Principal Systems Engineer - Ground Based Radar Systems

Date Posted: 2026-08-19 | Location: Woburn, MA (onsite) | U.S. citizenship required for active and transferable DoD Secret security clearance.

About the Role

RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to support the Missile Defense Sensors (MDS) department within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SE&TC) Surface Radars & Sensors Center. In this role, you will contribute to the enhancement and modernization of Ground-Based Radar (GBR) Systems, developing and analyzing system requirements, designing system architectures, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver advanced radar solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of architectures and requirements to define, characterize, and document Ground-Based Radar (GBR) systems.
• Contribute to architectural framework updates, system-of-system functional and performance requirements, detailed algorithm descriptions, test scenario definitions, and verification approaches.
• Conduct requirements analysis and benchmarking to validate algorithm designs and ensure system-level performance aligns with operational objectives.
• Collaborate closely with software and integration/test engineers to deliver innovative and high-performing radar solutions.

Requirements

• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience with Radar Systems or related areas of systems engineering, including Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) and/or Cameo.
• Experience with MATLAB (including object-oriented programming) and/or LINUX operating systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with radar system concepts including detection, discrimination, tracking, and signal processing algorithms, as well as their behaviors and performance.
• Proven experience in system-level requirements development, documentation, maintenance, and/or the design of system-level software architecture.
• Hands-on experience in developing and coding system models, algorithms, test vectors, and evaluation tools to analyze radar requirements and performance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, document, and maintain processes, methods, and tools to ensure engineering excellence.
• Track record of developing technical solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C/C++, Java, and tools like DOORS.
• Familiarity with the software development process using Agile methodologies and associated tools, such as JIRA and Confluence.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a proven history of delivering innovative technical solutions.
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Excellent communication skills, including technical writing, oral presentations, and interpersonal skills.
• Previous experience interfacing with customers and leading the development of technical solutions for complex user requirements.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a geographically distributed team environment.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines and communicating effectively with all levels of the organization and external stakeholders.
• Advanced Degree in STEM.

Benefits

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

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 USD. The range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.