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Energetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

About Applied Energetics Applied Energetics is redefining the state of the art in ultrashort pulse laser and directed energy technologies for defense and national security applications. Guided by our ...

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$33

$47

How much do energetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for energetics in the United States is $33.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are energetics?

Energetics is a multidisciplinary field that involves the study and application of energy transformations, particularly in chemical and physical processes. In the context of careers, professionals working in energetics may focus on the design, development, and testing of energetic materials such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics, or they may work on broader energy systems and technologies. Energetics experts are often employed in defense, aerospace, chemical engineering, and energy industries, where they ensure materials and systems perform safely and efficiently. The field requires a strong background in chemistry, physics, and engineering principles.

What is the difference between Energetics vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEnergeticsMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications in energy systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentEnergy plants, research labs, consulting firmsManufacturing, design firms, construction sites
Industry UsageEnergy sector, defense, aerospaceManufacturing, automotive, aerospace

Energetics focuses on energy systems, efficiency, and power generation, often within energy and defense sectors. Mechanical engineers have a broader scope, working on machinery, design, and manufacturing processes. While both roles require engineering degrees, energetics specialists concentrate on energy-specific applications, whereas mechanical engineers work across various mechanical systems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in energetics roles, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in energetics often work with hazardous materials and complex systems, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and attention to detail. A common challenge is keeping up with evolving regulations and ensuring safe handling and storage of energetic materials. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, chemists, and safety officers—is essential for project success and risk mitigation. Staying current with industry standards, prioritizing clear communication, and participating in ongoing safety training are effective ways to address these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Energetics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Energetics Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, physics, and engineering, usually supported by a degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, modeling software (such as ANSYS or MATLAB), and regulatory standards like ATEX or OSHA is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help ensure safe and effective handling of energetic materials. These skills are crucial to designing, testing, and managing energetic systems safely and efficiently in industries such as defense, aerospace, or manufacturing.
More about Energetics jobs
What cities are hiring for Energetics jobs? Cities with the most Energetics job openings:
What states have the most Energetics jobs? States with the most job openings for Energetics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Energetics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Energetics jobs are:
Infographic showing various Energetics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,760 per year, or $33.1 per hour.
Section Lead - Energetics & Propulsion

Section Lead - Energetics & Propulsion

Raytheon

Miami, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 534 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-19

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-M07 ~ 3292 E Hemisphere Loop ~ BLDG M07

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.

About Us

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 Energetics and Propulsion Department is an engineering organization in the Hardwar Engineering (HE) Directorate. This Department is responsible for the full spectrum of warhead, fuzing, and propulsion designs/technology, including power systems, ignition, and all other weapon initiation safety systems technology. The department is seeking to hire a Section Lead – Energetics & Propulsion. This individual would develop architectures, top level design concepts, requirements, and manage development efforts for a variety of energetic and/or propulsion systems while also managing a section of high performing engineers of varying grade levels (P1 to P5) performing similar work.

This position is located in Tucson, Arizona.

What You Will Do

  • The Section Leader (SL) is a key technical contributor to the programs and products supported by the section. The SL provides direct line management for a team of engineers. In addition to supporting the design, development, and integration of Energetics and Propulsion systems and contributing to Bid and Proposal efforts, SL responsibilities include career and performance development, mentoring, training, tool and process improvement, resource allocation, and championing the use of established procedures and work instructions. The SL serves as a liaison to programs, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule performance, while overseeing section member assignments, performance, and recognition.
  • The SL will partner with the E&P Chief Technologist, Department Leader, and Technical Fellows to ensure adequate resources are assigned to programs under section oversight to meet Raytheon priorities and commitments.
  • The SL must have an ability to provide technical guidance and act as a mentor to their staff. Candidates applying to this role must be adept at making technical presentations and at establishing customer relationships. Candidates shall be highly motivated “self-starters” able to lead by example, possessing strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and maintain positive relationships and satisfaction with functional and program leadership.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or related degree and 8 years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced degree and 5 years of relevant experience
  • 8 years of experience in Energetics & Propulsion engineering or related
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance prior to the start date. U.S. citizenship is required as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

  • Advanced degree
  • 10 plus years of directly related experience in various Energetic & Propulsion subsystems design, development, and test
  • Demonstrated success as an engineering team leader on programs across product life cycles including development, critical design, and integration and qualification
  • Experience in working with and managing suppliers
  • Willingness to travel, up to 50%, including international, to provide supplier support
  • Supplier collaboration experience and oversight generating specifications and statements of work (SOW)
  • Experience in business development and technology road mapping
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
  • Working knowledge or experience with either missile design or development, production support and integration
  • Experience with DoD customers and/or associated contractor executives and technical leadership
  • Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance (Department of Defense)
     

What We Offer

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package that goes above and beyond with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the superior benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

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.

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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