Principal Engineer, Systems Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Principal Engineer, Systems Engineer
• Company: RTX
• Location: West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Systems Engineering
• Date Posted: 2025-06-10
• Experience Level: 10+ years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead systems engineering efforts for new military engine development programs
• Collaborate with external customers to understand propulsion system requirements and communicate existing engine capabilities
• Guide component development and test teams through engine development and validation
• Support RFI/RFP responses and new business development efforts

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on military aircraft propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will have experience leading cross-functional teams and working with external customers to define and deliver complex engineering solutions.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Systems Engineering: Lead systems engineering efforts for new military engine development programs, including requirements management, architecture definition, and system-level integration.
• Customer Interaction: Collaborate with external customers to understand propulsion system requirements and communicate existing engine capabilities. This may involve travel to customer sites.
• Team Leadership: Guide component development and test teams through engine development and validation, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• New Business Development: Support RFI/RFP responses and new business development efforts by providing technical expertise and contributing to proposal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as a deep understanding of military aircraft propulsion systems and the associated development processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an Advanced degree in STEM with a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.

Required Skills:

• Experience with new engine development
• Airframe propulsion system integration experience
• Systems requirements management experience
• NX CAD Modeling experience
• Teamcenter tools and processes experience
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance

Preferred Skills:

• SAP experience
• Project engineering experience
• Active Secret Clearance

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A - This role is not web development focused)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $101,000 - $203,000 USD per year. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee assistance program
• Employee Scholar Program
• Parental leave
• Paid time off and holidays

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: RTX operates in the aerospace and defense industry, focusing on the design, manufacture, and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units.

Company Size: RTX is a large, multinational corporation with a significant presence in the aerospace and defense industry. This size provides opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: RTX was founded in 1925 and has a rich history in the aerospace industry.

Team Structure:

• The systems engineering team is responsible for defining system-level requirements, designing system architectures, and integrating components to meet customer needs.
• The team works closely with cross-functional groups, including propulsion system designers, aerodynamics specialists, and structural engineers.
• The team reports directly to the program manager or chief engineer, depending on the specific program.

Development Methodology:

• RTX follows a structured systems engineering process, based on industry best practices and tailored to the specific needs of each program.
• The development process includes requirements management, architecture definition, detailed design, component integration, and system-level testing.
• RTX uses NX CAD Modeling and Teamcenter tools for product lifecycle management.

Company Website: RTX Website

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products to its customers. The company values diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring extensive experience in systems engineering, with a focus on military aircraft propulsion systems. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex engineering solutions.

Reporting Structure: The systems engineer reports directly to the program manager or chief engineer, depending on the specific program. They may also supervise junior engineers and other team members.

Technical Impact: The systems engineer plays a critical role in defining system-level requirements, designing system architectures, and integrating components to meet customer needs. Their work directly impacts the performance, reliability, and maintainability of military aircraft propulsion systems.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: The opportunity to work on cutting-edge military aircraft propulsion systems and develop expertise in related technologies.
• Leadership Growth: The potential to mentor junior engineers and take on leadership roles within the organization.
• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as chief engineer or program manager, with increased responsibility and influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the aerospace and defense industry. The ideal candidate will be motivated by the challenge of working on complex, high-impact projects and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: RTX's office environment is collaborative and dynamic, with a strong focus on teamwork and communication. The company encourages open dialogue and active participation in decision-making processes.

Office Location(s): West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office features open workspaces that encourage collaboration and communication among team members.
• Specialized Tools: The workspace is equipped with specialized tools, such as NX CAD Modeling and Teamcenter, to support the development and testing of military aircraft propulsion systems.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: The systems engineering team works closely with other departments, such as propulsion system design, aerodynamics, and structures, to ensure integrated and optimized solutions.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The company invests in state-of-the-art facilities and tools to support its employees' success.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

• Phone Screen: A brief phone or video call to assess communication skills and technical fit for the role.
• Technical Deep Dive: A comprehensive technical interview focused on systems engineering principles, propulsion system design, and requirements management.
• Behavioral Interview: An in-depth discussion of the candidate's problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and cultural fit with the organization.
• Final Review: A meeting with senior leadership to assess the candidate's overall fit for the role and the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips: (N/A - This role is not web development focused)

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on systems engineering principles, propulsion system design, and requirements management.
• Review relevant industry standards and best practices.
• Prepare examples of past projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit with the organization. Successful candidates will have a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on military aircraft propulsion systems, and a proven track record of delivering complex engineering solutions.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A - This role is not web development focused)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through collaboration and open communication.
• Innovation: A dedication to pushing the boundaries of military aircraft propulsion systems and delivering cutting-edge solutions.
• Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations.
• Integrity: A commitment to ethical and responsible behavior in all aspects of the job.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The systems engineering team works closely with other departments, such as propulsion system design, aerodynamics, and structures, to ensure integrated and optimized solutions.
• Code Review Culture: RTX encourages a code review culture, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
• Peer Programming: The company supports peer programming and pair programming practices to promote collaboration and shared understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX's team culture is characterized by a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and customer focus. The company values open communication, active participation, and continuous learning, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• System-Level Integration: The need to integrate components from various disciplines, such as propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and structures, to meet customer requirements.
• Requirements Management: The challenge of defining, tracking, and validating system-level requirements throughout the development lifecycle.
• Performance Optimization: The need to optimize propulsion system performance, reliability, and maintainability within the constraints of weight, cost, and schedule.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Development: The opportunity to develop expertise in military aircraft propulsion systems and related technologies.
• Leadership Development: The potential to mentor junior engineers and take on leadership roles within the organization.
• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to senior roles, such as chief engineer or program manager, with increased responsibility and influence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and opportunities for growth and development within the aerospace and defense industry. The ideal candidate will be motivated by the challenge of working on complex, high-impact projects and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Systems Engineering Principles: Questions focused on systems engineering principles, such as requirements management, architecture definition, and system-level integration.
• Propulsion System Design: Questions related to the design and optimization of military aircraft propulsion systems.
• Problem-Solving: Scenario-based questions that assess the candidate's ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Culture: Questions designed to assess the candidate's understanding of RTX's company culture and values.
• Team Dynamics: Questions focused on the candidate's ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and contribute to a collaborative work environment.
• Customer Focus: Questions that evaluate the candidate's commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy: (N/A - This role is not web development focused)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit with the organization. Successful candidates will have a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on military aircraft propulsion systems, and a proven track record of delivering complex engineering solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this systems engineering position:

• Submit your application through the RTX careers website.
• Review the job description and ensure your resume highlights relevant experience and skills.
• Prepare for the interview process by brushing up on systems engineering principles, propulsion system design, and requirements management.
• Research RTX's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and systems engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with RTX before making application decisions.

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