seeks a Principal Engineer - Propulsion to join the Energetics and Propulsion team. The role focuses on propulsion systems for missiles and space vehicles, with collaboration across development and production programs and direct engagement with suppliers.

Required qualifications include a STEM degree with 8+ years of propulsion experience or an advanced degree with 5+ years, plus the ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM and 8+ years propulsion experience or advanced degree with 5+ years
• Eight years in propulsion tech and solid propulsion systems development
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance; U.S. citizenship required

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced technologies to propulsion system integration for missiles and space vehicles
• Contribute to development and production programs across Raytheon product lines
• Review manufacturing processes and coordinate with subcontractors on propulsion systems
• Deliver technical presentations to management and government stakeholders
• Interface with customers to identify user needs and guide program directions
• Travel as needed to provide supplier support and manage subcontracts

Skills

Propulsion experience

Security clearance knowledge

Program management collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

Advanced degree

Tools

CFD

NPSS

EVMS

SOW development

Job description

Location

US-AZ-TUCSON-M07 ~ 3292 E Hemisphere Loop ~ BLDG M07

Date Posted

2026-08-20

Country

United States of America

Position Role Type

Unspecified

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

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings 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. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Raytheon brings 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. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

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.

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and propulsion designs/technology, including power systems, ignition, and all other weapon initiation safety systems technology. The department is seeking to hire a Principal Engineer - Propulsion.

Position Location

This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, Arizona.

What You Will Do

• Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the systems integration of propulsion, thrusters, controllers, software, mechanical and electrical interfaces for integration into missile systems and space vehicles.
• Involvement with both development and production programs across Raytheon Product Lines
• Review manufacturing processes and problem resolution as well as working directly with subcontractors on the design and manufacturing of solid rocket motor propulsion systems
• Work in a collaborative environment with program management in long-range program planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements and be a key spokesperson on program’s technical capabilities and future directions
• Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition subcontract data and change requests; and oversee supplier operations
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to management and government
• Frequently interface with the Customer to identify user needs
• Be instrumental in obtaining new company business and act independently to uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational missile programs
• Willingness to travel, including internationally, to provide supplier support
• 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

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced degree and 5 years of relevant experience
• Eight (8) years of experience in propulsion technology and its application to solid or air breathing propulsion systems
• Experience in the development of solid propulsion systems from conceptual design through final test / assembly etc.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced degree
• Ten (10) or more years of directly related experience in propulsive technology and its application to air breathing propulsion systems (turboprop, turbine, scramjet/ramjet, RDE, VFDR, fuel bladders, fuel systems), Solid Propulsion systems, and/or liquid propulsion systems.
• Systems knowledge to assure full development of propulsion requirements and dissemination and flow down to subcomponent levels
• Experience with highspeed combustion mechanics
• Experience designing and developing inlet geometry
• Experience with compressible fluid dynamics (CFD, NPSS, etc.)
• Experience designing and developing exhaust geometry
• Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System
• Demonstrated success as a proposal/cost account manager as well as project/team leader
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead collaborative efforts with other technical disciplines including structural, thermal, aerodynamics and low observables
• Supplier collaboration experience and oversight generating specifications and statements of work (SOW)
• Working knowledge or experience with either missile design or development, production support and integration
• Experience with DoD customers and/or associated contractor executives and technical leadership
• Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance (Department of Defense)

RTX Corporation 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 Systems, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 185,000 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, VA.

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.

What We Offer

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

Whether you're just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the superior benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

• Salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.