Sr Principal Research Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-03-23

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-VA-STERLING-21251-CUST ~ 21251 Ridgetop Cir ~ RIDGETOP (External Site)

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: TS/SCI

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

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.

Raytheon’s Technology organization is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Research Engineer to perform in the role of 3D Data Generation and Analysis Research Engineer. This role will focus on the development of algorithms utilizing 3D point cloud data to solve evolving mission needs.  The role will also involve 3D data quality analysis and maintenance of the 3D data generation software on custom hardware and cloud-based infrastructures.

This position is for a Research Engineer role within the Mission Applied Science and Technology team, responsible for leading the development of innovative new algorithmic solutions and integration of these solutions into operational systems. The role involves leading and managing internal research and development (IRAD) efforts, communicating status to stakeholders including program systems and software engineering, working with Operations personnel, and ensuring alignment with program objectives, technical requirements, cost, and schedule constraints.

The Mission Applied Science and Technology team is hiring a Senior Principal Research Engineer for either Sterling, VA or Richardson, TX.  This is an on-site position.

What You Will Do

• Develop innovative mission-focused solutions generating and utilizing 3D data

• Perform quality assessments on 3D generated data including performance of geometric accuracy and timelines

• Coordinate with program and research management structures to create a unified 3D research annual plan

• Create and present whitepapers and prototype demonstrations to customers

• Work with operational representatives at customer facilities to determine potential system bottlenecks or potential workflow improvements

• Represent research efforts in the 3D Architecture Review Board

• Integrate algorithmic solutions into program-specific architectures including cloud-based infrastructure

• Mentor and support engineering team members, facilitating knowledge sharing, technical decision-making, and engagement of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) wherever needed to resolve complex issues.

• Apply deep experience in algorithm design, integration, and verification, leading technical reviews, managing risk, and ensuring traceability and compliance throughout the engineering development process.

Qualification You Must Have

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in STEM and 10 (ten) years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced degree and 7 (seven) years of relevant experience

• Experience as a Principal Investigator (PI), Technical Lead, Lead Systems Engineer, or Systems Architect

• Experience using standard data languages and tools (C/C++, Python, etc.)

• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with Agile development

• Strong demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills

• Excellent presentation and proposal skills

• Experience managing multiple and competing priorities

• Experience with DevOps, Git, Linux/UNIX

• Experience with integration and testing of 3D data

• Experience with algorithmic development in HPC environments

• Experience with Amazon AWS or Microsoft Azure clouds

• Experience with machine learning frameworks and AI

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.