Lead Systems Engineer - Electronic Warfare (P5)
π Job Overview
- Job Title: Lead Systems Engineer - Electronic Warfare (P5)
- Company: RTX
- Location: Goleta, CA, USA
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Systems Engineering - Electronic Warfare
- Date Posted: 2025-07-30
- Experience Level: 10+ years
- Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Lead and oversee the design, development, and implementation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
- Manage the configuration process, perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition studies.
- Collaborate with the Program Chief Engineer to ensure the engineering team aligns to cost/schedule.
- Provide technical directions to multi-disciplinary program teams.
- Implement and ensure adherence to systems engineering processes throughout the program lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems development and implementation processes. The ideal candidate will have experience managing the full lifecycle of EW, RADAR, and/or RF products/systems, encompassing development, production, and sustainment.
π» Primary Responsibilities
- Systems Engineering Leadership: Serve as the primary Systems Engineering focal point for the program, managing the configuration process, and ensuring adherence to systems engineering processes.
- Requirements Management: Perform functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications.
- Technical Direction: Provide technical directions to multi-disciplinary program teams, supporting program management with technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- System-level Trade Studies: Conduct system-level trade studies and performance analysis, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions.
- Documentation and Coordination: Oversee the development and maintenance of technical documentation, including system specifications, design documents, and test plans. Coordinate system engineering activities, including requirements analysis, system design, integration, and testing.
- Customer Interaction: Participate in design reviews, technical meetings, and customer presentations, ensuring the engineering team aligns to cost/schedule.
π Enhancement Note: The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and resolving technical problems involving multiple stakeholders.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Typically requires a Bachelorβs degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 10 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and a minimum of 8 years of experience.
Experience:
- Experience managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW), RADAR, and/or RF products/systems, encompassing development, production, and sustainment, along with systems design and requirements engineering experience.
- Background in planning, managing, and/or leading the execution of Electronic Warfare (EW) or Radar systems integration, verification, and validation activities in laboratory or field environments.
- Knowledge of systems engineering processes, including requirements analysis, system design, and test planning.
Required Skills:
- Active and transferable final U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
Preferred Skills:
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance with investigation within five years.
- Advanced degree, preferably in Systems engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), Radar Systems with at least eight (8) years of relevant experience.
- Experience delivering technical briefs to subcontractors, senior executives, and customers.
- Background leading cross-functional teams to resolve technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders.
- Model Based Systems Engineering (Cameo Enterprise Architecture (SysML specifically), digital thread concepts, digital engineering, MBSE with DevSecOps).
- Experience in preparing and presenting reports and briefings both orally and in writing.
- Matlab/Simulink, DOORS, DNG, Cameo, Jira, and Confluence.
- Earned Value Management / Cost Account Management experience.
- Millimeter and microwave RF design, as well as experience in digital signal processing.
π Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW), RADAR, and/or RF products/systems.
- Showcase proficiency in systems engineering processes, including requirements analysis, system design, and test planning.
- Highlight experience in planning, managing, and/or leading the execution of Electronic Warfare (EW) or Radar systems integration, verification, and validation activities.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of system specifications, design documents, and test plans developed and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Demonstrate understanding of earned value management and cost account management principles.
π Enhancement Note: The candidate's portfolio should emphasize their experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, with a focus on systems engineering processes and project management skills.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this role is $137,000 USD - $275,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.
Benefits:
- 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.
π Enhancement Note: Benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit and whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: RTX operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on solving tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.
Company Size: RTX is a large organization with a wealth of opportunities for career growth and development.
Founded: RTX was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of innovation and technological advancement.
Team Structure:
- The team consists of multi-disciplinary program teams, including systems engineers, electronic warfare specialists, radar systems experts, and other technical professionals.
- The team works collaboratively to integrate, verify, and validate Electronic Warfare (EW) systems in laboratory or field environments.
Development Methodology:
- RTX follows systems engineering processes throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring adherence to requirements, cost, and schedule constraints.
- The company employs a structured approach to configuration management, functional analysis, timeline analysis, detail trade studies, requirements allocation, and interface definition studies.
Company Website: RTX
π Enhancement Note: RTX values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation, fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in systems engineering and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems development and implementation processes.
Reporting Structure: The Lead Systems Engineer reports directly to the Program Chief Engineer and works closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, electronic warfare specialists, radar systems experts, and other technical professionals.
Technical Impact: The Lead Systems Engineer plays a critical role in ensuring the successful design, development, and implementation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, directly impacting the company's mission to defend freedoms and deter aggression.
Growth Opportunities:
- Technical Leadership: Pursue technical leadership roles within the organization, providing technical directions to multi-disciplinary program teams and supporting program management with technical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Architecture Decisions: Contribute to architecture decisions, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
- Emerging Technology Adoption: Stay up-to-date with emerging technology trends in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems, continuously learning and developing new skills to remain competitive in the industry.
π Enhancement Note: RTX offers a wealth of opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
π Work Environment
Office Type: RTX's work environment is collaborative, with a focus on cross-functional integration between technical teams, designers, and stakeholders.
Office Location(s): The position is located on-site in Goleta, CA, USA.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Workspace: The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration between team members, with multiple monitors and testing devices available for system-level trade studies and performance analysis.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: The work environment encourages knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning, with a focus on resolving technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders.
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment at RTX is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, with a focus on resolving technical problems and ensuring the successful design, development, and implementation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
π Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Technical Preparation: Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning principles. Brush up on Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems knowledge, focusing on system-level trade studies and performance analysis.
- Behavioral Preparation: Prepare for behavioral interviews by reflecting on past experiences managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including development, production, and sustainment. Consider examples of leading cross-functional teams to resolve technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders.
- Company Research: Research RTX's values, culture, and mission, ensuring a strong fit with the company's focus on Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to highlight your experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning.
- Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating your ability to conduct system-level trade studies and performance analysis, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions.
- Technical Documentation: Include examples of system specifications, design documents, and test plans developed and maintained throughout the project lifecycle, showcasing your understanding of earned value management and cost account management principles.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- System Design: Prepare for system design challenges by reviewing systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, and test planning principles. Brush up on Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems knowledge, focusing on system-level trade studies and performance analysis.
- Problem-Solving: Practice problem-solving techniques, focusing on resolving technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders. Consider examples from your past experiences managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
- Communication: Prepare for communication challenges by practicing clear and concise explanations of technical concepts, focusing on your ability to deliver technical briefs to subcontractors, senior executives, and customers.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process at RTX is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company's values and mission.
π Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Systems Engineering Tools:
- Cameo Enterprise Architecture (SysML specifically)
- Digital thread concepts
- Digital engineering
- Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with DevSecOps
- Matlab/Simulink
- DOORS
- DNG
- Jira
- Confluence
Electronic Warfare (EW) & Radar Systems Tools:
- Millimeter and microwave RF design tools
- Digital signal processing tools
Infrastructure Tools:
- Earned Value Management (EVM) / Cost Account Management tools
- Configuration management tools
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is focused on systems engineering processes, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems tools, and infrastructure management. The ideal candidate will have experience with the tools listed and be comfortable working with emerging technologies in the industry.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Systems Engineering Values:
- Trust: RTX values trust in its systems engineering teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Respect: RTX respects the expertise and contributions of its systems engineering team members, encouraging open communication and active listening.
- Accountability: RTX holds its systems engineering teams accountable for the successful design, development, and implementation of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
- Collaboration: RTX fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.
- Innovation: RTX values innovation in its systems engineering teams, encouraging continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Integration: RTX encourages cross-functional integration between technical teams, designers, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Code Review Culture: RTX employs a code review culture, ensuring the quality and consistency of technical documentation and system specifications.
- Technical Mentoring: RTX provides technical mentoring opportunities, encouraging the development of skills and knowledge within the systems engineering team.
π Enhancement Note: RTX's systems engineering teams are guided by a set of core values that emphasize trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. The company fosters a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing, encouraging cross-functional teamwork and the adoption of emerging technologies.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- System-Level Trade Studies: Conduct system-level trade studies and performance analysis, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
- Emerging Technology Adoption: Stay up-to-date with emerging technology trends in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems, continuously learning and developing new skills to remain competitive in the industry.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, electronic warfare specialists, radar systems experts, and other technical professionals, to resolve technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Technical Skill Development: Pursue advanced degrees, certifications, and community involvement opportunities to develop specialized skills in systems engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Radar Systems.
- Technical Mentoring: Seek out mentoring opportunities within the organization to develop leadership skills and architecture decision-making abilities.
- Emerging Technology Adoption: Stay up-to-date with emerging technology trends in Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems, continuously learning and developing new skills to remain competitive in the industry.
π Enhancement Note: RTX offers a wealth of opportunities for career growth and development, with a focus on fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The company encourages continuous learning and the adoption of emerging technologies, supporting the development of specialized skills in systems engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Radar Systems.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Systems Engineering Principles: Prepare for questions related to systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning principles. Brush up on Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems knowledge, focusing on system-level trade studies and performance analysis.
- Problem-Solving: Prepare for problem-solving questions, focusing on your ability to resolve technical problems in an environment involving multiple stakeholders. Consider examples from your past experiences managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
- Architecture Decisions: Prepare for questions related to architecture decisions, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Company Values: Prepare for questions related to RTX's values, culture, and mission, ensuring a strong fit with the company's focus on Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
- Team Dynamics: Prepare for questions related to team dynamics, focusing on your ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, electronic warfare specialists, radar systems experts, and other technical professionals.
- Adaptability: Prepare for questions related to your ability to adapt to new technologies and emerging trends in the Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems industry.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Portfolio Structure: Organize your portfolio to highlight your experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning.
- Case Studies: Prepare case studies demonstrating your ability to conduct system-level trade studies and performance analysis, ensuring the logical and systematic conversion of product requirements into total systems solutions.
- Technical Documentation: Include examples of system specifications, design documents, and test plans developed and maintained throughout the project lifecycle, showcasing your understanding of earned value management and cost account management principles.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process at RTX is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit with the company's values and mission. The company values Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation, fostering a culture that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Lead Systems Engineer - Electronic Warfare (P5) position at RTX:
- Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning. Include relevant keywords related to systems engineering, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Radar Systems.
- Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, including systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning. Include examples of system specifications, design documents, and test plans developed and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
- Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on systems engineering processes, requirements analysis, system design, and test planning principles. Review your knowledge of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Radar Systems, focusing on system-level trade studies and performance analysis. Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions related to your experience managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.
- Company Research: Research RTX's values, culture, and mission, ensuring a strong fit with the company's focus on Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in STEM and at least 10 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience. Experience in managing the full lifecycle of Electronic Warfare systems and a Secret security clearance are also required.