Principal Microwave Photonics Engineer

Raytheon; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Job summary

Raytheon in Columbia, MD is seeking a Principal Microwave Photonics Engineer to join our Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group. You will design, simulate, build, and test next-generation photonic systems to meet customer needs.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in STEM with 8 years experience (or advanced degree with 5 years), plus microwave photonics experience. Travel up to 10% and ability to obtain security clearance; active TS/SCI preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years of experience; or advanced degree with 5+ years of experience
• Experience with microwave photonic systems
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, simulation, assembly, and testing of microwave photonic systems in support of internal and external R&D contracts
• Perform hands on testing and troubleshooting of photonic systems and components
• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team setting to solve complex engineering problems
• Perform and participate in internal and external technical reviews
• Independently drive projects and execute to program schedules and budget
• Travel up to 10%, with some overnight travel.

Skills

Microwave photonics experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Advanced degree in Physics/Optics/Photonic or EE

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

Location

US-MD-COLUMBIA-7100 ~ 7100 Columbia Gateway Dr ~ COLUMBIA GATEWAY, Ste 160

Date Posted

2026-10-12

Country

United States of America

Location

US-MD-COLUMBIA-7100 ~ 7100 Columbia Gateway Dr ~ COLUMBIA GATEWAY, Ste 160

Position Role Type

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type

DoD Clearance: TS/SCI

Security Clearance Status

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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 Subsystem Engineering and Photonics group is actively seeking a Principal Microwave Photonics Engineer to join our group in Columbia, MD. The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, construction, and testing of next generation photonic systems to provide new capabilities to our customers.

What You Will Do

• Contribute to design, simulation, assembly, and testing of microwave photonic systems in support of internal and external R&D contracts
• Perform hands on testing and troubleshooting of photonic systems and components
• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team setting to solve complex engineering problems
• Perform and participate in internal and external technical reviews
• Independently drive projects and execute to program schedules and budget
• Travel up to 10%, with some overnight travel.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience; or an advanced degree and 5 years of experience
• Experience with microwave photonic systems

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or related engineering field.
• Experience in fiber optic based photonic systems
• Experience in integrated photonics
• Proficiency in MATLAB
• Experience developing and executing testing plans
• Self-motivated problem solver with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Self-directed - Able to complete tasks with minimum oversight
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: 118,300 USD - 224,900 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.
• 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, 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.