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Spacecraft Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Design Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Design and develop spacecraft avionics assemblies using SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Produce ...

Senior Systems Engineer I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working ... SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER I Rocket Lab's Optical Systems division solves mission-critical space ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Reporting To: Manager, Design Engineering Work Schedule: Onsite ... Design and develop spacecraft avionics assemblies using SolidWorks 3D CAD software. Produce ...

Why Join Moog?**Work on mission-critical spacecraft and defense programs, influence technical ... Engineer, collaborate with highly experienced multidisciplinary teams, and help develop the next ...

Showing results 21-40

Spacecraft Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$39.1K

$101.2K

$153.8K

How much do spacecraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft engineer in Arizona is $101,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a spacecraft engineer do?

A Spacecraft Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains spacecraft and related systems for missions in space. Their work involves integrating complex technologies, such as propulsion, navigation, communication, and life support systems, to ensure the spacecraft can operate safely and effectively. Spacecraft Engineers collaborate with scientists and other engineers to meet mission objectives and solve unique challenges encountered in the harsh environment of space.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spacecraft engineer?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB, and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as ITAR compliance are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the successful design, analysis, and operation of spacecraft systems in a highly collaborative and safety-critical environment.

What are some common challenges faced by spacecraft engineers during a typical project lifecycle?

Spacecraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing strict project timelines, and addressing unexpected technical issues during design, testing, and launch phases. Balancing innovation with reliability is essential, as even minor errors can have significant consequences in space missions. Additionally, adapting to evolving client requirements and integrating new technologies while ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards are ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Engineer vs Satellite Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft EngineerSatellite Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; certifications in aerospace systemsBachelor's or higher in electrical, aerospace, or systems engineering; certifications in satellite systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test spacecraft in labs and cleanrooms; work with aerospace companies and agenciesDesign, maintain, and troubleshoot satellites; often in labs, ground stations, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace firms, government space agencies, defense contractorsSatellite manufacturing companies, telecom firms, government agencies

Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds and work within the aerospace industry. Spacecraft Engineers focus on entire spacecraft systems, while Satellite Engineers specialize in satellite-specific technology. Both careers involve designing, testing, and maintaining space-related hardware, but their specific applications and environments differ slightly.

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,239 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Principal Spacecraft Concept & Mission Engineer Onsite

Raytheon Technologies

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-08-20
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: Top Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1
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.
Raytheon's Integrated Solutions Modeling and Architecture Directorate (ISMA) performs customer focused operational analysis, simulation, mission planning and architecture development activities. Supporting this mission are teams driving flexible integrated solutions crossing all product areas (sensors, effectors, command and control, logistics and operations), developing tools and methods to evaluate system level studies and visualization based on customer requirements.
The Operations and Mission Analysis (Southwest) department is currently seeking a Spacecraft Concept & Mission Engineer to support Raytheon's Advanced Technology organization. In this role, you will support Advanced Technology's Alternate Missions & Space product line in developing satellite technology, assessing mission CONOPs and constellations, and supporting new mission and program captures for national security space customers. Advanced Technology incubates new technologies and explores novel mission areas for the RTX business, captures new programs, and executes unique projects. You will be supporting new research and development with opportunities for developing inventions and intellectual property.
This is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ.
What You Will Do
  • You will join a team of engineers and analysts to realize team objectives:
    • Tasking is expected to include a mix of vehicle design and system sizing, mission performance analysis, and trajectory optimization.
  • Analyze notional missions and hardware for feasibility and engage with engineers across disciplines to improve models and understand performance drivers.
    • Develop common mission analysis, performance analysis, and mission planning toolsets for a portfolio of systems.
    • Utilize grid computing infrastructure to enable generation and analysis of large datasets
    • Produce visualizations of complex systems and mission CONOPs in STK or similar tools.
  • Coordinate with product line management and customers
  • Work closely with programs & AT leadership to develop concepts and mature technologies for new business development and capture. Opportunities to pursue IRAD funding and author intellectual property disclosures.
  • Engage directly in mission planning application software development and testing

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 unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.
  • Depth in at least one system-level or subsystem-level technical domain:
    • Guidance, Navigation, and Control
    • Orbital Mechanics
    • Mission Planning
    • Mission Analysis / Performance Analysis
    • Satellite Technology
    • Multidisciplinary design, System-of-Systems design
  • Experience with using programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, and/or C++ to model physical systems.
  • Experience in one or more of the following skill areas:
    • System performance, CONOPS
    • Algorithms and signal processing
    • Modeling and simulation (i.e., 6-DOF)
  • An active and transferable Top Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required at the time of application for this position, with the ability to obtain special program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Advanced Degree in STEM (and can be considered as additional years of experience)
  • An understanding of vehicle conceptual design, advanced design methods, numerical optimization methods, and data analytics.
  • Experience in building physics-based models and choosing an appropriate fidelity for the questions being asked.
  • Highly self-motivated and independent work ethic. Ability to question data and address root cause issues.
  • Familiarity with Git version control and SLURM grid computing infrastructure.
  • Experience with Ansys STK

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.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • 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), 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
  • Location: Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location #LI-RH2

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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About RTX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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