Senior Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion

RTX (Raytheon); Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX (Raytheon) in Tucson, AZ seeks a Principal Engineer in Solid Propulsion to lead advanced propulsion engineering for missile and space systems. The role emphasizes development, integration, and collaboration across suppliers, program management, and government customers.

The ideal candidate has a BS in STEM with 8+ years of solid propulsion experience and the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Science/Technology/Engineering or Mathematics with 8+ years of relevant experience; advanced degree substituted for experience.
• Experience in development of solid propulsion systems.
• Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Apply or develop advanced propulsion technologies for missile systems and space vehicles.
• Lead propulsion system development projects and manage subcontracts.
• Coordinate with suppliers and government customers on technical requirements and progress.
• Present technical concepts to management and government agencies.

Skills

Solid propulsion

Systems engineering

Project management

Earned Value

DoD programs

Education

B.S. in STEM

Advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-21

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-M07 ~ 3292 E Hemisphere Loop ~ BLDG M07

Position Role Type: Unspecified

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: 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. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardware Engineering Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and propulsion designs/technology, including power systems, ignition, and all other weapon initiation safety systems technology. The department is seeking to hire a Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion.

This is a onsite role in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do:

• Apply or develop highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts to the systems integration of propulsion, thrusters, controllers, software, mechanical and electrical interfaces for integration into missile systems and space vehicles.
• Involvement with both development and production programs across Raytheon Product Lines
• Review manufacturing processes and problem resolution as well as working directly with subcontractors on the design and manufacturing of solid rocket motor propulsion systems
• Work in a collaborative environment with program management in long-range program planning concerning new or projected areas of technological research and advancements and be a key spokesperson on program's technical capabilities and future directions
• Manage propulsion system development projects and propulsion subcontracts; review and disposition subcontract data and change requests; and oversee supplier operations
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to management and government agencies
• Frequently interface with the Customer to identify user needs
• Be instrumental in obtaining new company business and act independently to uncover and resolve issues associated with the development and implementation of operational missile programs
• Willingness to travel, including internationally, to provide supplier support

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a Bachelor in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience. In absence of a degree, 10+ years of experience. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for additional years of experience.
• Experience in development of solid propulsion systems.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. government issued security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance, Clearance must be active and transferable prior to start date

Qualifications We Prefer :

• Advanced degree in aforementioned disciplines. ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard
• Twelve (12) or more years of directly related experience in propulsive technology and its application to solid or liquid, and/or mono propellant propulsion systems
• Prior Patriot Missile experience
• Systems knowledge to assure full development of propulsion requirements and dissemination and flow down to subcomponent levels
• Project engineering skills and experience using Earned Value Management System
• Demonstrated success as a proposal/cost account manager as well as project/team leader
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead collaborative efforts with other technical disciplines including structural, thermal, aerodynamics and low observables
• Supplier collaboration experience and oversight generating specifications and statements of work (SOW)
• Experience with either missile design or development, production support and integration
• Experience with DoD customers and/or associated contractor executives and technical leadership

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, Co