Principal RF Data Link Engineer

Date Posted:
2026-03-26 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-AZ-TUCSON-M02 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG M02 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 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 Advanced Effector Guidance Systems is currently searching for Electrical Engineers who have experience designing wireless communication and data links. This position focuses on designing and testing wireless communication and data link systems, supporting a range of tactical missile programs. As part of the RF Products department, you will contribute to cutting-edge advancements in high-capacity, covert, and agile data link technologies for space-based and terrestrial RF applications.

The Data Link subsystems team develops the next generation of high capacity, covert, and agile data links. From space based to terrestrial RF links, Raytheon develops RF data link subsystems for the most challenging environments. As a member of this team within the RF Products department your tasks may include:
Communications systems design
Data link hardware development
Algorithm development
Digital signal processing

What You Will Do
Perform and/or evaluate concept and performance trade studies, link budget analyses and demonstrate developed capabilities for data link communication applications.

Perform hardware and software Communication Architecture trade studies.

Develop, prototype, and test data link models and communication signal processing algorithms in detailed high-fidelity simulations and support hardware implementation.

Testing, verifying and validating communication and signal processing algorithm requirements and performance in laboratory or field test environments.

Provide engineering support through participation in project design reviews, peer reviews, briefings to internal leadership and external customers for all phases of development tasks.

Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a Bachelors Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience

A minimum of 8 years of experience in programming and / or simulation experience in MATLAB, SIMULINK, C/C++, or equivalent language.

Five (5) years of experience in three or more of the following categories:

Communication theory

Digital signal processing

Probability theory

Stochastic signal processing

RF and electromagnetic theory

Qualifications We Prefer
Master’s degree in electrical engineering or computer engineering with a focus on digital communications, communications systems design, data link hardware, development, waveform algorithm development, or digital signal processing.

Experience collaborating with and guiding cross-functional teams, including hardware and software engineers, to support integration efforts.

Experience with RF subsystems analysis and integration.

Hands-on experience with waveform simulations using modulation schemes such as PSK, FSK, OFDM, and QAM.

Knowledge of RF impairments (e.g., phase noise, multipath, Doppler).

Proficiency in link budget and propagation modeling for end-to-end system evaluation.

Strong understanding of RF transceiver and front-end design, including trade-offs in RF designs for communication systems.

Familiarity with antenna design parameters.

Experience with fixed-point algorithm simulations for VHDL verification and wireless fading model simulations.

Knowledge of Layer 2 and above communication protocols.

Strong technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills.

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 position is an onsite role, located in Tucson, AZ and is eligible for relocation assistance.

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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