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RTX

Manufactures jet engines, avionics, missiles

EO/IR Principal Systems Engineer

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/21/2026
$107.5k - $204.5k+ Annual incentive compensation
Expert
Bachelor's
Plano, TX, USA
In Person
Aerospace EngineeringAvionics
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and at least 8 years of relevant work or academic experience in optical design and algorithm development are typically required.
  • Experience with imaging EO/IR systems, physics, image signal processing, or discrimination algorithms is required.
  • Experience with UNIX/Linux and computer programming in C or C++, and using MATLAB or Python for data analysis, is required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance before the start date is required; U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Active and transferable U.S. government-issued security clearance is required prior to the start date.
Responsibilities
  • Apply advanced EO/IR sensor and mode performance knowledge.
  • Guide new EO/IR sensor designs in collaboration with hardware and systems engineering teams.
  • Use software development skills to create and implement new mode algorithms on advanced processing platforms, and provide technical leadership to a small team of algorithm and modeling analysts.
  • Perform performance analysis, algorithm development and evaluation, trade studies, statistical modeling, performance prediction, and data analysis for complex systems using Raytheon engineering processes and standards.
  • Work as part of a cross-functional team while providing subject-matter-expert guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the EO/IR group.
  • Communicate through interpersonal interactions, presentations, and written and verbal communication.
  • Mentor junior engineers within the EO/IR group.
Desired Qualifications
  • An advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) is preferred.
  • Experience developing signal processing algorithms for airborne surveillance applications is preferred.
  • A background in signal and image processing, digital communications, detection and estimation theory, or AI/ML and training techniques is preferred.
  • Experience with real-time programming, software change management tools, and processes is preferred.
  • Mathematical modeling and analytical problem-solving are preferred.
  • Ability to lead and manage a small technical team of three or more individuals is preferred.
  • An active Top Secret clearance with an investigation within the past five years is preferred.

About the company

RTX produces jet engines, cockpit electronics, and avionics through Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, and develops defense systems and missiles via Raytheon. Pratt & Whitney engines provide propulsion for commercial and military aircraft, while Collins Aerospace supplies flight controls, navigation, and integrated cockpit systems, and Raytheon offers missiles, radar, and sensing technologies. The company differentiates itself by offering a single, integrated portfolio that spans both commercial aviation and national defense under one corporate umbrella, drawing on the legacy of Raytheon and UTC. Its goal is to help customers fly more efficiently and protect nations by advancing propulsion, electronics, and defense technologies for civilian air travel and security needs.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Arlington, Virginia

Founded

2022

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • RTX raised 2026 guidance after Q2 sales reached $24.7 billion and EPS hit $1.89.
  • Raytheon's 2026 framework agreements target annual output above 1,000 Tomahawks and 500 SM-6s.
  • GTF Advantage certification and Airbus deliveries extend Pratt & Whitney's recovery into 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Pratt & Whitney's GTF powder-metal issue still drives inspections, grounded jets, and lawsuits.
  • SEC subpoenas and DOJ agreements keep Raytheon's legacy conduct under active scrutiny.
  • Persistent GTF failures or fixed-price overruns can erase cash flow and damage airline trust.

What makes RTX unique

  • RTX pairs $289 billion backlog with balanced defense and commercial aerospace exposure.
  • Raytheon wins $24.4 billion SM-6 and $22.9 billion Tomahawk production contracts.
  • Pratt & Whitney and Collins feed recurring aftermarket revenue across Airbus and military fleets.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Remote Work Options
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

5%

1 year growth

5%

2 year growth

5%
PR Newswire
Oct 13th, 2026
Raytheon wins $729M counter-drone deal for US Army, Qatar and Jordan

Raytheon, an RTX business, has won $729 million in contracts to supply parts of its LIDS counter-drone system to the US Army, Qatar, and Jordan. The deal includes fixed-site and mobile configurations. LIDS, or the Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System, uses Raytheon's Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS) and the Coyote effector. The deal marks the first international sales of both. KuRFS offers 360-degree threat detection. Coyote effectors defeat single drones and swarms. Raytheon is expanding Coyote production to meet rising global demand. Planned upgrades include faster launch times, higher speeds, and greater range at higher altitudes. "LIDS provides a proven and cost-effective layer of defense," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon.

PR Newswire
Oct 8th, 2026
RTX's Raytheon secures $6.3B contract for SM-3 IB missile interceptors

Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a contract worth up to $6.3 billion for the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors. The five-year agreement, with two optional additional years, forms part of recent landmark deals between Raytheon and the Department of War. The contract supports urgent replenishment of missile defense inventory that has been used in combat. Production will primarily take place at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama. SM-3 IB is a ship- and land-based missile defense interceptor designed to defeat short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It was first deployed in combat in 2024 and remains integral to the US Navy's extended-range integrated air and missile defense systems.

PR Newswire
Oct 1st, 2026
RTX's Raytheon secures $24.4B contract for SM-6 interceptors

Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a five-year contract worth up to $24.4 billion for Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptors. The contract includes two additional option years. The agreement ensures a consistent supply of SM-6s for the US Navy. The missile can conduct offensive strikes and missile defense missions. Raytheon President Phil Jasper said the company is focused on meeting demand through operational investments and facility improvements. The firm has expanded its workforce, strengthened partnerships across the defence industrial base, and automated production to boost output. SM-6 is the only combat-proven weapon capable of performing anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, and ballistic missile defence. It can be fired from various Navy ship-based platforms and land-based launchers.

PR Newswire
Sep 24th, 2026
United Airlines receives first GTF Advantage-powered A321XLR from RTX's Pratt & Whitney

United Airlines has received its first Airbus A321XLR aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney's GTF Advantage engines, marking the inaugural delivery of this enhanced engine variant. The GTF Advantage offers up to twice the operational lifespan of current GTF engines and provides 4-8% more takeoff thrust, enabling extended range capabilities. The engine features an advanced hot section design and remains fully compatible with existing GTF models, simplifying fleet operations. Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, plans to transition its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the Advantage specification by 2028. Current GTF operators will be able to access 90-95% of the Advantage's durability improvements through a Hot Section Plus upgrade option, available from early next year during scheduled maintenance visits.

PR Newswire
Sep 4th, 2026
Pratt & Whitney invests $25M to expand Poland manufacturing, adding 120 jobs

RTX's Pratt & Whitney is investing $25 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Niepołomice, Poland. The site produces complex tubular assemblies for commercial and military engines. The expansion, supported by the Polish government through the Polish Investment Zone Programme, will add more than 120 jobs when it becomes operational in 2028. The facility currently manufactures precision components for multiple engine types, including the GTF engine for commercial aircraft and the F135 for F-35 fighter aircraft. This investment is part of Pratt & Whitney's $125 million commitment to Polish facilities this year, including a $100 million investment in Rzeszow. Poland represents RTX's largest investment base outside the United States, with more than 9,500 employees across its businesses in-country.