Principal Engineer Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Principal Engineer jobs in Tucson are concentrated in the Rincon Research Park corridor, the University of Arizona Tech Park in Midvale Heights, and the northwest aerospace and defense cluster near Marana. Defense contractors, research institutions, and semiconductor firms represented by Raytheon, Rocket Lab USA, and SOCOTEC are actively hiring. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Date Posted:
2026-09-16Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.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 clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
Top Secret - CurrentSecurity Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1At 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.
In Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Effectors Center we integrate, verify, and validate our products. We put our systems together, exercise them in the lab or in the field, measure and analyze performance, and make sure our products work the first time and every time. To accomplish this, we develop plans and procedures, debug and evaluate system functions and interfaces, develop test environments, and work together with our customers.
The Effectors Center is seeking a Principal Systems and Integration Engineer for multiple programs. In this role you will have the opportunity to design, develop, test and partner with multiple disciplines to shape innovative solutions for our customers. Join our organization and experience the Systems V engineering life cycle while interfacing with a variety of engineering disciplines, subject matter experts, Chief Engineers, Chief Technologists, the customer, and so many more to ensure we design, integrate, and strengthen our systems to work the first time and every time for our warfighters!
This position is an onsite role in Tucson AZ. Remote work is not possible.
What You Will Do
Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to some or all of the following:
Update, maintain, and improve requirements and requirements documentation for development and production efforts
Lead and/or Support Integration and Test Activities
Lead and/or Support Design and System Verification
Lead and/or Support system performance analysis
Model the system and the system development and production processes using Cameo
Create and present technical data for design reviews and in preparation for test events.
Troubleshoot and analyze hardware, software, and system issues through detailed data analysis and debugging, and participate in Failure Investigations
Conduct statistical and numerical analysis of test data to ensure optimal system performance and to verify requirements.
Lead and/or Support mission execution at various locations including local RTX facilities, test sites, vendor facilities, and customer locations
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of prior engineering experience.
Experience in Systems Engineering and/or Systems Integration and Test
Experience coordinating across multiple disciplines, including Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, and/or Quality.
Qualifications We Prefer
Experience with Earn Value Management
Experience with Agile, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and/or Digital Engineering
Experience creating integration and verification strategies.
Customer focus and collaboration skills
Experience with DOORS
Understanding of Systems Engineering Product Development Cycle
Experience working in an integration lab, test facility, or in the field supporting integration and/or verification.
Experience generating technical documentation such as trade studies, test plans, procedures or technical reports.
Experience with requirement development and decomposition.
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 is available
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.
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: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm
This position is an onsite role – Tucson, AZ : https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location
We Are RTX
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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Who's Hiring
- Raytheon126

- Rocket Lab USA6

- SOCOTEC2

- GeoLogics Corporation2

- Solidus Technical Solutions2

Principal Engineer Jobs in Tucson: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a principal engineer job in Tucson?
Focus your search on the defense, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors that anchor Tucson's engineering market, particularly employers clustered around Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the University of Arizona Research Park, and Marana's industrial corridor. Hands-on systems integration experience and familiarity with government contracting environments give candidates a clear edge locally. Networking through the Southern Arizona chapter of engineering professional associations also opens doors that online applications alone often miss.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Tucson?
Companies currently hiring principal engineers in Tucson include Raytheon, Rocket Lab USA, and SOCOTEC, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tucson's employer mix skews heavily toward defense primes, federal contractors, and research-driven technology firms with long-term government programs.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Tucson?
Yes, though remote availability depends on the role type, since hands-on systems, hardware, and classified defense work almost always requires on-site presence in Tucson. About 3% of principal engineer openings tied to Tucson are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, skewing toward software architecture and platform engineering roles. Research-focused positions at University of Arizona-affiliated firms tend to offer the most flexible hybrid arrangements locally.
How can I get a principal engineer job in Tucson with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Tucson is through the defense and aerospace pipeline, where Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and similar contractors run structured early-career engineering programs that progress toward principal-level roles over time. Starting as a senior engineer on a government program, contributing to a defined system or subsystem, and earning relevant security clearances builds the exact profile Tucson employers look for. University of Arizona research labs also offer a bridge from academic work to industry principal roles.
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