Senior Principal Advanced Tactical Programs Chief Engineer (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Chief Engineer in McKinney, Texas, to lead engineering program execution for Advanced Electro-Optics. The role involves managing program technical baselines and facilitating communications within teams and clients.

Candidates must have a STEM degree, 10+ years experience, and an active Secret security clearance. Strong communication and team leadership capabilities are essential. This position offers a challenging opportunity in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with EO system operational concepts, gap analysis, and proposal development.
• Active, transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering program execution and technical leadership for Advanced EO programs.
• Facilitate communications between various stakeholders.
• Drive continuous engineering process improvement efforts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Technical Mentoring

Risk Management

Program Staffing

Education

Degree in STEM

Job description

Chief Engineer – Advanced Electro-Optics

Location: McKinney, Texas; Role Type: Onsite; Security Clearance: Active Secret (U.S. citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering program execution and technical leadership for Advanced EO programs from concept to test.
• Facilitate communications between external customers, internal leadership, and engineering teams.
• Create and analyze staffing forecasts, manage risk and opportunity, oversee EVMS, IPT coordination, subcontract management, and issue resolution.
• Maintain program technical baseline through documentation, internal and independent reviews, and chair engineering review boards.
• Support new business by leading technical responses to RFIs/RFPs and providing technical mentoring.
• Drive continuous engineering process improvement efforts.

Qualifications – Must Have

• Degree in STEM and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in EO system operational concepts, gap analysis, proposal development, Design to Cost/Specification, trade studies, and link‑budget analysis.
• Knowledge of EO system integration, test, verification, and validation.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for all organizational levels and customers.
• Experience in team leadership, program staffing, EVMS, risk management, subcontract management, and quality controls.
• Active, transferable U.S. government issued Secret security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications – Prefer

• Advanced understanding of EO hardware, firmware, and software development, including troubleshooting and solution recommendations.
• Knowledge of EOIR system development disciplines such as systems engineering, electrical, mechanical, software, reliability, and operational engineering.
• Experience with microfabrication, MEMS, photonics, optical material properties, and laser system testing.
• Leadership in proposal development and technical volume writing.
• Comprehensive understanding of system life‑cycle, logistics, reliability, maintainability, and depot management.
• Top Secret security clearance preferred.

Security Clearance

Active U.S. government issued Secret clearance is required before starting. U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

EEO Statement

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, 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.