Principal Systems Engineer - Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers

Prattwhitney; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 118,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k) match

Flexible schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Relocation assistance

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer in Tucson to develop, simulate, and validate control and navigation algorithms for autonomous systems. You will build dynamic models, analyze test data, and work with mechanical, electrical, software, and test teams to optimize performance.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, active U.S. citizenship, and the ability to relocate to Tucson. A strong background in GNC, MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and OO design is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with GNC systems, navigation sensors, and/or system modeling and simulation.
• Real-time software development and test data analysis.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, and OO design.

Responsibilities

• Develop, simulate, and evaluate control and navigation algorithms for complex autonomous systems.
• Build and use dynamic system models and simulations to evaluate behavior and reduce test cycles.
• Analyze test data to identify issues and drive engineering improvements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate and validate complex systems.
• Experience developing algorithms, system models, and performance-analysis solutions for complex products.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

Debugging

Performance analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree in STEM

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C

C++

Object-Oriented design

Job description

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.

Location

1151 E Hermans Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716, Bldg 805

Company Overview

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 freedom and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Technical Center Information

Raytheon’s Systems Engineering & Test Capabilities (SETC) Centers in Tucson, AZ support technologies spanning the seabed to space, including ship-launched systems such as Standard Missile and Tomahawk, surface-launched systems including Javelin and Coyote, air-launched systems such as AMRAAM and StormBreaker, and emerging technologies including hypersonic and space solutions. The Processing, Guidance, & Controls (PG&C) Center provides end‑to‑end capabilities that enable precise guidance, robust sensing, and high‑fidelity product understanding.

The following 3 Engineering teams are all part of the Processing, Guidance, & Controls Center:

• Guidance, Navigation, and Control - develops aerodynamic models, autopilot designs, optimized motion strategies, and state estimation to meet mission objectives.
• Signal Processing - extracts and interprets information from active and passive sensors to detect, track, and classify objects of interest.
• Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis - delivers product‑level simulations that represent system components, subsystems, and operating environments, supporting the design, development, verification, and validation of our products and technologies.

Role Title

Principal Systems Engineer – Processing, Guidance, & Controls Engineers

What You Will Do

• Develop, simulate, and evaluate control and navigation algorithms for complex, autonomous systems; apply model‑based design, simulation, and test data to improve system performance.
• Build and use dynamic system models and simulations to evaluate system behavior, conduct design trades and reduce development test cycles.
• Analyze test data to evaluate system performance, identify issues, and drive engineering improvements.
• Work cross‑functionally with mechanical, electrical, software, systems, and test teams to integrate and validate complex systems.
• Experience developing algorithms, system models, simulation tools, controls, signal processing or performance‑analysis solutions for complex products.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 8 years prior relevant experience.
• Engineering experience in at least one of the following areas: Guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, Navigation sensors, state estimation, and/or perception systems, Guidance and control algorithms, System modeling and simulation, Parameter tuning and validation, Test data and/or data logging analysis and system performance.
• Root‑cause analysis, debugging, trouble shooting, and performance analysis.
• Real‑time guidance, navigation, and control software.
• Integrated guidance and control system development.
• Mission performance (accuracy, range, lethality, reliability).
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, C++, and/or Object‑Oriented design.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams; such as: systems, software, sensors, electrical, mechanical, and/or test engineering.
• Advanced Engineering Degree.

Salary and Compensation

The salary range for this role is 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
• 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.

Relocation & Working Arrangements

Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position. The location in Tucson, AZ is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

Application Window

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 Section503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Company Summary

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.