Chief Engineer & Research Lead

About Raytheon

Raytheon is a world leader in high altitude imaging sensors. As such, we in the Advanced Product & Solutions business unit provide the United States Government and International Partners with remote sensing systems, for time critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. Our ISR Information and Intelligence Engineering group develops algorithms and software for processing, optimizing, and creating intelligence products from these sensors.

We are seeking an experienced Chief Engineer & Research Lead who can simultaneously drive program execution excellence and scientific/technical innovation. This role blends technical program leadership, advanced R&D strategy, and cross‑disciplinary engineering oversight. You will work with state‑of‑the‑art EO/IR imaging systems, guide the maturation of next‑generation sensing technologies, and lead teams solving some of the most challenging problems in remote sensing, image exploitation, and ISR system performance.

This role is ideal for a technical leader who is comfortable operating at the intersection of mission delivery and research innovation, and who thrives in driving solutions from concept to fielded capability.

What You Will Do

• Lead multi‑disciplinary engineering teams executing EO/IR imaging system programs, ensuring high‑quality technical performance and mission success.
• Take overall responsibility for cost, schedule, and technical performance for program technical tasks.
• Serve as the primary technical interface to customers and act as the voice of the customer within the engineering organization.
• Oversee development of advanced models, algorithms, prototypes, and system concepts aligned with ISR mission needs.
• Provide technical direction and oversight across multidisciplinary R&D teams, ensuring rigor, quality, and repeatability.
• Lead collaborations with universities, government research agencies, and external partners to advance technology and expand technical breadth.
• Identify emerging technologies, assess their impact, and recommend strategic investments.
• Support capture efforts, proposal development, and technical solution design for major programs.

This 1st shift role will be 100% on-site and based in Westford, MA.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in applied research, advanced systems development, or relevant technical leadership.
• Recognized subject matter expertise in EOIR systems.
• Experience with leading large, complex R&D programs.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines (systems engineering, signal processing, AI/ML, autonomy, etc.).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to broad audiences.
• Experience with guiding high performing multi-discipline teams.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued Top Secret security clearance is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Knowledge of hyperspectral imaging systems, including sensor phenomenology & exploitation algorithms.
• Experience in government funded research (DARPA, ONR, AFRL, NIH, etc.) or advanced defense/industry R&D.
• Prior experience as a Chief Engineer, Chief Scientist, Technical Fellow, or Principal Investigator.
• Experience transitioning research concepts into fielded systems.
• Experience with end-to-end modeling and simulation of EOR systems and missions.
• Familiarity with systems engineering processes, modeling and simulation, and mission level analysis.

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.

Clearance Information

This position requires 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:

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.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this role is 157,200 USD - 298,800 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.