Principal Mechanical Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-10-08 Country: United States of America Location: US-CA-FULLERTON-675 ~ 1801 Hughes Dr ~ BLDG 675 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. 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 Tactical Radars and Effectors department within Raytheon Hardware Engineering supports the development, production, and deployment of multiple defense products including radars, missiles, command and control systems, and naval electronics. The products support US Government and international customers. This Mechanical Product Team Lead role will support the Sentinel radar and sensors product lines based in Fullerton, CA and may require domestic and international travel to suppliers. This position will be an onsite role. Additionally, you will support mechanical teams throughout all phases of our design cycles, from concept development to design, prototyping, production support and testing. This position is ideal for an early-career mechanical engineer who is looking to grow their skills in design, manufacturing, and technical problem-solving within a highly collaborative and mission-driven environment.

What You Will Do

• Drive technical and programmatic execution (performance/cost/schedule) for mechanical engineering across multiple products (IPTs) within the Sentinel portfolio.
• Define staffing needs for mechanical engineering and collaborate with functional leadership to staff to demand.
• Working within a team environment to develop innovative mechanical subsystems with solid modeling practices and drawing creation using CAD tools such as Creo Parametric, Solidworks, or equivalent.
• Provide transparent identification and communication of issues to program and functional leadership and engagement for resources (Chief engineers, SMEs, etc) to resolve rapidly and efficiently.
• Drives integration across IPTs/CPTs in the Sentinel portfolio to ensure successful system design, integration, production and program execution.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities associated with mitigation and capture plans for programs.
• Primary technical authority and point of contact for all aspects associated with the system technical data package (TDP) including design, development, manufacturing, and failure investigation
• Understanding of and disciplined application of tools / processes / approaches / instructions across the product life cycle
• Ensures application and efficiency of technical process.
• Key participant in Engineering Proposal Reviews (EPRs), system/project level TRRs, ERBs, CCBs as required by command media
• Supports program growth and technology insertion strategies working closely with the program technical leadership, Program Office, Chief Technologists, and Technical Directors.
• Responsible for new business proposal mechanical scope, ensuring proposals have a robust technical baseline, bid basis of estimate, and robust risk and opportunities.
• Responsible for ensuring proposals are reviewed and approved by engineering discipline leadership as applicable.
• Primary technical interface with top level program organizations for planning and execution of proposals, new starts, lateral product applications, and major ECPs.

Qualifications (Required)

• Bachelor’s degree in science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 7 years of prior relevant experience.
• Advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for additional years of experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a front-line leader or program leadership role.
• Experience leading a team with cost and schedule responsibilities.
• Experience working across multiple product lifecycle stages of a radar production program.
• Experience working across multiple functional and discipline organizations to successfully resolve technical challenges.
• 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.
• Position requires a minimum of 25% of travel to suppliers and production facilities which include domestic and international travel.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or hardware system design.
• Experience working in a factory supporting full-rate production of radar components and assemblies.
• Experience working with suppliers that manufacture machined parts, panels, and electronics.
• Experience in manufacturing and tolerancing radar mechanical systems.
• Experience with ANSI/ASME Y14.5 GD&T (Geometric Dimension and Tolerances).
• Experience managing technical data packages in PDM.
• Must possess strong technical writing and oral communication skills.

What We Offer

• Safety
• Trust
• Respect
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

Relocation Eligibility: This position is eligible for relocation.

Position type: This position is classified as 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. Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role. Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility. Requires theoretical to advanced knowledge of work area typically obtained through University Degree combined with experience. Practical knowledge of RTX projects, programs or systems with the ability to make enhancements and leverage in daily work. Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience. Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics(STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.

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.

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 RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.