Principal Spacecraft Concept & Mission Engineer Onsite

Prattwhitney; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 123,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX, a leading aerospace and defense company, seeks a senior mission analysis specialist for the Tucson area. The role involves vehicle design and system sizing, mission performance analysis, and trajectory optimization, with collaboration across engineering disciplines. You must be a U.S.

citizen with an active Top Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one. Responsibilities include developing analysis tools, data-driven modeling, and mission planning solutions within a DoD context, using

Qualifications

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years of experience.
• Depth in at least one system-level/domain: Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Orbital Mechanics, Mission Planning, Mission Analysis/Performance Analysis, Satellite Technology, Multidisciplinary design, System-of-Systems design.
• Experience with programming languages Python, MATLAB and/or C++ to model physical systems.
• Experience in system performance, CONOPS, algorithms and signal processing, and modeling/simulation (6-DOF).
• Active and transferable Top Secret U.S. government clearance required at application time, with ability to obtain after start.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Analyze notional missions and hardware for feasibility and collaborate with engineers across disciplines to improve models.
• Develop common mission analysis, performance analysis, and mission planning toolsets for multiple systems.
• Utilize grid computing to enable generation/analysis of large datasets.
• Produce visualizations of complex systems and CONOPs in STK or similar tools.
• Coordinate with product line management and customers.
• Work with programs & AT leadership to develop concepts for new business and technology maturation.
• Pursue IRAD funding opportunities and author IP disclosures.
• Engage directly in mission planning application software development and testing.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

Education

STEM degree

Tools

Git

SLURM

Ansys STK

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-20 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805 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: Top Secret Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At RTX, the world 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. Raytheon’s Integrated Solutions Modeling and Architecture Directorate (ISMA) performs customer focused operational analysis, simulation, mission planning and architecture development activities. Supporting this mission are teams driving flexible integrated solutions crossing all product areas (sensors, effectors, command and control, logistics and operations), developing tools and methods to evaluate system level studies and visualization based on customer requirements.

What You Will Do

• Tasking is expected to include a mix of vehicle design and system sizing, mission performance analysis, and trajectory optimization.
• Analyze notional missions and hardware for feasibility and engage with engineers across disciplines to improve models and understand performance drivers.
• Develop common mission analysis, performance analysis, and mission planning toolsets for a portfolio of systems.
• Utilize grid computing infrastructure to enable generation and analysis of large datasets.
• Produce visualizations of complex systems and mission CONOPs in STK or similar tools.
• Coordinate with product line management and customers.
• Work closely with programs & AT leadership to develop concepts and mature technologies for new business development and capture.
• Opportunities to pursue IRAD funding and author intellectual property disclosures.
• Engage directly in mission planning application software development and testing.

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.
• Depth in at least one system-level or subsystem-level technical domain: Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Orbital Mechanics, Mission Planning, Mission Analysis / Performance Analysis, Satellite Technology, Multidisciplinary design, System-of-Systems design.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ to model physical systems.
• Experience in one or more of the following skill areas: System performance, CONOPS, Algorithms and signal processing, Modeling and simulation (i.e., 6-DOF).
• An active and transferable Top Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required at the time of application for this position, with the ability to obtain special program access after start.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

We Prefer

• Advanced Degree in STEM (and can be considered as additional years of experience).
• An understanding of vehicle conceptual design, advanced design methods, numerical optimization methods, and data analytics.
• Experience in building physics-based models and choosing an appropriate fidelity for the questions being asked.
• Highly self-motivated and independent work ethic.
• Ability to question data and address root cause issues.
• Familiarity with Git version control and SLURM grid computing infrastructure.
• Experience with Ansys STK.

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
• Innovation

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.

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms

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.

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. This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA), 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 Location: Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location #LI-RH2 As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select 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.

Location: Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location #LI-RH2