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Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites

RTX (Raytheon) · Plano, TXtoday
$118k – $225k

BS-level Applications Engineering roles on Crosslinked list a median of $111k (42 that show pay).

Lead structural and materials evaluations of radome and composite assemblies for NGJ production, working with suppliers and quality teams.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Ties composite structural integrity directly to RF performance on a flagship airborne electronic-warfare program

Might not be for you. Requires active Secret clearance, US citizenship and 25%+ travel; production support rather than open-ended R&D

Mostly desk workDeep specialistMethodical pace Senior hires only

Heads-up: Very wide pay range

Adjacent materials roleEvaluate radome and composite assemblies; analyze material properties and inspection data; review supplier fabrication processes, material and process variations

Seniority
Staff/Principal
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
8+ yrs
Industry
Defense
Role
Applications Engineering
Clearance
Secret
Relocation
Offered
Visa
US citizenship required
Benefits
Employee Scholar Programrelocation

Role details

Date Posted: 2026-10-20

 Country: United States of America

 Location: US-TX-PLANO-465 ~ 465 Independence Pkwy ~ INDEPENDENCE

 Position Role Type: Onsite

 U.S. Citizen, U.S.

Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ 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 after day 1 At RTX, the world's 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’s Airborne Sensor RF Design Department is seeking a Principal Radomes and Composites Engineer to support the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) program onsite at our Plano, Texas, location. In this role, you will perform in‑depth data analysis and engineering assessments of critical radome and composite assemblies that ensure structural integrity while maintaining stringent Radio Frequency (RF) performance requirements.

This position is production‑focused, with emphasis on working cross-functionally with suppliers, Quality, Operations, multi-disciplined Engineering teams, customer Engineering teams and subject matter experts to drive the build, verification, and delivery of compliant radome and composite hardware. You will help resolve manufacturing challenges, interpret production data, and ensure that assemblies meet both mechanical and RF performance requirements.

What You Will Do

Lead mechanical and structural evaluations of radome and composite assemblies supporting NGJ production Partner with suppliers to review fabrication processes, resolve build issues, and assess material and process variations impacting quality or performance Analyze production and inspection data to validate structural integrity, material properties, dimensional compliance, and RF‑sensitive features Support engineering change proposals, producibility improvements, and risk‑reduction activities tied to composite and radome manufacturing Conduct technical reviews, present findings to program and customer leadership, and coordinate across engineering, operations, and supply chain Qualifications You Must Have Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an ABET-accredited university and 8 years of experience to include any combination of the following: 8+ years of experience in composites, radome engineering, mechanical design, or structural analysis Experience interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and material/inspection data Experience with structural or materials analysis tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or equivalent) Experience working with suppliers or manufacturing teams to resolve technical issues, assess capability, or review process conformance U.S.

Citizenship is required, as this position requires an active U.S.

Security Clearance Ability to travel periodically to suppliers, manufacturing facilities and customer sites to support programs (at least 25%) Qualifications We Prefer MS or PhD in an engineering discipline 10+ years of industry experience in the design, manufacturing and testing of radomes and composite structures Direct experience supporting composite or radome production, including supplier oversight and quality assessment Familiarity with MRB processes, root cause and corrective action methods (RCCA), and AS9100‑aligned quality systems Knowledge of dielectric material behavior, RF performance considerations, or radome electromagnetic performance Background in design for manufacturability, process optimization, or production yield improvement Experience supporting aerospace or defense hardware through transition from development into full-rate production What We Offer Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world.

At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. This is an onsite position and offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Learn More & Apply Now! This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote. The salary range for this role is 118,300 USD - 224,900 USD.

The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role.

If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class.

RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role at RTX (Raytheon)?

The listed annual base salary range is $118K–$225K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does RTX (Raytheon) sponsor work visas for the Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role?

This role requires US citizenship — not just permanent residency.

Where is the Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role at RTX (Raytheon) based?

This role is based in Plano, TX.

What degree is required for the Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role at RTX (Raytheon)?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role require?

The posting calls for at least 8 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Principal Engineer, Radomes and Composites role work with?

composites, radome materials.