Principal RF Sensor Lead Engineer (REA)

RTX (Raytheon); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal RF Sensor Responsible Engineering Authority to drive RF subsystem design for advanced missile programs. You will define requirements, model, and support integration and testing of RF sensors onsite in Tucson.

You will mentor junior engineers, coordinate with suppliers, and manage risks to ensure performance under demanding environments. Active clearance is required prior to start.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM Bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in RF hardware development or an advanced degree with relevant experience.
• Experience working with suppliers or subcontractors to develop complex RF hardware.
• Experience with product or task ownership and interpretation of engineering requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee RF sensor development and supplier coordination.
• Lead design modeling, analysis, and verification activities for RF subsystems.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with program leadership to manage risk and ensure program success.
• Support integration, testing, and root-cause analysis for RF hardware.

Skills

RF subsystem design

Radar development

Antenna design

RF sensor integration

Supplier management

Technical leadership

Requirements verification

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Vector network analyzers

Signal generators

Spectrum analyzers

Antenna ranges

Environmental test facilities

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-28

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02

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 Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling to help our nation and allies defend freedom 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 engineers develop advanced technologies that create a safer, more secure world.

The Effector RF Design Department designs, develops, and supports advanced RF hardware including seekers, sensors, antennas, transmitters, receivers, and exciters for next-generation tactical missile systems. Our work spans the complete engineering development lifecycle-from concept development and requirements definition through design, qualification, testing, and transition to production. We develop innovative RF solutions capable of performing reliably in some of the world's most demanding operational environments.

The Effector RF Design department at Raytheon is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Principal RF Sensor Responsible Engineering Authority (REA) for advanced technology missile programs. The desired candidate will have experience in RF subsystem design, radar development, antenna design, and/or RF seeker integration. You will drive subsystem requirements, conduct design modeling and analysis, and support integration and test efforts. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge RF technology, driving innovation, and shaping the future of advanced missile systems.

This is an onsite role, located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

• Oversee supplier development of RF sensors and measurement equipment
• Serve as a liaison between the supplier and program, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule alignment
• Coordinate stakeholder reviews of technical data, proposed design changes, and hardware acceptance
• Identify, document, and communicate risks and mitigations for RF sensor development
• Support lab testing, field test events, and root-cause failure analysis for RF sensors
• Maintain artifacts such as requirements documents, Hardware Utilization Matrix (HUM), and Supplier Statement of Work (SSOW)
• Process variances for hardware noncompliance and/or deviations from the Technical Data Package (TDP)
• Travel regularly to the supplier in support of reviews and working meetings (once every one to two months)
• Collaborate regularly with program leadership, functional management, suppliers, and customers
• Build and leverage cross-functional networks to solve complex technical challenges
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence across the organization

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum of 6 years of relevant experience to include any combination of the following: Experience with electrical hardware development (RF components such as antennas or CCAs and subsystems preferred)
• Experience working directly with suppliers or subcontractors to develop complex hardware.
• Experience with product or task ownership
• Experience interpreting engineering requirements and verifying hardware compliance
• Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start.

Qualifications We Value

• Experience serving as a technical lead or Responsible Engineering Authority.
• Experience with radar, RF sensors, RF seekers, antennas, microwave electronics, or RF subsystem development.
• Knowledge of subsystem or systems engineering, requirements development, verification, and validation.
• Experience integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and qualifying RF hardware.
• Familiarity with RF laboratory equipment including vector network analyzers, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, antenna ranges, and environmental test facilities.
• Experience supporting supplier technical management, design reviews, and hardware acceptance.
• Strong understanding of technical risk identification, mitigation planning, and engineering decision making.
• Experience leading technical investigations, failure analyses, and trade studies.
• Knowledge of mixed-signal electronics and hardware integration.
• Experience with missile systems or other defense-related RF products.