📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Systems Engineer
Company: RTX
Location: Huntsville, AL, USA
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-25
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Role Focus: Systems Engineering for Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management.
Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain requirements, collaborate with stakeholders, and perform system-level integration and testing.
Team Context: Work with cross-functional teams, including engineers from outside of RTX, and may require up to 10% domestic travel.
Impact: Contribute to the development and delivery of world-class Air and Missile Defense Systems, Sensors, and Effectors for domestic and international customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Systems Engineering, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems. Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies, such as DOORs, CAMEO, and MBSE, is highly desirable.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Engineering: Develop and maintain requirements, interface description documents, software requirement specifications, and integration and test plans.
Collaboration: Work with various stakeholders, including customers and external engineers, to ensure system-level integration and compatibility.
Travel: May require up to 10% domestic travel to collaborate with external stakeholders and support program needs.
Security Clearance: Maintain an active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves working with sensitive information and requires a strong commitment to security and confidentiality.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) is required. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience: A minimum of eight years of relevant experience in Systems Engineering, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems or related fields. Experience with requirement verifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications is essential.

Required Skills:

Strong Systems Engineering background, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems.
Experience with requirement verifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications.
Active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance.
Strong collaboration and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Proficiency in using relevant tools and technologies, such as DOORs, CAMEO, and MBSE.

Preferred Skills:

Detailed knowledge of Missile Defense systems, including radar, interceptor, and Command and Control systems.
Experience using DOORs and CAMEO.
Strong experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE).
Modeling & Simulation development experience.
Data analysis experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in related fields, such as Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management, are highly desirable.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Systems Engineering Portfolio: Highlight relevant Systems Engineering projects, focusing on requirement development, system-level integration, and testing.
Security Clearance Documentation: Provide documentation demonstrating your active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance.

Technical Documentation:

Requirement Documentation: Include examples of requirement specifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications.
System-Level Integration & Testing: Showcase your experience with system-level integration and testing, including any relevant tools or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the sensitive nature of this role, be prepared to discuss your portfolio in a secure environment and adhere to all relevant security protocols.

💵 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 coverage.
401(k) match and flexible spending accounts.
Flexible work schedules and employee assistance program.
Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as retirement and leave benefits. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit and whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: RTX is a leading defense and aerospace company, focusing on developing and delivering world-class Air and Missile Defense Systems, Sensors, and Effectors.
Company Size: RTX is a large organization with a global presence, employing over 60,000 employees worldwide.
Founded: RTX was founded in 1922 and has a rich history of innovation and technological advancement.

Team Structure:

The Land Warfare and Missile Defense Systems (LWMDS) Department is responsible for providing world-class technical expertise and engineering leadership to drive the design and development of world-class Air and Missile Defense Systems, Sensors, and Effectors.
The LWMDS department leads all aspects of Systems Engineering that drive the development of complex systems to support Raytheon’s Land and Air Defense Systems (L&ADS) and Strategic Missile Defense (SMD) business areas from their Huntsville, AL location.

Development Methodology:

RTX follows established Systems Engineering processes and methodologies, including Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), to ensure the delivery of high-quality, reliable, and secure systems.
Collaboration and communication are essential aspects of RTX’s development methodology, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and stakeholder engagement.

Company Website: RTX Website

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX is a large, global organization with a strong focus on innovation and technological advancement. The LWMDS department plays a critical role in the development and delivery of world-class Air and Missile Defense Systems, Sensors, and Effectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Principal Systems Engineer roles require a deep understanding of Systems Engineering principles and a proven track record of delivering complex systems. This role offers significant growth opportunities, including technical leadership and architecture decision-making responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: Principal Systems Engineers typically report directly to a Senior Systems Engineer or a Systems Engineering Manager, depending on the organization's structure.

Technical Impact: Principal Systems Engineers have a significant impact on the development and delivery of complex systems, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure system-level integration and compatibility.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: Principal Systems Engineers have the opportunity to grow into technical leadership roles, providing mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and driving the development of complex systems.
Architecture Decision-Making: Principal Systems Engineers play a crucial role in making architecture decisions that impact the design and development of complex systems, ensuring they meet performance, security, and reliability requirements.
Emerging Technologies: Principal Systems Engineers have the opportunity to work with emerging technologies, such as advanced radar systems, interceptor technologies, and command and control systems, driving innovation and technological advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Principal Systems Engineer roles offer significant growth opportunities, including technical leadership and architecture decision-making responsibilities. Candidates with a strong background in Systems Engineering and a proven track record of delivering complex systems are well-positioned to succeed in this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: RTX’s Huntsville, AL location is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate cross-functional teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): Huntsville, AL, USA

Workspace Context:

Collaboration: The workspace is designed to encourage collaboration and communication, with open-plan offices and dedicated meeting spaces.
Tools and Equipment: RTX provides the necessary tools and equipment for Systems Engineers to perform their jobs effectively, including powerful workstations, specialized software, and access to relevant databases and resources.
Team Interaction: The workspace facilitates regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including engineers from outside of RTX, to ensure system-level integration and compatibility.

Work Schedule: Full-time position with a standard workweek of 40 hours, with the possibility of flexible work arrangements depending on the specific business unit and collective-bargaining agreement.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX’s Huntsville, AL location offers a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate cross-functional teamwork and innovation. The workspace is equipped with the necessary tools and equipment for Systems Engineers to perform their jobs effectively, and the work schedule is flexible to accommodate the needs of the business and the employee.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Screening: A phone or video screening to assess communication skills and technical competency.
Technical Assessment: A technical assessment or take-home assignment to evaluate problem-solving skills and Systems Engineering expertise.
On-site Interview: An on-site interview with stakeholders, including customers and external engineers, to discuss the role, the team, and the company’s mission and values.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation based on the candidate’s technical competency, cultural fit, and alignment with the company’s mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Security Clearance: Ensure your portfolio includes documentation demonstrating your active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance.
Systems Engineering Projects: Highlight relevant Systems Engineering projects, focusing on requirement development, system-level integration, and testing.
Technical Documentation: Include examples of requirement specifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications.
System-Level Integration & Testing: Showcase your experience with system-level integration and testing, including any relevant tools or methodologies.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Systems Engineering Principles: Brush up on your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management.
Tools and Technologies: Familiarize yourself with relevant tools and technologies, such as DOORs, CAMEO, and MBSE.
Problem-Solving Skills: Prepare for problem-solving scenarios that test your ability to analyze complex systems and develop effective solutions.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, Battle Management, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Requirement Verification, Interface Description Documents, Software Requirement Specifications, Collaboration, Communication, Problem-Solving, Security Clearance, Technical Leadership, Architecture Decision-Making, Emerging Technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for Principal Systems Engineer roles is designed to assess the candidate’s technical competency, cultural fit, and alignment with the company’s mission and values. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and showcase their understanding of Systems Engineering principles and relevant tools and technologies.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

DOORs: A requirements management tool used to capture, analyze, and manage requirements throughout the systems development lifecycle.
CAMEO: A model-based systems engineering tool used to create and simulate system-level architectures and behaviors.
MBSE: Model-Based Systems Engineering is an approach that uses models as the primary means of exchanging information among stakeholders and as the basis for automated analysis, simulation, and code generation.

Missile Defense Systems:

Patriot: A long-range air defense system designed to intercept and destroy tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.
AMDC: Air and Missile Defense Capability is a next-generation air and missile defense system designed to provide a layered defense against a wide range of threats.
LTAMDS: Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor is a next-generation radar system designed to provide early warning and tracking of incoming threats.
RDC: Radar Development Contract is a research and development program focused on advancing radar technologies for future missile defense systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX uses a variety of tools and technologies to support the development and delivery of world-class Air and Missile Defense Systems, Sensors, and Effectors. Candidates should be familiar with relevant Systems Engineering tools, such as DOORs, CAMEO, and MBSE, as well as the specific Missile Defense Systems relevant to the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

RTX Values:

Safety: RTX is committed to ensuring the safety of its employees, customers, and the communities in which it operates.
Trust: RTX fosters a culture of trust, integrity, and ethical behavior, both internally and with its customers and partners.
Respect: RTX values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, treating all employees, customers, and partners with dignity and respect.
Accountability: RTX holds its employees accountable for their actions and decisions, promoting a culture of ownership and responsibility.
Collaboration: RTX encourages collaboration and teamwork, both internally and with its customers and partners, to drive innovation and success.
Innovation: RTX fosters a culture of innovation, encouraging its employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: RTX encourages collaboration and integration between different teams and disciplines, including engineers from outside of RTX, to ensure system-level integration and compatibility.
Code Review Culture: RTX promotes a culture of code review and peer programming, ensuring the quality and consistency of its systems and software.
Knowledge Sharing: RTX fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning, encouraging its employees to share their expertise and learn from one another.

📝 Enhancement Note: RTX’s culture is built on a foundation of safety, trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging its employees to work together to drive innovation and success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Missile Defense Systems: Principal Systems Engineers may face technical challenges related to the development and delivery of complex Missile Defense Systems, including radar systems, interceptor technologies, and command and control systems.
Emerging Technologies: Principal Systems Engineers may be required to work with emerging technologies, such as advanced radar systems, interceptor technologies, and command and control systems, driving innovation and technological advancement.
System-Level Integration: Principal Systems Engineers must be able to integrate complex systems and ensure compatibility with other systems and components.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Principal Systems Engineers have the opportunity to develop their technical skills by working on cutting-edge projects and collaborating with experts in their field.
Conference Attendance: RTX encourages its employees to attend industry conferences and events, providing opportunities for professional development and networking.
Technical Mentorship: Principal Systems Engineers have the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on technical and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Principal Systems Engineer roles present significant technical challenges and growth opportunities. Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic and innovative work environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Principles: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management.
Tools and Technologies: Familiarize yourself with relevant tools and technologies, such as DOORs, CAMEO, and MBSE, and be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how you have used them to solve complex problems.
Problem-Solving Skills: Prepare for problem-solving scenarios that test your ability to analyze complex systems and develop effective solutions.

Company & Culture Questions:

RTX Culture: Research RTX’s culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company’s mission and values.
Team Dynamics: Familiarize yourself with the team structure and dynamics, and be prepared to discuss how you would fit into the team and contribute to its success.
Customer Focus: RTX is customer-focused, and Principal Systems Engineers must be able to work effectively with customers and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience working with customers and your approach to customer service.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Security Clearance: Ensure your portfolio includes documentation demonstrating your active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance.
Systems Engineering Projects: Highlight relevant Systems Engineering projects, focusing on requirement development, system-level integration, and testing.
Technical Documentation: Include examples of requirement specifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications.
System-Level Integration & Testing: Showcase your experience with system-level integration and testing, including any relevant tools or methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for Principal Systems Engineer roles is designed to assess the candidate’s technical competency, cultural fit, and alignment with the company’s mission and values. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their portfolio, demonstrate their problem-solving skills, and showcase their understanding of Systems Engineering principles and relevant tools and technologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Systems Engineer position:

Submit Application: Submit your application through the application link provided.
Prepare Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio includes documentation demonstrating your active and transferable U.S. government-issued Secret security clearance. Highlight relevant Systems Engineering projects, focusing on requirement development, system-level integration, and testing. Include examples of requirement specifications, interface description documents, and software requirement specifications. Showcase your experience with system-level integration and testing, including any relevant tools or methodologies.
Optimize Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on Systems Engineering, Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management. Include relevant keywords and phrases to optimize your resume for the ATS system.
Prepare for Interview: Familiarize yourself with RTX’s culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with the company’s mission and values. Brush up on your understanding of Systems Engineering principles, with a focus on Missile Defense Systems, Radar Systems, Command and Control Systems, and Battle Management. Prepare for problem-solving scenarios that test your ability to analyze complex systems and develop effective solutions.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Principal Systems Engineer