Principal Software and Systems Test Engineer

Prattwhitney; Chesapeake (VA); Hybrid; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Paid time off

Flexible schedules

Job summary

RTX, a leading aerospace and defense company, seeks an experienced engineer to design, develop, and execute test plans for radar system software. You will implement C++ test tools and use MATLAB/Python to analyze RF data, verifying performance across software and hardware interfaces.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a hybrid U.S. site in Chesapeake, VA while ensuring security clearance eligibility. A STEM degree and 8+ years of relevant work are expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with C/C++ software development or testing.
• Experience analyzing data with MATLAB or Python.
• Experience with signal processing, radar/RF systems or sensor modeling.
• Experience in Linux/UNIX environments.
• Ability to obtain interim secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute test plans for signal processing and radar system software.
• Implement and maintain C++-based test tools, frameworks, and automated test solutions.
• Use MATLAB or Python to analyze large RF and sensor data sets, perform algorithm assessment, and verify system performance.
• Integrate signal processing algorithms into hardware testbeds and support lab-based system evaluation.
• Conduct debugging, fault isolation, and performance tuning across software and hardware interfaces.
• Collaborate with software, systems, signal processing, and hardware engineering teams to resolve issues and validate requirements.
• Participate in design reviews, requirements verification, and system-level testing events.
• Support documentation, technical reporting, and data-driven briefings to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills

C/C++

MATLAB

Python

Signal processing

Linux/UNIX

Security clearance eligibility

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Git

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-07-30 Country: United States of America Location: US-VA-CHESAPEAKE-002-CUST ~ 2 Relay Rd ~ BLDG 344 (External Site) Position Role Type: Hybrid 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: Secret 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.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and execute test plans for signal processing and radar system software
• Implement and maintain C++‑based test tools, frameworks, and automated test solutions
• Use MATLAB or Python to analyze large RF and sensor data sets, perform algorithm assessment, and verify system performance
• Integrate signal processing algorithms into hardware testbeds and support lab‑based system evaluation
• Conduct debugging, fault isolation, and performance tuning across software and hardware interfaces
• Collaborate with software, systems, signal processing, and hardware engineering teams to resolve issues and validate requirements
• Participate in design reviews, requirements verification, and system‑level testing events
• Support documentation, technical reporting, and data‑driven briefings to internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience developing or testing software using C or C++
• Experience analyzing data sets using MATLAB or Python
• Experience with signal processing, radar systems, RF systems, or sensor modeling
• Experience working in Linux/UNIX environments
• The ability to obtain and maintain an interim secret U.S. security clearance prior to the start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

We Prefer

• Experience with radar detection, tracking, imaging, or discrimination algorithms
• Experience with hardware/software integration and lab‑based system testing
• Familiarity with ionospheric propagation dynamics
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation environments
• Experience with version control tools such as Git
• Knowledge of real‑time processing, performance optimization
• Advanced degree in Engineering, Physics, Applied Math, or related technical field

Clearance Information

This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

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.

Salary and Benefits

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.

• 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
• Holidays
• 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.
• Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement.
• If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

RTX 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, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 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, Virginia.