Senior Principal Systems Engineer - SM-3 Development Lead (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-04-24

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-807 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 807

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

Secret - Current

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

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.

Raytheon’s SM-3 portfolio are combat proven interceptors uniquely designed for exo-atmospheric intercept of short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles with hypersonic hit-to-kill accuracy.  SM-3 Block IB and IIA are both part of Raytheon’s agreements with the U.S. Department of War to boost the production of critical munitions.  These agreements also accelerate the pace of development programs, updating production configurations and bringing new capabilities to the warfighter. 

The SM-3 portfolio is hiring a Sr. Principal Lead System Engineer (LSE) to join the leadership team of a newly awarded major development effort.  As a member of the Office of the Chief Engineer, the SM-3 LSE will be responsible for the technical system leadership of a multi-disciplined engineering team of 200-300 multi-disciplined engineers and staff on the development, integration, verification, and transition to production of a new SM-3 configuration.  The LSE is also one of the senior technical interfaces with the customer, industry partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.  As a member of the Office of the Chief Engineer, the LSE is responsible for defining and maintaining the appropriate level of technical rigor and coordination across functions and engineering disciplines within the program.  The ideal candidate will have leadership experience leading large, complex teams.  The candidate will also need prior multidiscipline engineering knowledge and development lifecycle experience.  The LSE is expected to provide technical and career mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities to program engineers.

What You Will Do

• You will guide the system architecture, design, integration, verification, and transition to production from a technical perspective

• You will accurately interpret customer requirements and objectives, effectively decomposing such into actionable direction to the program team and stakeholders

• You will identify and mitigate both immediate and strategic risks by making decisions that balance required and desired technical capabilities against execution goals

• You will provide program leadership to the Cross Product Teams and Integrated Product Teams and many collaborative partners from Engineering, Operations, Mission Assurance, and Global Supply Chain

• You will have regular communication with Raytheon leadership and the customer to provide program status, accomplishments, issues, and help needed

• You will coordinate technical aspects with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across multiple programs, using common hardware and software technology to maintain program execution pace

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) or other related fields and 10 years of prior relevant experience.

•  Experience leading cross-functional teams across the development and transition to production lifecycle of a product.

• Experience leading system team in the following: development and design, requirements development, requirements management and verification, system integration and test, and/or transition to production of complex system architectures.

• Experience collaborating with leadership and cross-functional acquisition and technical groups to influence and/or guide the development of program mission requirements

• The ability to obtain multiple Special Access Program (SAP) clearances to support the program after start. This can be demonstrated by current or prior clearances to SAPs

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master's degree in Systems Engineering or related discipline

• Prior experience in the Lead System Engineer (LSE) role

• Experience in Agile development, Digital Engineering or Model Based Systems Engineering

• Prior experience with Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and MDA Assurance Provisions (MAP)

• Demonstrated experience in shipboard missile system architectures and products

• Communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills

• History developing others through teaching, mentorship, and apprenticeship

• Raytheon Level 4 Certified Lead System Engineer or Lead System Engineer Development Program

What We Offer

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• Relocation Eligible – Relocation assistance available

Learn More & Apply Now!

• Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.

• Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products

• This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

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 or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment 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.

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