Associate Director - Chief Engineer & Researcher, Advanced ISR Solutions

Date Posted:

2026-04-20

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MA-WESTFORD-WFD7 ~ 7 Technology Park Dr ~ BLDG 7

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: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Raytheon brings 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. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Raytheon is a world leader in high altitude imaging sensors. As such, we in the Advanced Product & Solutions business unit provide the United States Government and International Partners with remote sensing systems, for time critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Our ISR Information and Intelligence Engineering group develops algorithms and software for processing, optimizing, and creating intelligence products from these sensors.

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer & Research Lead who can simultaneously drive program execution excellence and scientific/technical innovation. This role blends technical program leadership, advanced R&D strategy, and cross‑disciplinary engineering oversight. You will work with state‑of‑the‑art EO/IR imaging systems, guide the maturation of next‑generation sensing technologies, and lead teams solving some of the most challenging problems in remote sensing, image exploitation, and ISR system performance.

This role is ideal for a technical leader who is comfortable operating at the intersection of mission delivery and research innovation, and who thrives in driving solutions from concept to fielded capability.

What You Will Do

• Lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams executing EO/IR imaging system programs, ensuring high‑quality technical performance and mission success.

• Take overall responsibility for cost, schedule, and technical performance for program technical tasks.

• Serve as the primary technical interface to customers and act as the voice of the customer within the engineering organization

• Oversee development of advanced models, algorithms, prototypes, and system concepts aligned with ISR mission needs.

• Provide technical direction and oversight across multidisciplinary R&D teams, ensuring rigor, quality, and repeatability.

• Lead collaborations with universities, government research agencies, and external partners to advance technology and expand technical breadth

• Identify emerging technologies, assess their impact, and recommend strategic investments.

• Support capture efforts, proposal development, and technical solution design for major programs.

Global ISR Sensors and Software | Raytheon

This 1st shift role will be 100% on-site and based in Westford, MA.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.12+ years of experience in applied research, advanced systems development, or relevant technical leadership.

• Recognized subject matter expertise in EOIR systems

• Experience with leading large, complex R&D programs.

• Experience collaborating across disciplines (systems engineering, signal processing, AI/ML, autonomy, etc.).

• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to broad audiences.

• Experience with with guiding high performing multi-discipline teams.

• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret security clearance is required prior to start da