Senior Principal Engineer – Solid Propulsion

RTX; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX in Tucson, AZ is seeking a Principal Engineer - Solid Propulsion to lead advanced propulsion system development for missile and space applications. The role requires strong propulsion system design expertise and DoD program familiarity, with onsite work in a demanding, mission-focused environment.

The candidate will coordinate with engineering teams, manage subcontracts, and present critical technical information to management and government customers, while traveling as needed to support

Qualifications

• Bachelor in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) required with minimum 8 years of relevant experience; no degree? 10+ years required.
• Experience in development of solid propulsion systems.
• Twelve+ years in propulsive technology is preferred; Patriot Missile experience is a plus.
• Experience in project engineering, EVMS, and as a proposal/cost account manager.
• Ability to lead cross-disciplinary collaboration with structural, thermal, aerodynamics and low observables.
• Willingness to travel, including internationally, for supplier support.

Responsibilities

• Apply advanced technologies and theories to propulsion system integration for missile and space vehicles.
• Involve with development and production programs across Raytheon product lines.
• Review manufacturing processes and coordinate with subcontractors on design and manufacturing of propulsion systems.
• Present technical capabilities and future directions to management and government agencies.
• Manage propulsion system development projects and subcontracts; review data and changes.
• Deliver technical presentations to customers and program teams.
• Interface with the Customer to identify user needs and drive new business.

Skills

Solid propulsion systems

Propulsion design

Earned Value Management

Project leadership

DoD experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-04-08

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.

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring 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. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

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.

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

The Principal Engineer – Solid Propulsion job is in Tucson, AZ and the position is onsite.

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.

Qualifications We Prefer:

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

Willingness to travel, including internationally, to provide supplier support

Supplier collaboration experience and oversight generating specifications and statements of work (SOW)

Working knowledge or 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, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. 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.

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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.

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.

Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

Requires expert or mastery level knowledge of work area, typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

May have deep knowledge of project management. Advanced knowledge of related disciplines within work area and ability to identify links and potential impact on projects, programs or systems.

Typical requires: A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years experience

Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.

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.

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