How to Apply to Raytheon

12 min read Last updated March 12, 2026 3324 open positions
Blake Crosley
Blake Crosley Researched using publicly available information, hiring data, and ATS analysis.

Key Takeaways

  • RTX Corporation operates three business segments — Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon — each with distinct technical focuses, so target your application to the specific segment and product line that matches your expertise
  • Security clearance is a major differentiator — if you hold an active clearance, feature it prominently on your resume, as it immediately qualifies you for a larger pool of positions and accelerates the hiring timeline
  • The career site at careers.rtx.com runs on Phenom People ATS — create a complete profile, use defense industry keywords, and join the Talent Community to maximize your visibility to recruiters
  • RTX interviews rely heavily on the STAR behavioral methodology — prepare five to seven structured examples covering technical problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and ethical decision-making before your interview
  • U.S. citizenship is required for most positions due to ITAR and export control regulations — international candidates should focus on the limited roles explicitly open to non-U.S. persons
  • Veteran candidates have a significant advantage — RTX is one of the largest veteran employers in the country with dedicated military hiring programs, so translate your MOS or rating into civilian terms and highlight operational experience with defense systems
  • The hiring process typically takes three to six weeks from application to offer, with an additional three to eighteen months for security clearance processing if required — plan your job search timeline accordingly

About Raytheon

RTX Corporation, formed from the 2020 merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation, is one of the world's largest aerospace and defense companies. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, RTX employs approximately 185,000 people across three major business segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Collins Aerospace delivers advanced avionics, cabin interiors, and mission systems for both commercial and military aviation. Pratt & Whitney designs and manufactures jet engines that power commercial airliners and military aircraft worldwide, including the F135 engine for the F-35 Lightning II. The Raytheon segment develops missiles, missile defense systems, radars, and cybersecurity solutions — its Patriot air defense system, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Stinger missiles are among the most recognized defense products globally. RTX generated over $69 billion in revenue in 2024, making it the second-largest defense contractor by revenue. The company invests heavily in research and development across hypersonics, directed energy, advanced sensors, and next-generation propulsion. With operations in more than 50 countries, RTX offers career opportunities spanning engineering, software development, program management, supply chain, finance, and operations. The company maintains a strong commitment to hiring military veterans and frequently appears on lists of top employers for transitioning service members.

Application Process

  1. 1
    Search and Identify Positions on careers.rtx.com

    Begin at RTX's career portal at careers.rtx.com, which is powered by the Phenom People platform. You can browse by category — Engineering, Digital Technology, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and more — or use keyword and location filters. Pay close attention to the business segment listed for each role (Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, or Raytheon), as each segment has distinct technical focuses and workplace cultures. Many positions specify whether a security clearance is required or obtainable, so read the full job description carefully before applying. RTX posts thousands of openings at any given time, with Engineering roles consistently being the largest category.

  2. 2
    Create Your RTX Candidate Profile

    RTX allows you to sign in using LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, or Indeed credentials, or you can create a standalone account. Your candidate profile stores your resume, contact information, work history, and application preferences. Upload a tailored resume in Word (.docx) or PDF format. Complete all profile fields thoroughly — the Phenom ATS uses this information for candidate matching and recruiter searches. If you are a veteran, indicate your military service in your profile, as RTX has dedicated veteran hiring programs and recruiters who actively search for candidates with military backgrounds. Save your profile even before applying, as it enables RTX recruiters to find you through talent community searches.

  3. 3
    Submit Your Application with Required Documentation

    When you apply for a specific role, RTX will ask you to confirm your resume, answer screening questions, and provide additional information. Many positions — particularly in the Raytheon defense segment — include screening questions about U.S. citizenship, security clearance status, and export control eligibility. Answer these questions honestly and completely, as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) compliance is mandatory. Some roles require active Secret or Top Secret clearances at the time of application, while others note that the company will sponsor clearance processing for selected candidates. You may also be asked about willingness to relocate, as RTX has major facilities in Tucson (AZ), El Segundo (CA), Andover (MA), McKinney (TX), Indianapolis (IN), East Hartford (CT), and many other locations.

  4. 4
    Complete Technical and Behavioral Assessments

    Depending on the role, RTX may send you online assessments after your application passes initial screening. Engineering and software positions often include technical assessments covering domain-specific knowledge — systems engineering, signal processing, embedded software, mechanical design, or aerospace fundamentals. Software engineering roles may include coding challenges in languages like C++, Python, Java, or MATLAB. RTX is known for using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) behavioral interview methodology extensively, so prepare structured examples from your experience. Some positions also include situational judgment tests that evaluate how you approach teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making in a defense industry context.

  5. 5
    Participate in Interviews — Phone Screen and Panel Rounds

    The RTX interview process typically begins with a phone screen from a recruiter or hiring manager, lasting 30 to 45 minutes. This covers your background, interest in the role, salary expectations, and clearance eligibility. Candidates who advance are invited to a more in-depth interview round, which may be conducted virtually or on-site depending on the position and location. Panel interviews with two to four interviewers are common, especially for engineering and program management roles. Interviewers will include the hiring manager, technical leads, and often a peer from the team. Expect a mix of behavioral questions using the STAR format and technical deep-dives relevant to the specific program or product line. For senior roles, you may also meet with a director or VP-level leader. The full interview process typically takes three to six weeks from application to offer.

  6. 6
    Background Check, Security Clearance, and Onboarding

    After receiving a conditional offer, RTX conducts a thorough background check that includes criminal history, employment verification, education verification, and reference checks. For positions requiring security clearance, the clearance investigation process begins at this stage and is managed through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA). A Secret clearance investigation typically takes three to six months, while Top Secret with SCI access can take six to eighteen months. RTX provides interim access where possible so new hires can begin unclassified work while their clearance processes. Onboarding includes orientation at your specific business segment, compliance training covering export control and classified information handling, and integration into your program team. RTX also assigns onboarding buddies or mentors for new hires in many locations.

Resume Tips for Raytheon

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Emphasize Security Clearance Status Prominently

If you hold an active security clearance (Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI), state it clearly near the top of your resume — in your summary or a dedicated clearance line. This is one of the most valuable qualifications for RTX positions, particularly in the Raytheon defense segment. Include the clearance level, investigation type, and whether it is currently active or in adjudication. If you are clearance-eligible (U.S. citizen with no disqualifying factors), state that you are eligible for clearance. Recruiters frequently filter candidates by clearance status, so this information directly affects whether your resume surfaces in searches.

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Use Defense and Aerospace Industry Terminology

RTX's ATS and recruiters search for domain-specific keywords that match the defense and aerospace industry. Use terms like 'systems engineering,' 'model-based systems engineering (MBSE),' 'DO-178C,' 'MIL-STD,' 'requirements management,' 'verification and validation,' 'DOORS,' 'MATLAB/Simulink,' 'embedded real-time systems,' 'radar signal processing,' and 'program lifecycle management.' If you have experience with specific military platforms, name them — for example, 'Patriot air defense system,' 'F-35 avionics,' 'GPS III satellite,' or 'Next Generation Jammer.' Matching the terminology used in the job description significantly improves your chances of passing both automated screening and recruiter review.

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Quantify Impact with Metrics and Program Scale

RTX values candidates who can demonstrate measurable impact. Instead of listing responsibilities, quantify your achievements: 'Reduced system integration test time by 35% across a $2.1B missile defense program,' 'Led a team of 12 engineers delivering avionics software for a fleet of 400+ aircraft,' or 'Managed $15M annual budget for radar subsystem development.' Defense programs operate at enormous scale, so contextualizing your work within program value, team size, schedule milestones, and cost savings resonates strongly with RTX hiring managers who think in terms of Earned Value Management and program execution metrics.

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Highlight Compliance and Regulatory Experience

Working in defense requires strict adherence to regulatory frameworks. Mention experience with ITAR/EAR export controls, CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification), NIST 800-171, DO-178C (software airworthiness), DO-254 (hardware airworthiness), AS9100 (aerospace quality management), or MIL-STD standards. If you have held an FSO role, managed ITAR-controlled technical data, or led teams through compliance audits, feature this prominently. RTX operates under constant government oversight, and candidates who understand the compliance landscape require less onboarding and can contribute faster.

recommended

Translate Military Experience into Civilian Terms

RTX is one of the largest employers of military veterans in the United States and actively recruits from the veteran community. If you are transitioning from military service, translate your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), rating, or AFSC into civilian job titles and skills. For example, translate '14E Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator' into 'Air Defense Systems Operator with expertise in Patriot missile system fire control, radar operation, and tactical engagement sequencing.' Include your rank to convey leadership scope, and translate military project management experience (troop leading procedures, MDMP) into terms like 'cross-functional team leadership' and 'risk-based decision-making.' RTX recruiters understand military backgrounds, but clear translation helps the ATS match your skills to open positions.

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Format for Phenom ATS Parsing Compatibility

RTX uses the Phenom People applicant tracking system. Use a clean, single-column resume layout with standard section headers: Summary, Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications. Avoid tables, multi-column layouts, text boxes, headers/footers with critical information, and graphics or icons that ATS parsers cannot read. Use standard fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman. Submit in Word (.docx) format for optimal parsing, though PDF is also accepted. Keep your resume to two pages for mid-career candidates or three pages for senior engineers with extensive program experience — defense industry resumes tend to run longer than other sectors due to the technical depth required.

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Include Relevant Certifications and Technical Tools

List certifications that carry weight in aerospace and defense: PMP (Project Management Professional), INCOSE CSEP or ASEP (systems engineering), AWS/Azure cloud certifications for digital transformation roles, CompTIA Security+ or CISSP for cybersecurity positions, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt for operations and quality roles, and PE (Professional Engineer) licensure. Also list proficiency in tools RTX teams commonly use: DOORS for requirements management, Jira and Confluence for agile development, MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, Ansys or COMSOL for simulation, Cameo/MagicDraw for MBSE, and Git for version control. These specific tool mentions help your resume match the technical requirements that hiring managers specify in their job requisitions.

ATS System: Phenom People

RTX uses the Phenom People talent experience platform to manage its career site and application process at careers.rtx.com. Phenom provides AI-powered job matching, candidate relationship management, and recruiter search capabilities. The platform supports sign-in through LinkedIn, Google, Facebook, and Indeed, making it easy to create a candidate profile. Phenom's matching engine analyzes your resume and profile to suggest relevant positions, and recruiters can search the talent pool using keyword filters — which means optimizing your profile with relevant terminology directly impacts your visibility to RTX hiring teams.

  • Complete all profile fields thoroughly — Phenom's AI matching uses your full profile, not just your resume, to recommend you for positions
  • Use standard resume formatting (single column, no tables or graphics) for reliable ATS parsing
  • Upload your resume in Word (.docx) format for best parsing results, though PDF is also accepted
  • Join the RTX Talent Community through the career site to receive personalized job alerts based on your profile
  • Save job searches and set up alerts — Phenom notifies you when new positions matching your criteria are posted
  • Your profile remains active for future searches even if you are not selected for a specific role — recruiters regularly search the talent pool

Interview Culture

RTX's interview culture reflects its identity as a mission-driven defense and aerospace company.

The organization places heavy emphasis on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) behavioral interview methodology across all business segments. Interviewers are trained to use structured behavioral questions that assess how candidates have handled real situations involving teamwork, technical problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and leadership under pressure. Expect questions like 'Describe a time you identified a critical defect late in a program schedule — what did you do?' or 'Tell me about a situation where you had to make a decision with incomplete information.' Technical interviews vary significantly by business segment. Collins Aerospace roles often focus on avionics, embedded software, and commercial aviation standards. Pratt & Whitney interviews emphasize thermodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes for jet engine development. Raytheon segment interviews dive deep into radar systems, missile guidance, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity — and may involve whiteboard problem-solving or system architecture discussions. RTX values what it calls the 'RTX Way' — a culture built around trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. Interviewers assess cultural alignment alongside technical competence. The company's engineering culture is methodical and process-oriented, reflecting the high-reliability requirements of aerospace and defense systems where failures can have life-or-death consequences. Candidates who demonstrate attention to detail, rigorous testing practices, and a systematic approach to problem-solving tend to perform well. For program management and leadership roles, RTX evaluates candidates on their ability to manage complex, multi-year programs with large budgets and cross-functional teams. Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), and government contract management (FAR/DFARS) is frequently assessed. Panel interviews with multiple stakeholders are standard for mid-level and senior positions, and it is common to meet with four to six interviewers across one or two days for senior roles.

What Raytheon Looks For

  • U.S. citizenship and security clearance eligibility — many positions are restricted to U.S. persons under ITAR export control regulations, and a significant portion require active Secret or Top Secret clearances
  • Deep technical expertise in aerospace and defense domains including systems engineering, embedded software, radar and sensor systems, propulsion, materials science, electronic warfare, and cybersecurity
  • Experience working on large-scale government programs with structured engineering processes, formal requirements management, and milestone-driven schedules
  • STAR-format demonstration of problem-solving under pressure, ethical decision-making, and collaboration across engineering disciplines and program teams
  • Program management capabilities including Earned Value Management, Integrated Master Schedules, risk management, and government contract compliance (FAR/DFARS)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills — defense engineers frequently write technical proposals, present design reviews, and brief government customers
  • Military service and operational experience — RTX actively seeks veterans who understand the end-user perspective for the defense systems they build
  • Adaptability to work within a highly regulated environment where compliance with security protocols, export controls, and quality standards is non-negotiable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical hiring timeline at RTX Corporation from application to offer?
The RTX hiring process typically spans three to six weeks from initial application to a formal offer. After submitting your application through careers.rtx.com, you can expect an initial recruiter screen within one to two weeks if your qualifications match. The phone screen is followed by one or two rounds of more in-depth interviews, which may be conducted virtually or on-site depending on the role and location. For positions requiring security clearance, the timeline extends significantly — a Secret clearance investigation adds three to six months, while Top Secret or TS/SCI clearances can take six to eighteen months. However, RTX frequently provides interim assignments on unclassified work so new hires can begin contributing while their clearance processes through the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA).
Do I need a security clearance to work at RTX, and will the company sponsor one?
Not all RTX positions require a security clearance, but a significant portion do — particularly within the Raytheon defense segment, which develops classified missile systems, radar technology, and cybersecurity solutions. Each job posting specifies its clearance requirements, which range from no clearance needed to active Top Secret/SCI required. For many positions, RTX will sponsor the security clearance process for selected candidates, meaning you do not need to already hold a clearance at the time of application. However, you must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for a security clearance. The job description will typically state whether an active clearance is required at hire or whether the company will process one. Having an existing active clearance is a significant competitive advantage, as it eliminates the months-long investigation wait.
Does RTX require U.S. citizenship for all positions?
RTX requires U.S. citizenship or U.S. person status (which includes permanent residents and certain protected individuals) for the majority of its positions due to compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These federal regulations restrict access to defense-related technical data and technology to authorized U.S. persons. This requirement is especially strict within the Raytheon segment, where nearly all work involves controlled defense technologies. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have some positions — particularly in commercial aviation programs — that may be open to non-U.S. persons, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Each job posting clearly states its citizenship and export control requirements, so review these carefully before applying.
How does RTX support military veterans in the hiring process?
RTX is consistently recognized as one of the top employers for military veterans in the United States. The company has dedicated veteran hiring programs, veteran-focused recruiters, and active participation in military transition events like Hiring Our Heroes and military job fairs. RTX's career site allows veterans to search for positions based on their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), rating, or AFSC, helping translate military experience into civilian role matches. The company also has active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for veterans that provide mentorship, networking, and community support during the transition to civilian employment. Many RTX hiring managers are veterans themselves and understand the value of military leadership, operational discipline, and technical training. Veterans who have operated, maintained, or supported the defense systems that RTX builds — such as Patriot, Stinger, F-35 systems, or military jet engines — bring an end-user perspective that is highly valued in engineering and program management roles.
What are the most common engineering roles at RTX and what qualifications do they require?
The most common engineering roles at RTX include Systems Engineer, Software Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, and Program Engineer. Systems Engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, with experience in requirements development, system architecture, and verification and validation — familiarity with DOORS, MBSE tools like Cameo, and MIL-STD processes is highly valued. Software Engineers work primarily in C++, Java, Python, or Ada for embedded real-time systems, with knowledge of DO-178C airworthiness standards being important for avionics software. Mechanical Engineers focus on structural analysis, thermal management, and materials for aerospace applications, often using Ansys, CATIA, or NX. Most engineering positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, though master's degrees and PhDs are preferred for senior technical roles. Three to five years of relevant experience is typical for mid-level positions, while principal and fellow-level engineers may have fifteen or more years of specialized experience.
What does the RTX interview process look like, and how should I prepare?
RTX interviews follow a structured format that combines behavioral and technical assessment. The process typically starts with a 30 to 45 minute phone screen with a recruiter covering your background, interest in the role, salary expectations, and clearance eligibility. Candidates who advance are invited to a deeper interview round — often a panel format with two to four interviewers including the hiring manager, technical leads, and team peers. RTX uses the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) behavioral interview methodology extensively, so prepare structured examples demonstrating technical problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making. Technical questions will be specific to your domain — a radar engineer might be asked about signal processing fundamentals, while a software engineer could face coding or system design challenges. For program management roles, expect questions about Earned Value Management, risk mitigation, and customer management. Research the specific business segment and product line you are interviewing for, as showing genuine knowledge of programs like Patriot, the GTF engine, or Collins avionics systems demonstrates serious interest.
What benefits and compensation does RTX offer its employees?
RTX offers a comprehensive benefits package that is competitive with other major defense and aerospace companies. The compensation structure typically includes a base salary, annual performance bonus (ranging from 5% to 20% depending on level and business segment), and equity grants for senior positions. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options, a 401(k) retirement plan with company matching (typically dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of salary), pension plans for certain legacy employees, and employee stock purchase programs. RTX provides tuition reimbursement for continuing education and graduate degrees, which many engineers use to pursue master's degrees while working. Additional benefits include flexible work arrangements (many roles offer hybrid schedules), paid parental leave, employee assistance programs, and access to on-site fitness centers at larger facilities. The company also supports professional development through internal training programs, leadership development rotations, and conference attendance budgets for engineers to stay current in their technical disciplines.
Can I apply to multiple positions at RTX simultaneously?
Yes, RTX allows and even encourages candidates to apply to multiple positions that match their qualifications. Because RTX operates across three distinct business segments — Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon — each with hundreds of openings, applying to several relevant roles increases your chances of finding the right match. Your candidate profile on careers.rtx.com persists across all applications, so you only need to create it once. However, tailor your resume or at least your application responses to each specific role rather than submitting identical materials to every position. RTX recruiters can see all of your applications, and a targeted approach demonstrates genuine interest. Focus your applications on positions where your experience genuinely aligns with the requirements — applying to dozens of unrelated roles can signal a lack of focus. Use the Phenom platform's job alert feature to receive notifications when new positions matching your skills and preferences are posted.
What are RTX's major office locations and can I work remotely?
RTX has major facilities across the United States, with significant engineering and program management hubs in Arlington, Virginia (corporate headquarters), Tucson, Arizona (Raytheon missiles and defense), El Segundo, California (Raytheon space and intelligence), Andover, Massachusetts (Raytheon integrated defense systems), McKinney, Texas (Raytheon), East Hartford, Connecticut (Pratt & Whitney headquarters), Indianapolis, Indiana (Collins Aerospace and Raytheon), Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Collins Aerospace avionics), and Charlotte, North Carolina (Collins Aerospace). Remote and hybrid work options vary significantly by role and business segment. Many corporate functions, software engineering roles working on unclassified systems, and business operations positions offer hybrid flexibility with two to three days in office per week. However, positions involving classified work, hardware testing, manufacturing, or laboratory environments require on-site presence due to the nature of the work and security requirements. Each job posting specifies whether the role is on-site, hybrid, or remote-eligible.

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