Principal Mechanical Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-09 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-M09 ~ 3350 E Hemisphere Loop ~ BLDG M09 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: DoD Clearance: Secret Security Clearance Status: Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Raytheon brings 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. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. 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 Tactical Radars and Effectors department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering supports the development, production, and deployment of multiple defense products including radars, missiles, command and control systems, and naval electronics. The products support US Government and international customers. This Principal Mechanical Engineer role will support the Ground Launch Effectors team based in Tucson, AZ and may require domestic and international travel to suppliers. This position will be an onsite role. What You Will Do This job listing seeks a Fuel Systems Lead. The Fuel Systems Lead will oversee the design, integration, and testing of the liquid fuel ramjet propulsion fuel system, including pressurant architectures, regulators, manifolds, and JP 10 tank/bladder assemblies. This role requires hands on Creo design capability, subsystem leadership, and end-to-end responsibility for delivering a validated fuel delivery system in a development program. Lead a small to mid-sized multi-disciplined team of engineers to design, develop, integrate, and test mechanical hardware within the Land Based Effectors All Up Round Department 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 Integrated Product Team (IPT) for the Technical Data Package, working closely with Responsible Engineering Authority (REA)/Designer teams. Oversee hardware procurement coordination and manage the material budget within cost constraints. Ensure 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, Engineering Review Board (ERB)/Configuration Control Board (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. 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. Work environment is primarily onsite, but may include occasional travel, labs, and field work. Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 7 years of prior relevant experience (mechanical product and subassembly design, integration, and production support). Experience leading teams, managing resources (cost, people, and schedule), delegating tasks and holding others accountable. undefined Experience testing designs. undefined Knowledge of fuel pressurant systems. Experience coordinating across disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. Familiarity with supplier engagement processes. Strong problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to act as a primary point of contact across multiple stakeholders. Experience with the CAD design tool – CREO Parametric - and understanding of best practices. 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. Qualifications We Prefer Proficiency in Creo for detailed mechanical design of fuel system components, including pressurant hardware, regulators, manifolds, and integrated fuel delivery assemblies. Hands-on test experience with liquid fuel systems and pressurized feed architectures, including system level checkout, component validation, and test data interpretation. Technical expertise in fuel pressurant systems, including gas pressurization schemes, pressure regulation hardware, flow control devices, and system safety considerations. Design and integration experience with ramjet class fuel storage systems, such as JP 10 tanks, flexible bladders, surge tanks, and slosh/ullage management features. Ability to lead cross disciplinary development of fuel delivery subsystems from concept through qualification, including requirements definition, interface control, and supplier/partner coordination. Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 9 years of professional experience in hardware design, development, and/or test of defense-related components or systems. Application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and drawing practices and interpretation for mechanical hardware. Certification to ASME Y14.5 at a Senior or Technologist level. Experience managing Suppliers to develop complex sub-systems or hardware. Highly self-motivated individual that can perform multidiscipline work. Able to network / influence outside of the Department with other design and production support organizations, program leadership, other engineering disciplines and Manufacturing organizations. Interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively with peers, suppliers, management, and customers in a production environment. Experience with effective communication (written and verbal) during collaboration with others to document design decisions and results, to perform trade studies, and to communicate to program leadership and customers through presentations and reports. Experience managing drawing release schedules and/or design review preparation of technical content. Existing DoD Secret or Top-Secret Clearance. What We Offer Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. Relocation Eligibility: This position is eligible for relocation Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as: 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. Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role. Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility. Requires theoretical to advanced knowledge of work area typically obtained through University Degree combined with experience. Practical knowledge of RTX projects, programs or systems with the ability to make enhancements and leverage in daily work. Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience. Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics(STEM) and a minimum of 7 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations. Learn More & Apply Now! 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. 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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.