Principal Engineer - Propulsion

RTX (Raytheon); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Engineer - Propulsion for an onsite role in Tucson, AZ. The role involves integrating propulsion technologies for missile systems and space vehicles, and coordinating with development and production programs across Raytheon Product Lines.

You will manage propulsion projects and subcontracts, review subcontract data, and deliver technical presentations to management and government. A DoD Secret clearance is required, with U.S. citizenship to qualify.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s in STEM and 8 years of relevant experience or an advanced degree with 5 years of experience.
• Eight years of propulsion technology experience and its application to solid or air-breathing propulsion systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced propulsion technologies and integrate systems for missiles and space vehicles.
• Manage propulsion development projects and subcontracts; review data and change requests.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to management and government.

Skills

Propulsion tech

Security clearance

U.S. citizenship

Education

B.S. in STEM

Advanced degree

Job description

Date Posted:
2026-10-21

Country:
United States of America

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

Position Role Type:
Unspecified

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:
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.

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.

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

• Typically requires a 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 in aforementioned disciplines. ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard.
• 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.
• 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
• Experience developing and leading collaborative efforts with other technical disciplines including structural, thermal, aerodynamics and low observables
• Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance (Department of Defense)

RTX Corporation is an Aerospace