Principal Systems Engineer - SM-3 Test Qualification Lead

RTX (Raytheon); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Test Qualification Lead for onsite work in Tucson, AZ. The role focuses on planning, executing, and documenting environmental qualification tests to verify system and component conformance to requirements.

You will serve as the technical authority for test methods, readiness, risk management, and closure of anomalies. The candidate will interact with design teams, test labs, systems engineering, and program management, ensuring proper verification coverage and compliant test

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in engineering; 8+ years of technical/engineering experience.
• Experience with environmental qualification requirements (e.g., MIL-STD-810).
• Experience leading test activities including vibration, thermal, altitude, and E3 (EMI/EMC).
• Experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced test environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination, and execution of environmental qualification test activities (vibration, shock, temperature, humidity, altitude, E3).
• Develop environmental test plans, procedures, and reports per requirements.
• Interface between engineering design teams, test labs, systems engineering, and program management.
• Review environmental requirements and ensure test coverage throughout the product lifecycle.
• Generate environmental test configurations, test setups, and instrumentation plans.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs) and ensure configuration control and safety compliance.
• Manage environmental test anomalies and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Interpret test data and document results for customer delivery.
• Provide guidance on environmental qualification strategy and compliance approaches.
• Support risk management, scheduling, cost estimates, and resource planning.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote best practices.

Skills

Environmental test planning

Cross-functional leadership

Root-cause analysis

Test data interpretation

Documentation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Test instrumentation

Data acquisition

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

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.

The Test Qualification Lead is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting environmental test campaigns to demonstrate compliance with system- and component-level requirements. This role ensures products meet program, customer, and industry standards through rigorous environmental qualification testing. The candidate will serve as the technical authority for environmental test methods, test readiness, anomaly resolution, and verification closure.

What You Will Do

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of environmental qualification test activities, including vibration, shock, temperature, humidity, altitude, and electromagnetic environmental effects (E3).
• Develop environmental test plans, procedures, and reports in accordance with military/industry and program-specific requirements.
• Serve as the primary interface between engineering design teams, test laboratories, systems engineering, and program management for all qualification test matters.
• Review environmental requirements and ensure proper allocation, verification methods, and test coverage throughout the product lifecycle.
• Generate environmental test configurations, test setups, and instrumentation plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance with requirements.
• Lead Test Readiness Reviews (TRRs), ensuring configuration control, safety compliance, and procedural accuracy.
• Manage environmental test anomalies, perform root-cause analysis, coordinate troubleshooting, and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Interpret test data, assess system performance, and document results in formal reports suitable for customer delivery.
• Provide technical guidance on environmental qualification strategy, tailoring, and compliance approaches.
• Support risk management, schedule development, cost estimates, and resource planning for environmental testing activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster best practices in environmental testing and verification methodologies.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Math or other related engineering disciplines. A minimum Eight (8) of technical/engineering experience is required.
• Experience with environmental qualification requirements or equivalent military/industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810).
• Experience leading test activities including: Random and sine vibration, thermal and thermal-vacuum testing, temperature and humidity profiles, altitude and pressure testing, mechanical shock and E3 (EMI/EMC, lightning, grounding, bonding).
• Experience with test instrumentation, data acquisition, and measurement best practices.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and requirement documents.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced test environment.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master's degree in engineering or related discipline.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including technical writing and customer communication.
• Experience with aerospace or defense qualification programs.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes (requirements verification, V&V planning, configuration management).
• Experience with test facilities, environmental chambers, and vibration/shock tables.
• Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

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.

Location: Tucson, AZ: ht