Raytheon Technologies

Principal Thermal Engineer

Raytheon Technologies$118K — $224K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM and minimum 10 years of experience; advanced degrees can substitute for experience.
  • Experience in thermal analysis using tools like ANSYS or FloTHERM.
  • Knowledge of thermal analysis for electro-optical systems.
  • Strong mechanical principles for classical thermal solutions; ability to work independently.
  • Experience in leading teams of thermal analysts on complex projects.
  • Familiarity with space vehicle payload thermal architectures and early design influence.

Responsibilities

  • Perform hand calculations for detailed analysis scope.
  • Conduct thermal analyses for various program challenges.
  • Create test plans to validate thermal analyses and hardware compliance.
  • Analyze test data for model validation and correlation.
  • Lead a team of analysts to address high complexity problems.
  • Present findings to customers and engage in peer reviews.
  • Develop technical processes and tools for the MA&T department.

Benefits

  • Parental leave for both mothers and fathers.
  • Flexible work schedules available.
  • Educational assistance for career development.
  • Backup care for children and adults.
  • Awards for achievements and recognition.
Full Job Description

Date Posted:

2026-11-30

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CA-EL SEGUNDO-E01 ~ 2000 E El Segundo Blvd ~ BLDG E01

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: TS/SCI

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

The Mechanical Analysis and Test (MA&T) Department is responsible for ensuring structural and thermal design robustness across the Raytheon portfolio of products.  From preliminary concepts to fielded weapon system support, MA&T delivers innovative structural and thermal engineering solutions utilizing methods ranging from classical fundamental & empirically based techniques to state-of-the-art finite element methods leveraging industry leading commercial tools; all complimented and validated by tests executed in a manner to ensure cost effective yet technically balanced solutions.

Raytheon is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Thermal Engineer to join the MA&T Department.  The Thermal Engineer is responsible for detailed thermal analysis on products throughout their lifecycle from initial design trade studies and proposals through qualification testing to enduring production support.  The analyses will cover a wide range of difficult problems, requiring solutions that are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives. The analysis tasks will span the spectrum from classical hand analyses to detailed analyses requiring the use of finite element analysis software.  A Thermal Engineer of this salary grade is expected to have high degree of technical competence with thermodynamic principles and be a recognized technical leader and/or leader of teams of engineering analysts.  The Thermal Engineer will be held accountable for completing his/her work within the agreed upon cost and schedule.  Additionally, the selected candidate will be expected to present their work for peer reviews and to be a peer reviewer for other engineers’ work.  Finally, the engineer is expected to plan and support tests, perform data reduction and engage in thermal model correlation.

This is an onsite role in El Segundo, CA.

What You Will Do

  • Perform hand calculations to determine scope of higher detail analysis models
  • Perform detailed thermal analyses to solve various program thermal challenges
  • Generate test plans required to validate analyses and verify hardware compliance to customer requirements
  • Analyze test data to validate and correlate models
  • Conduct detailed thermal analysis to support all phases of programs including development and production
  • As a Thermal Analyst, you will work under general direction and will be expected to define the scope and level of analysis required to meet required objectives and will be held accountable for completing the work within the agreed upon cost and schedule
  • Lead a large team of experienced analysts on problems of high complexity to provide the answers needed under program cost and schedule constraints
  • Review your work with peers and serve as subject matter expert in their peer reviews to ensure technical accuracy
  • Present results to internal, external, and government customers
  • Work with the customer and engineering leadership to define testing required to validate thermal analyses and to verify that hardware is compliant with requirements
  • Generate detailed documentation of work and archive for reference
  • Act as a technical leader, help define/refine and/or develop MA&T department technical processes and tools, and/or lead analysis/test teams
  • May travel to government and other facilities in support of program activities


Qualifications You Must Have

  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience; An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for additional years of experience as follows: Master’s is equal to 2 years of experience, or a Ph.D. is equal to 5 years of experience
  • Experience in thermal analysis with any of the following tools: ANSYS, FloTHERM, PATRAN, Thermal Desktop/SINDA or equivalent
  • Experience with thermal analysis of electro-optical sensor systems
  • Experience in mechanical principles to solve classical thermal analysis solutions both inside and outside of finite element tools and an ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
  • Demonstrated experience in thermal testing: planning, organization, execution, data reduction and correlation
  • Demonstrated experience in leading a large team (>6) of thermal analysts on major program efforts
  • Wide breadth of knowledge of space vehicle payload thermal architectures and ability to influence architecture design early in the development cycle
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. government issued security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance 
  • Ability to work on-site in a closed and secured space in El Segundo, CA


Qualifications We Prefer

  • Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
  • 12+ years of professional experience in the thermal analysis of complex systems that require collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines
  • Demonstrated experience in leading thermal testing: Planning, organization, execution, data reduction and correlation
  • Experience with planning and performing Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing
  • Experience with orbital thermal analysis using Thermal Desktop or equivalent
  • Experience with solid modeling CAD tools such as CREO or equivalent 
  • Earned Value Management System knowledge
  • Experience in supporting EACs, BOEs and proposals
  • Experience presenting to external customers
  • Ability to travel to government and other facilities in support of program activities
  • Advanced degree in aforementioned disciplines. ABET is the preferred, although not required, accreditation standard

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.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

Requires advanced to expert knowledge of work area typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

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 118,300 USD - 224,900 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.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Solipsys, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Raytheon Company, is an industry leader in the development of integrated Command and Control (C2) Network-Centric solutions for the Domestic and International DoD and Homeland Security. Through proven systems and software engineering practices, built on the invention and application of innovative technologies, they deliver the C2 infrastructure necessary to effectively control security/military forces in any environment. Their reliable solutions assure information superiority, increased shared awareness, deep sensor reach, aircraft control, air defense, disaster management, and time-critical decision making.

Raytheon Technologies Careers

Join the innovative world of Raytheon Technologies, a leader in aerospace and defense, where we offer unparalleled job opportunities in an environment that champions diversity, leadership, and professional growth.

Work You’ll Do

At Raytheon Technologies, you’ll be part of a company that values innovation and leadership. Our team is dedicated to solving some of the most complex challenges in aerospace and defense, making significant impacts worldwide. With a culture that fosters diversity and inclusion, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry.

Transform Your Career

Step into a role that harnesses your skills and propels your career to new heights. Raytheon Technologies is not just about thinking big but making those big ideas happen. We provide robust career development opportunities that include comprehensive training and development programs, leadership workshops, and continuous learning through our internal platforms.

Innovate and Lead

Join our team of over 60,000 professionals globally, who are not only experts in their fields but are also driven by a passion for innovation and excellence. At Raytheon Technologies, you are positioned at the forefront of the industry, where your work directly contributes to groundbreaking advancements in technology and defense.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance, Raytheon Technologies offers a range of employment and internship opportunities that can help you achieve your professional goals. Our internships provide a solid foundation of skills and experiences, while our full-time positions offer a path to personal and professional growth within the company.

Benefits and Culture

Our employees enjoy a competitive package of benefits and rewards that reflect their invaluable role in our company. From health and wellness programs to performance bonuses and flexible working conditions, we ensure our team members are well taken care of.

Networking and Professional Development

At Raytheon Technologies, networking and professional development are part of our DNA. We encourage our employees to engage in internal and external networking events, leadership training, and diversity initiatives that enhance their career journey.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous positions available that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level.

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Prepare for Your Future

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SEARCH RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES JOBS

Join us in our mission to create a safer future and be a part of a team that values integrity, excellence, and teamwork. At Raytheon Technologies, your career is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of professional and personal growth.
Learn more about Raytheon Technologies
Size
14,771 employees
Market Cap
$32,494
Industry
Founded
1922
NASDAQ

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