Manufacturing Automation Research & Development Lead

Date Posted: 2026-01-30

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AZ-TUCSON-801 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 801 (External Site)

Position Role Type: Onsite

Security Clearance Requirements

• Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret
• Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
• Citizenship Requirement: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required

About the Role

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring 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. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Raytheon Industry 4.0 – Connected Factory Intelligence & Automation (CFIA) organization has an immediate career-growth opportunity for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and innovative team member to lead Manufacturing Automation Research & Development (R&D) projects including Design for Automation initiatives.

This role will support the CFIA Automation Systems Engineering team in developing advanced manufacturing solutions (ex. Robotics, automated inspection, autonomous material movement, etc.) for Raytheon factories by leading strategic development initiatives. The Automation R&D scope primarily focuses on maturation of new manufacturing technologies for hardware integration, while Design for Automation will focus on influencing designs to align to new capabilities for producibility. The ideal candidate will have experience in project management, technical leadership, mechanical design, and manufacturing automation knowledge to enable new manufacturing technologies and make Raytheon products more conducive to automation, but candidates with any combination of these skills are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-disciplined team of highly innovative team members in the conception, development, integration, and demonstration of new manufacturing concepts and capabilities
• Provide technical leadership to design for automation initiatives, developing and implementing Design for Automation strategies to influence product designs for improved producibility and alignment with automation strategies
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business requirements and priorities
• Lead automation R&D execution including some direct task management as well as supporting other task leads, monitoring for issues and developing resolutions
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, and manage resources to ensure successful project execution within established constraints
• Communicate project status, milestones, and key insights to leadership and stakeholders, providing regular updates and recommendations
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in Industry 4.0, and incorporate relevant insights into project planning and execution
• Expected to travel 15% of the time

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires BS in an Engineering field or the sciences (STEM) AND 8+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing operations/engineering, systems engineering, controls engineering, technical project management, industrial engineering, and/or automation engineering; or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
• Experience leading complex technical initiatives, with a strong understanding of manufacturing technologies and processes
• Experience successfully using project management skills, including the ability to develop project plans, scheduling, manage budgets and lead cross-functional teams to successful project completion
• Experience conveying technical information to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued Secret security clearance is required
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with new product introduction, design for manufacturing, design for automation, and/or detailed specification of equipment for production
• Demonstrated technical background with an understanding or hands-on experience in hardware, manufacturing, software, electronics, or automation (robotics, controls, vision, etc.)
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience managing complex projects in the field of Industry 4.0, digital transformation, manufacturing, product development, or related areas
• Raytheon Project Management level 6 certification and/or PMP certification
• Experience developing technology strategies aligned to business needs, including return on investment
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data-driven decision-making and problem-solving
• Strong understanding of Industry 4.0 technologies and concepts, including IoT, AI, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics
• Active DOD Secret Clearance

Interview Process

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $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.

Eligible Benefits:

• 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
• 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.

Incentive Compensation:

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.

Additional Information

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading busines