Principal Engr, Automation Engineering IV

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

Job summary

RTX, located in Tucson, AZ, is seeking an Automation Systems Engineer to design, implement, and sustain automation solutions across manufacturing. You will work on robots, PLCs, HMIs, and vision systems and coordinate with business systems using Ignition to drive efficiency.

The role blends controls programming with opportunities for growth in applications development, leadership, and cross-functional coordination in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) required.
• Minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience, or 5+ years with an advanced STEM degree.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret U.S. clearance prior to start date.
• Experience with integrating control systems (actuators, sensors, controls, robotics, vision systems).
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming (Rockwell preferred).
• Experience programming robots (Fanuc preferred).
• Experience managing and executing medium to complex automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities for automation in assembly, inspection, test, and logistics.
• Document requirements with factory/program stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership to projects with internal teams or suppliers.
• Integrate software and hardware to create or upgrade automation solutions.
• Perform system validation testing for acceptance and production prove-in.
• Provide troubleshooting and debug support for production systems.
• Contribute to manufacturing technology strategy across the business.

Skills

Control systems integration

PLC & HMI programming

Robot programming

Automation project management

Technical leadership

Education

STEM degree

Advanced STEM degree in Engineering

Tools

Ignition

Python

MSSQL

AutoCAD Electrical

Rockwell Automation

Keyence

Cognex

iRVision

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-29

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (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: 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 Raytheon Industry 4.0 – Connected Factory Intelligence & Automation (CFIA) organization has an immediate career-growth opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and innovative Automation Systems Engineer (ASE) to join our team.

As an Automation Systems Engineering team member, you will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and sustainment of automation solutions in support of manufacturing. The role includes developing and improving physical automation solutions (robots, PLCs, HMIs, and vision systems) and their integration with business systems (primarily using Ignition).

This role merges technical, manufacturing, and business knowledge to drive new innovations across Raytheon. The role has a foundation in controls programming but offers significant opportunities for growth through applications development, technical leadership, and coordination across functions to execute initiatives. The candidate will work in a highly collaborative team of engineers and leaders.

What You Will Do

• Identify opportunities for automation (assembly, inspection, test, and logistics).
• Document requirements through collaboration with factory/program stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership to projects executed internally or in collaboration with suppliers.
• Integrate software (PLCs, robotics, vision system, smart tools, etc) and hardware (sensors, actuators, servos, etc) to create or upgrade solutions.
• Perform system validation testing for acceptance and production prove-in
• Provide troubleshooting and debug support for production systems.
• Contribute to the overall manufacturing technology strategy for the business.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.; or 5+ years with an advanced STEM degree in Engineering.
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.
• Experience with integrating control systems (i.e. actuators, sensors, controls, robotics, and vision systems).
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming (Rockwell preferred)
• Experience programming robots (Fanuc preferred)
• Experience successfully managing and executing medium to complex automation projects.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Strong technical leadership and problem-solving skills
• Keyence, Cognex, or iRVision experience
• Software programming (Ignition platform, Python, MSSQL)
• Experience in control system design and documentation (AutoCAD Electrical)
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing or process automation
• Knowledge of safety standards and compliance (OSHA, NFPA, RIA)
• Active DoD Secret Clearance

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.
• This position is NOT eligible for relocation.

The 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. 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.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attendselect 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.

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.

Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location