Principal Systems Engineer

RTX
Full_timeβ€’$101k-203k/year (USD)β€’United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

  • Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
  • Company: RTX
  • Location: MA131: Tewksbury, MA Bldg 1 Assabet 50 Apple Hill Drive Assabet - Building 1, Tewksbury, MA, 01876 USA
  • Job Type: On-site
  • Category: Systems Engineering
  • Date Posted: 2025-06-25
  • Experience Level: 10+ years
  • Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead concept and requirements development for complex systems in Raytheon's Integrated Air & Missile Defense Systems (IAMDS) department.
  • Collaborate with customers to bring new capabilities to the warfighter and optimize algorithms for fielded systems.
  • Conduct functional analysis of real-world and test data, and perform multi-disciplinary development efforts across the kill-chain for an Air and Missile Defense System.
  • Work onsite in Tewksbury, MA.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role focuses on systems engineering for air and missile defense systems, requiring a strong background in radar systems, data analysis, and customer collaboration.

πŸ’» Primary Responsibilities

  • Concept and Requirements Development: Decompose and flow down requirements, and develop concepts of operations (CONOPS) for complex systems.
  • Algorithm Optimization and R&D: Optimize algorithms, conduct trade studies, and research new features to enhance fielded systems.
  • Data Analysis: Analyze real-world and test data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
  • Customer Collaboration: Work closely with customers to understand their needs and bring new capabilities to the warfighter.
  • Multi-disciplinary Development: Contribute to cross-functional development efforts across the kill-chain for air and missile defense systems.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of systems engineering principles, data analysis techniques, and customer collaboration skills to drive complex system development and enhancement.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field.

Experience:

  • Typically requires 8 years of prior relevant experience.
  • Experience with radar systems (e.g., PATRIOT, LTAMDS, AN/TPY-2) is preferred.
  • Experience with both broad, large-scale data analysis and focused root-cause analysis is preferred.
  • Experience with Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, system level architecture, signal processing techniques, and electronic warfare techniques is a plus.

Required Skills:

  • Ability to obtain a security clearance and U.S. citizenship.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with technical, customer, and senior leadership audiences.
  • Familiarity with MATLAB, DOORS, and MS Office.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience interfacing with external customers.
  • Experience across the product development life cycle.
  • Existing DoD Security Clearance.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in systems engineering, data analysis, and customer collaboration, with a preference for experience in radar systems and relevant technologies.

πŸ“Š Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate experience in systems engineering, data analysis, and customer collaboration through relevant projects and case studies.
  • Highlight expertise in radar systems, algorithm optimization, and system level architecture.
  • Showcase ability to analyze and interpret complex data to drive system improvements.

Technical Documentation:

  • Provide detailed documentation of past projects, including requirements decomposition, CONOPS development, algorithm optimization, and data analysis techniques.
  • Include examples of customer collaboration and successful system enhancements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong portfolio demonstrating systems engineering expertise, data analysis skills, and customer collaboration experience, with a focus on radar systems and relevant technologies.

πŸ’΅ 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 disability, and long-term disability.
  • 401(k) match and flexible spending accounts.
  • Flexible work schedules and employee assistance program.
  • Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range and benefits package are competitive for a principal systems engineering role in the defense industry, with a focus on comprehensive health and retirement benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Defense and aerospace.

Company Size: Large (over 100,000 employees).

Founded: 1922.

Team Structure:

  • The IAMDS department leads all aspects of Systems Engineering for Raytheon's Land and Air Defense Systems mission area.
  • The team supports Raytheon by cultivating a world-class group of systems thinkers who work together to architect technical solutions to complex challenges.

Development Methodology:

  • The team follows Agile methodologies, with a focus on customer collaboration and iterative development.
  • They emphasize cross-functional collaboration, code reviews, and continuous learning.

Company Website: RTX

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: RTX is a large defense contractor with a strong focus on systems engineering and customer collaboration, offering a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Systems Engineering Career Level: This role is at the principal level, requiring extensive experience in systems engineering, data analysis, and customer collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The principal systems engineer will report to the IAMDS department manager and work closely with cross-functional teams and external customers.

Technical Impact: The principal systems engineer will have a significant impact on the development and enhancement of Raytheon's air and missile defense systems, driving improvements through data analysis and customer collaboration.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Lead and mentor junior systems engineers.
  • Take on more complex projects and drive strategic decision-making.
  • Transition into a technical leadership or management role within the IAMDS department or broader Raytheon organization.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities for experienced systems engineers looking to advance their careers in the defense industry, with a focus on leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and driving strategic decision-making.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and cross-functional teamwork.

Office Location(s): Tewksbury, MA.

Workspace Context:

  • The Tewksbury office offers a collaborative workspace with multiple monitors and testing devices available for systems engineers.
  • The team emphasizes knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible work arrangements and maintenance windows as needed.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: RTX's Tewksbury office provides a collaborative workspace for systems engineers, with a focus on knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and flexible work arrangements.

πŸ“„ Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

  1. Technical Phone Screen: Assess systems engineering fundamentals, data analysis techniques, and customer collaboration skills.
  2. On-site Technical Interview: Evaluate system level architecture, algorithm optimization, and problem-solving skills through hands-on exercises and case studies.
  3. Behavioral Interview: Assess cultural fit, communication skills, and customer collaboration experience.
  4. Final Review: Evaluate overall fit and make a hiring decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight relevant projects and case studies demonstrating systems engineering expertise, data analysis skills, and customer collaboration experience.
  • Include examples of algorithm optimization, system level architecture, and successful system enhancements.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

  • Brush up on systems engineering fundamentals, data analysis techniques, and customer collaboration skills.
  • Prepare for hands-on exercises and case studies focused on system level architecture, algorithm optimization, and problem-solving.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Data Analysis, Customer Collaboration, Radar Systems, Algorithm Optimization, System Level Architecture, Problem-Solving, Defense Industry, Agile Methodologies, Cross-Functional Teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing systems engineering expertise, data analysis skills, and customer collaboration experience, with a strong emphasis on hands-on exercises and case studies.

πŸ›  Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

  • MATLAB: For algorithm development, optimization, and data analysis.
  • DOORS: For requirements management and traceability.
  • MS Office: For documentation, presentation, and collaboration.

Radar Systems:

  • PATRIOT: For air and missile defense capabilities.
  • LTAMDS: For long-range tracking and missile defense.
  • AN/TPY-2: For long-range surveillance and tracking.

Electronic Warfare Techniques:

  • Electronic Attack: For disrupting enemy systems and communications.
  • Electronic Protection: For protecting friendly systems from enemy electronic attack.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role requires expertise in systems engineering tools, radar systems, and electronic warfare techniques, with a focus on algorithm optimization, data analysis, and customer collaboration.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Systems Engineering Values:

  • Customer Focus: Prioritize customer needs and collaborate closely with external stakeholders to bring new capabilities to the warfighter.
  • Innovation: Continuously research and develop new features and enhancements to improve fielded systems.
  • Quality: Ensure high-quality systems through rigorous testing, code reviews, and iterative development.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams and external customers to drive system improvements and enhancements.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with designers, marketers, and other stakeholders to ensure systems meet user needs and requirements.
  • Code Review Culture: Conduct regular code reviews to ensure high-quality systems and knowledge sharing.
  • Peer Programming: Collaborate with other systems engineers to solve complex problems and drive system enhancements.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: RTX's IAMDS department emphasizes customer focus, innovation, quality, and collaboration, with a strong culture of cross-functional integration, code reviews, and peer programming.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

  • Optimize algorithms for real-time performance and scalability in complex, high-stakes environments.
  • Analyze large, diverse datasets to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate effectively with external customers to understand their needs and drive system enhancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest systems engineering techniques, tools, and best practices.
  • Develop expertise in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
  • Lead and mentor junior systems engineers to drive team growth and knowledge sharing.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges in algorithm optimization, data analysis, and customer collaboration, with ample opportunities for learning, development, and growth.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

  • Systems Engineering Fundamentals: Explain systems engineering principles, requirements decomposition, and CONOPS development.
  • Data Analysis Techniques: Describe your approach to analyzing large, diverse datasets and identifying trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
  • Customer Collaboration: Discuss your experience working with external customers to understand their needs and drive system enhancements.

Company & Culture Questions:

  • RTX Culture: Describe what you value most about RTX's culture and how it aligns with your personal values and work style.
  • IAMDS Department: Explain why you are interested in joining the IAMDS department and how your skills and experience align with the team's mission and goals.
  • Customer Focus: Describe your approach to customer collaboration and how you ensure that systems meet user needs and requirements.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Relevant Projects: Highlight projects that demonstrate your expertise in systems engineering, data analysis, and customer collaboration.
  • Case Studies: Present case studies that illustrate your ability to optimize algorithms, analyze data, and drive system enhancements.
  • User Experience: Showcase your understanding of user needs and how you incorporate user feedback into system design and development.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role focuses on assessing systems engineering expertise, data analysis skills, and customer collaboration experience, with a strong emphasis on hands-on exercises, case studies, and cultural fit.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer position:

  1. Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your systems engineering, data analysis, and customer collaboration experience, with a focus on radar systems and relevant technologies.
  2. Prepare Your Portfolio: Include relevant projects, case studies, and examples of algorithm optimization, data analysis, and customer collaboration.
  3. Research RTX: Learn about RTX's culture, values, and mission, and prepare questions to ask during the interview process.
  4. Practice Technical Interview Questions: Brush up on systems engineering fundamentals, data analysis techniques, and customer collaboration skills, and prepare for hands-on exercises and case studies.

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

Application Requirements

Typically requires a Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.