Principal Software Engineer

Date Posted:
2026-07-09
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-MA-TEWKSBURY-TB3 ~ 50 Apple Hill Dr ~ CONCORD BLDG, Tewksbury Tb3 300 Concord
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:
Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

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.

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Principal Software Development Engineer with a focus on developing complex systems in C/C++ as part of our Patriot Software Team in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating high-performance applications and will be involved in all stages of the software development lifecycle. Patriot is the world's pre-eminent air defense system, and we are currently developing software in support of new system capabilities. In this role, you will work closely with software developers, system architects, and product leads to ensure that the solutions we deliver meet our customers' requirements. You'll have the opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where your contributions will have a direct impact on the success of our products around the world.

The position works in a SCIF environment with an optional 9/80 schedule accommodate work/life balance practices.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and maintain software applications using C and C++ for complex systems and applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and implement new features, ensuring system integration and scalability.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize existing code for performance and efficiency in complex environments.
• Write and maintain comprehensive documentation for software applications, including system architecture and design specifications.
• Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in C/C++ technologies, especially in relation to complex systems.
• Light travel and off hours testing (2nd or 3rd shift) may occasionally be required.
• This position requires exclusive onsite presence.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a bachelor's in science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of experience.
• Experience in developing complex systems and applications using C/C++, Java or other object-oriented programming language.
• Experience in embedded systems, real-time systems, or large-scale applications.
• Experience in a Unix/Linux operating system.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Active Secret security clearance.
• Experience with multithreading, memory management, or performance optimization in complex environments.
• Experience with data structures, algorithms, and software design principles, particularly in high-concurrency and distributed systems.
• Experience with Network Communication Protocols, Shell Scripting (tcsh, csh, bash), software development tools like Git/Clearcase, software debuggers, and using embedded RTOSs (e.g. VxWorks, Integrity).
• Experience with with version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Experience with software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, etc.).

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 Eligible - Relocation assistance available.

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. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

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. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here:


This position is in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Living in Massachusetts means you'll have easy access to the ocean and locations of historical significance. You can enjoy varied outdoor activities ranging from hiking and camping to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Massachusetts is recognized as one of the best states to call "home."

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.


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