Principal Engineer – Propulsion

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 employees unite to solve complex global challenges through advanced engineering and innovation. The Energetics and Propulsion Department in Tucson, Arizona, focuses on warhead, fuzing, propulsion designs, and power systems for missile and space vehicle integration.

About the role

This onsite position requires an active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance or the ability to obtain an interim clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is mandatory for eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Apply and develop advanced technologies, scientific principles, and theories for propulsion, thrusters, controllers, software, and mechanical/electrical interfaces in missile systems and space vehicles.
• Engage in both development and production programs across Raytheon product lines, including reviewing manufacturing processes and resolving issues.
• Collaborate with subcontractors on the design and manufacturing of solid rocket motor propulsion systems.
• Work with program management on long-range planning for technological research and advancements, acting as a key spokesperson for technical capabilities and future directions.
• Manage propulsion system development projects and subcontracts, including reviewing and dispositioning subcontract data and change requests, and overseeing supplier operations.
• Develop and deliver technical presentations to management and government stakeholders.
• Frequently interface with customers to identify user needs and resolve issues related to operational missile programs.
• Support new business development and travel internationally to provide supplier support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 5 years of relevant experience.
• Eight years of experience in propulsion technology, specifically in solid or air-breathing propulsion systems.
• Experience in developing solid propulsion systems from conceptual design through final test and assembly.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced degree in a related field.
• Ten or more years of experience in propulsive technology, including air-breathing propulsion systems (e.g., turboprop, turbine, scramjet/ramjet, RDE, VFDR, fuel bladders, fuel systems), solid propulsion, or liquid propulsion systems.
• Systems knowledge to develop and flow down propulsion requirements to subcomponent levels.
• Experience with high-speed combustion mechanics, inlet/exhaust geometry design, and compressible fluid dynamics (CFD, NPSS, etc.).
• Project engineering skills using Earned Value Management System.
• Proposal/cost account management and project/team leadership experience.
• Collaboration with structural, thermal, aerodynamics, and low observables disciplines.
• Supplier collaboration and oversight, including generating specifications and statements of work (SOW).
• Experience with missile design, development, production support, and integration.
• Familiarity with DoD customers and contractor executives/technical leadership.
• Active Secret or Top Secret Department of Defense clearance.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 USD, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

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