Trainee Flight Controls Engineer Jobs in California

Date Posted:

2026-08-04

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'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.

Our mission is to develop best in industry technologies that align product capabilities to the needs of our customer.  We empower our employees to leverage design commonality and innovation, balancing risk and rigor, to achieve predictable and affordable solutions. 

The Processing, Guidance, and Control center is currently hiring for Sr. Systems Engineer - GNC Engineer, Auto Pilot Flight Controls position in Tucson, AZ to support the execution of the portfolio of current and upcoming missile programs.  In this role, you’ll design, build, and integrate the next generation of advanced flight‑control algorithms that directly influence the performance and reliability of critical technologies. You’ll partner with specialists across software, firmware, and 6DoF simulation to mature ideas from early concept to proven capability to achieve overall system performance requirements.

What You Will Do

• Develop and refine flight-control algorithms that enhance overall performance and robustness.
• Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary engineering team to integrate embedded flight-control software into full-system simulations.
• Use simulation, ground‑test data, and flight‑test data to evaluate air‑vehicle and missile performance.
• Diagnose and resolve control‑system challenges at various stages of design and integration.
• Support the development of system architectures, requirements, and technical plans for major program milestones.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 5 years prior relevant experience
• Experience in flight‑control design or analysis
• Experience with at least two of the following:
  • Classical control system design
  • State-space control system design
  • Modeling system dynamics
  • State-estimation methods
• Experience programing in a compiled language such as C++, Ada, or Fortran.
• Experience with MATLAB and/or Simulink.
• Ability to obtain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date 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 

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a STEM discipline.
• Experience developing an air‑vehicle autopilot from early design stages through flight.
• Background in advanced control methods such as nonlinear, robust, optimal, adaptive, or real‑time control.
• Experience with embedded software and hardware/software integration.
• Air‑vehicle autopilot design experience across varied aerodynamic regimes (subsonic through hypersonic and non‑continuum).
• Familiarity with aero‑servo‑elasticity, flexible‑body dynamics, or system‑identification methods.
• Experience analyzing GNC integration risks using test data.
• Strong communication and teamwork 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: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position

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 onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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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