Principal Engineer, Actuation Systems Embedded Software

Date Posted: 2026-08-18 • Location: Tucson, AZ (onsite) • U.S. citizenship and an active, transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance (or ability to obtain an interim clearance prior to start) are required.

About the Role

The PCAS department is seeking an embedded software/firmware engineer to support development of high-performance actuation systems—including aerodynamic steering, thrust vectoring, attitude and divert maneuvering, pointing, and stabilization of missile systems and subsystems. This is an onsite position located in Tucson, AZ; Huntsville, AL; or Portsmouth, RI.

Responsibilities

• Specify, design, verify, and integrate motor-control embedded firmware for current and future precision control actuation systems.
• Implement digital control algorithms in C/C++ in collaboration with the Controls and Algorithms team.
• Apply sound engineering practices to address technical problems while working closely with electrical, mechanical, control systems, test, systems safety, and other engineering disciplines.
• Perform firmware integration and verification testing in a laboratory environment.

Requirements

• University degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience (or an advanced degree with 5 years of relevant experience).
• Experience with systems engineering design/development or disciplined, documented work (e.g., extensively commented code, test benches, and test software).
• Experience with C/C++ development on embedded hardware platforms.
• Experience with model development and/or data analysis in MATLAB/Simulink.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science.
• Experience developing firmware/software for safety-critical environments, including requirements traceability, design documentation, static code analysis, MISRA-C compliance, test-case development, MC/DC code coverage, and formal qualification testing.
• Working knowledge of configurable logic (FPGA firmware) and VHDL.
• Experience implementing digital control algorithms on embedded microcontrollers, DSPs, FPGAs, and familiarity with serial communication interfaces, ADCs, and PWM generators.
• Experience integrating hardware and testing electromechanical actuators (gears, ballscrews, leadscrews), position sensors, electronic controllers, and power amplifiers.
• Knowledge of actuation communication buses (UART, SPI, I2C) and test equipment.
• Understanding of PMSM motor fundamentals and modeling/controls of electric motors.
• Experience with digital/analog signal electronics design, development, and verification.
• Proficiency with software/firmware configuration management tools (e.g., Git, Subversion).
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Motivation for continuous on-the-job learning and skill development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee Scholar Program (tuition support).
• Parental leave.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (eligibility dependent on role level and collective-bargaining status).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 USD. The range reflects all experience levels; RTX considers role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills when extending an offer.