Principal Software Engineer - Section and Technical Lead

RTX (Raytheon); McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX in McKinney, TX is seeking a principal software technical leader with deep knowledge of real-time embedded systems to guide EO/IR programs. This role blends senior IC work with section leadership to drive disciplined development and successful program execution.

You will manage staffing, review code, coordinate integration, and mentor engineers, while maintaining alignment with DoD clearance requirements and security policies.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience implementing real-time algorithms and embedded platform integration.
• Ability to obtain/maintain DoD Secret security clearance; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership by delegating, reviewing, and guiding engineering work.
• Review code, validate algorithm behavior, and promote engineering discipline.
• Coordinate with systems and cross-functional leads for integration and delivery.
• Manage section staffing, workload balancing, and long-term workforce planning.
• Coach, develop talent, and maintain strong engineering capabilities.
• Oversee section leadership duties and contribute as tech lead or IC (10-15%).
• Work onsite in McKinney, TX; relocation considered as needed.

Skills

Real-time algorithms

Embedded software engineering

Leadership / section lead

Clear communication

Education

STEM degree

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Country: United States of America

Location: US-TX-MCKINNEY-513WD ~ 2501 W University Dr ~ WING D BLDG

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: 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.

We are seeking an experienced principal – level software technical leader with deep knowledge of real‑time embedded systems, advanced algorithms, and system‑level integration to support Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) programs. This individual will serve as both as a senior technical individual contributor and as a section lead.

As a Section Lead , the candidate will be responsible for managing software engineering staffing, talent development, performance management, and maintaining consistent execution across multiple fast‑moving software baselines. This position provides an opportunity to grow your skillset by contributing to the development of our workforce and creating and fostering an inclusive environment.

What You Will do :

• Provide senior technical leadership by delegating, reviewing, and guiding engineering work to ensure disciplined implementation of key embedded system algorithms.
• Review code, validate algorithm behavior, and drive strong engineering practices through clear technical rationale and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with systems and cross‑functional leads to support integration, verification, and delivery of multiple simultaneous efforts.
• Manage section staffing, workload balancing, and long‑term workforce planning, ensuring a healthy and well‑supported engineering organization.
• Perform performance management, coaching, and career development to grow talent and maintain strong engineering capabilities.
• Champion engineering discipline excellence through process ownership, best‑practice promotion, inclusive culture building, and stable leadership across programs.
• Oversee the direct line management activities for the section including communication, performance management, career development, and talent acquisition
• Work as a technical lead or individual contributor on the program; Section Lead duties account for approximately 10-15% of the employee's time

This job is onsite in McKinney, TX; applicants must be in the area or willing to relocate to it.

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.
• Experience implementing and validating real‑time algorithms and supporting Software and Hardware integration on embedded platforms.
• Experience communicating, collaborating with teams, and translating technical considerations to clear and actionable guidance.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience with EO/IR or sensor‑based targeting systems.
• Familiarity with agile processes including Scrum, Continuous Integration, and automated testing methods.
• Experience coordinating across multiple product lines or quick‑reaction capability programs.
• Prior experience in a functional or leadership role (managing performance, conducting reviews, mentoring, general support of staff, hiring, etc.).
• Proven track record of effectively interacting with subordinates, customers and other organizations/disciplines
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Secret security 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.

Relocation offered based on eligibility