Sr. Principal Engineer – Mechanical Lead

Date Posted:

2026-01-22

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M18 ~ 1600 E Idea Ln ~ REFINERY M18

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: Secret

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. 

The Hardware Engineering team is at the forefront of designing, developing, and producing cutting-edge hardware solutions. Utilizing state-of-the-art tools, processes, technologies, and our CORE operating principles, our expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering, manufacturing, technical services, materials science, structural and thermal analysis, testing, and documentation.

Within Hardware Engineering, the Advanced Airframes Department is seeking a Senior Principal Mechanical Engineering Lead to coordinate and manage all Mechanical Disciplines across a suite of Advanced Technologies programs. The candidate will work with and advise the Chief Engineer and Program Management on technical execution.  This role requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in effector hardware design, team leadership, and program execution throughout the development lifecycle. 

This is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.

What You Will Do

• Provide cross product communication and assure mechanical design / engineering discipline (CPT Lead).
• Airframe/Air Vehicle architecture design.
• Electronics packaging, including working with the other disciplines to determine electronics, sensors, etc.
• Support the design of advanced propulsion systems.
• Work with partners in support of system development.
• Provide leadership for mechanical team by providing technical discipline consistent with the Airframes and Advanced Effectors charter.
• Actively manage Mechanical Discipline staffing, working with program management and the office of the chief engineer, while communicating needs to the functional organizations (Design, Analysis, etc.).
• This role is a working lead role requiring the engineer to perform trades, modeling, analysis, etc. as needed. 
• Work within a multidiscipline team to develop requirements, provide feedback and develop systematic mechanical solutions.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a bachelor’s in science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of Ten (10) years of prior relevant experience
• At least 10 years of engineering experience
• Experience in leading or managing teams
• Experience in missile-related technologies and/or design lifecycles.
• Active and transferable U.S. government-issued security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).

Qualifications We Prefer

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or similar.
• 10+ years of professional experience in hardware design, development, and or test of defense-related components or systems 
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical drawing practices.
• Experience in airframe development, electronics packaging, and mechanisms.
• Proven ability to coach and lead engineering teams while solving complex mechanical challenges.
• Highly self-motivated individual that can perform multidiscipline work
• Experience leading teams and managing resources (cost, people, and schedule) and delegating tasks and holding others accountable, with or without Earned Value Management (EVM) experience

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.

• Relocation Eligibility

Learn More & Apply Now! (Optional)

• Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.

• Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. Thi