Principal Real-time Software Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-08-05 Country: United States of America Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805 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 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. The Software organization develops software applications, including integration and test on missiles, launchers, radars, naval systems, fire control and other complex systems. Our precision software and firmware integrate operating systems, device drivers, networking, and control software to bring together sensor, guidance, and flight control processing features to complete the mission. The Software org is made up of several Centers located across the country, responsible for all aspects of the software development lifecycle. Our 4000+ software engineers design, develop, and build innovative solutions for our customers. Join our fast-paced agile teams on the leading edge of technology. As part of the Software Engineering Directorate's (SWE) Effectors Center (EC) team, you will be an integral part of helping Raytheon further our vision to be the global leader in core and next-generation weapon and security solutions. By any measure, Raytheon is an exciting and rewarding place to work. We pride ourselves on developing mission-driven, world-class talent. The result is a workforce that takes pride in the company and consistently delivers superior solutions. Our Principal Embedded Real-Time Software Developer/Integrator is a technical position that works in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment to architect, design, implement, test, debug, and deploy Software for Firmware (FPGA) and Hardware solutions that meet current and next generation autonomous avionics systems' needs. Working with a cross-discipline team, the candidate must have experience developing, testing, and integrating software for edge or embedded devices and/or subsystems (like telecom, medical, IoT, automotive, or robotics) where hardware operation, time critical function, functional reliability, mission assurance, and safety might be major concerns. The successful candidate will work with Product Owners, Chief Engineers, Management and other IPT members using Lean and/or Agile practices to ensure that embedded software is designed and developed to reliably operate toward the intended functions. This position is within the Effectors Center of the Software organization, and is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do

• Architecting, designing, implementing, testing, and debugging integrated embedded real-time software within heterogenous systems composed of firmware and hardware.
• Working within a cross-discipline team to define, refine, and improve product concept, implementation, testability, and guaranteed, measurable quality.
• Teaching, coaching, and mentoring less experienced staff.
• Contributing to proposals as well as preliminary and critical design reviews.
• Ability to obtain program access.

What You Will Learn * Working across a product line in collaboration with other teams. Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience.
• Experience including at least two of the following: Embedded C++ Software, Embedded Software Security, Software Architecture Design and Implementation.
• Experience using embedded Real Time Operating Systems (RTOS) (e.g., Green Hills, Integrity, Wind River VxWorks, Linux, etc.)
• Experience developing complex systems involving the integration of hardware, firmware, and software
• Ability to obtain Interim Secret Level U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain program access after start . U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Familiarity with rate monotonic theory, practice, and limitations.
• Familiarity with layered architectural principles, and their limitations.
• Familiarity with reading electrical schematics and relating it to software function.
• Familiarity with reading firmware source like VHDL or Verilog.
• Familiarity with assembly language in at least one processor/controller family.
• Experience using lab instruments like power-supplies, digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers.
• Experience with developing device drivers for bare-metal and/or OS applications.
• Experience leading engineering teams in delivering systems (of various size) involving the integration of hardware and software.

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 Offered Based On Eligibility

Learn More & Apply Now! 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.
• Clearance Information: 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: (
• Location Information: This position is onsite at our campus in beautiful Tucson, AZ. Tucson has a friendly, caring, and laid-back atmosphere, combined with the innovation and energy of a metropolitan region, and recognized as one of America's 10 Best Small Cities. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, colorful Sonoran Desert landscape and majestic saguaro cacti, Tucson is blessed with some of nature's best work. Tucson is known for its bright blue skies, and with more than 310 sunny days per year, Tucson's fantastic weather lets residents enjoy the outdoors year-round.
• Virtual Fly Over City of Tucson & Community, YouTube Video Links
• "Raytheon In Tucson": (
• "Tucson is Awesome": (
• "Winter in Tucson": (

#TucsonSoftware 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link ( to read the Policy and Terms Raytheon