Principal Mechanical Engineer

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 Advanced Airframes Department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering provides Mechanical Engineering support to develop solutions for products across the Raytheon portfolio. Our core mechanical engineering responsibilities include requirements/conceptual development, design, integration, and test support. We partner with several Mechanical Product Team departments to provide full system solutions.

The Advanced Airframes Department is currently hiring a Principal Mechanical Engineer located on site in Tucson, Arizona. In this on‑site role, you will play a pivotal part as a member of a mechanical or engineering team to design, analyze, and optimize next‑generation aerospace mechanisms and structures. You will coordinate and execute engineering activities across multiple products, design complex sub‑systems or systems, manage a team of engineers, and ensure seamless collaboration with suppliers and Raytheon factory operations, and program IPTs.

This position may include Cost Account Management (CAM) responsibilities for labor and material.

• Lead a small to mid‑sized team of engineers to design, develop, integrate, and test mechanical hardware within the Advanced Technologies area, often requiring the ability to delegate and review the work of others.
• Provide positive influence and mentorship to junior team members by setting the example.
• Ensure engineering engagement and coordination within the IPT for the Technical Data Package, working closely with RSE, REA, and designer teams.
• Oversee hardware procurement coordination and manage the material budget within cost constraints, ensuring on‑time delivery of compliant hardware with well‑documented pedigree.
• Collaborate with both functional and program higher‑level management; provide ongoing status updates and participate in key program meetings, including IPT meetings, ERB/CCB reviews, R&O discussions, and Critical Chain reviews.
• Assist with the management of mechanical risks and opportunities.
• Support failure investigations, as required.
• Present technical and/or cost/schedule content to team members, peers, management, and government customers.
• Oversee production factory development, production rate ramp‑up, factory assembly processes, and FAI/Prove‑in milestones.
• Collaborate with government customers and suppliers.
• Work independently, under limited supervision, to manage the team to achieve technical milestones and meet cost and schedule commitments. May include CAM responsibilities.
• Work environment is primarily onsite, but may include occasional travel, labs, and field work.

• Typically requires a STEM degree and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of mechanical products and/or subassembly design, integration, and production support.
• Experience with supplier engagement processes, factory development, and/or production ramp‑up.
• Experience with CAD design tools.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to the start date; U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

• Advanced degree in STEM and a minimum of 9 years of professional experience in hardware design, development, and/or test…