Principal Mechanical Engineer, Air Vehicle Engineering Lead

About the Role

Principal Mechanical Engineer – Precision Control Actuation Systems (PCAS), Hardware Engineering organization, Tucson, AZ (On‑site). The role supports the Air Vehicle integrated product team (IPT) within the Strategic Strike SSBU and requires technical leadership on missile section assemblies, integration of mechanisms, and coordination across multiple IPTs.

U.S. citizenship required; active and transferable U.S. government security clearance is required prior to start date.
DoD - Current clearance is mandatory.

• Provide technical leadership and oversight to develop, test, verify, and qualify hardware for control mechanisms and missile subassemblies.
• Lead a team of engineers to plan and prioritize all tasking, identify roadblocks, and brief the Office of the Chief Engineer, Program Management, Quality, Finance, and the Customer on critical status.
• Communicate program status to Raytheon leadership and the customer, influencing other IPTs to ensure alignment.
• Mentor and guide a team of engineers within the program.
• Direct missile‑level structural qualification testing, including plan generation, test equipment design, risk‑reduction dry runs, test execution, data review, and report submission.
• Work autonomously, maintain expert knowledge in control mechanism development, and help shape the functional and organizational strategy of PCAS beyond assigned program work.

• Degree in STEM or Advanced Degree with minimum of 8 or 5 years relevant experience respectively.
• Experience in airframe, controls, and/or mechanism design and/or verification (electro‑mechanical, spring, pyro‑energetic mechanisms).
• Proficiency in reading and applying GD&T to engineering drawings.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team or projects.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Special Access government clearance.

• Advanced degree in Controls or related field.
• Experience with complex mechanisms in air‑launched platforms.
• Experience managing cross‑functional technical teams.
• Experience leading or supporting complex technical failure investigations.
• CAM certification / PM level 7 certification.
• Basic knowledge of DOORS, CAMEO, or other requirements‑management tools.
• Experience guiding teams through task execution and mechanism design maturity and testing.
• Top Secret Special Access clearance.

• Salary range: 107,500 USD – 204,500 USD.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, parental leave, paid time off and holidays.
• Eligibility for annual incentive compensation programs.
• Relocation eligibility for qualified candidates.

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, veteran status, or any other protected class. RTX provides affirmative action 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.