Raytheon (RTX) Careers for Veterans: Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to Raytheon/RTX careers for veterans. Learn about missile systems, radar, cybersecurity positions, veteran hiring programs, and how to land jobs at this major defense contractor.
When America's military needs a missile to find its target, odds are it's a Raytheon missile. As part of RTX Corporation (formed from the merger of Raytheon and United Technologies), this defense giant builds the weapons systems that protect the nation.
For veterans—especially those with weapons systems, radar, or technical backgrounds—Raytheon offers career opportunities where your operational experience directly applies.
Understanding RTX Corporation
The Merger
In 2020, Raytheon merged with United Technologies to form RTX:
RTX comprises:
- Raytheon: Missiles, radar, sensors, cybersecurity
- Pratt & Whitney: Jet engines
- Collins Aerospace: Avionics and aircraft systems
Company Scale
RTX by the numbers:
- $68+ billion annual revenue
- 180,000+ employees worldwide
- Major defense and commercial presence
- Global operations
Why This Matters to You
Each segment offers opportunities:
- Raytheon segment: Defense and space
- Pratt & Whitney: Military and commercial engines
- Collins Aerospace: Aviation systems
Why Raytheon for Veterans?
Mission-Critical Products
Raytheon builds what you used:
- Patriot missiles
- Tomahawk cruise missiles
- AMRAAM and Sidewinder
- Phalanx CIWS
- AN/SPY radar systems
- JASSM and more
Veteran-Friendly Culture
RTX values military service:
- Strong veteran hiring programs
- Military skills matching
- SkillBridge participation
- Reserve/Guard support
- Military spouse initiatives
Technical Excellence
For those who love the technology:
- Cutting-edge weapons development
- Advanced radar systems
- Cybersecurity leadership
- Sensor technology
- Aerospace innovation
Career Opportunities at Raytheon
Engineering Positions
Technical core of the company:
Systems Engineer:
- Requirements development
- System integration
- Technical analysis
- Solution design
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Systems methodology knowledge
- Technical breadth
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $80,000 - $160,000+
Military fit: Technical officers, systems backgrounds
Electrical Engineer:
- Circuit design
- RF/Microwave systems
- Signal processing
- Sensor development
Requirements:
- Electrical engineering degree
- Domain expertise
- Analysis tools
- Clearance (most positions)
Salary: $75,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: Avionics, EW, radar backgrounds
Software Engineer:
- Embedded systems
- Mission software
- Algorithm development
- Real-time systems
Requirements:
- CS/Software engineering degree
- Programming proficiency (C/C++, Ada, Python)
- Real-time systems experience helpful
- Clearance (often required)
Salary: $80,000 - $155,000+
Military fit: Signal, software, technical MOSs
Mechanical Engineer:
- Thermal management
- Structural design
- Packaging
- Mechanism design
Requirements:
- Mechanical engineering degree
- Design experience
- Analysis capability (FEA, thermal)
- CAD proficiency
Salary: $75,000 - $145,000+
Military fit: Ordnance, aviation, maintenance backgrounds
Test Engineer:
- Test development
- Integration and test
- Lab operations
- Flight test support
Requirements:
- Engineering degree
- Test methodology
- Lab equipment experience
- Problem-solving ability
Salary: $70,000 - $130,000+
Military fit: Test, maintenance, operations backgrounds
Cybersecurity Positions
Growing demand area:
Cyber Security Engineer:
- Security architecture
- Vulnerability assessment
- Security implementation
- Compliance
Requirements:
- Cybersecurity background
- Certifications (CISSP, etc.)
- Technical skills
- Clearance (most positions)
Salary: $95,000 - $170,000+
Military fit: Cyber operators, 17C, 25D
Cyber Analyst:
- Threat analysis
- Security monitoring
- Incident response
- Intelligence correlation
Requirements:
- Analytical skills
- Security knowledge
- Tools proficiency
- Clearance (usually TS/SCI)
Salary: $85,000 - $150,000+
Military fit: Cyber, intelligence backgrounds
Program Management
Managing complex programs:
Program Manager:
- Program execution
- Customer relationship
- Team leadership
- Business results
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Management experience
- Communication skills
- PMP helpful
Salary: $100,000 - $180,000+
Military fit: Senior officers, program managers
Project Engineer:
- Technical project leadership
- Engineering coordination
- Schedule and risk
- Technical decisions
Requirements:
- Engineering background
- Project experience
- Technical depth
- Leadership ability
Salary: $85,000 - $145,000+
Military fit: Technical officers, senior NCOs
Operations and Manufacturing
Production and operations:
Manufacturing Engineer:
- Production processes
- Assembly methods
- Quality improvement
- Efficiency optimization
Requirements:
- Engineering or technical degree
- Manufacturing knowledge
- Process orientation
- Problem-solving
Salary: $70,000 - $120,000+
Military fit: Ordnance, maintenance, production backgrounds
Quality Engineer:
- Quality systems
- Process verification
- Root cause analysis
- Supplier quality
Requirements:
- Engineering/quality background
- Quality methodology (Six Sigma, etc.)
- Analytical skills
- Detail orientation
Salary: $70,000 - $120,000+
Military fit: QA backgrounds, maintenance, nuclear
Logistics Specialist:
- Supply chain management
- Program logistics
- Material support
- Delivery coordination
Requirements:
- Logistics experience
- Supply chain knowledge
- Systems proficiency
- Communication skills
Salary: $60,000 - $100,000+
Military fit: 92 series, logistics officers, supply
Technical Positions
Hands-on technical work:
Electronics Technician:
- Assembly and test
- Troubleshooting
- Lab operations
- Integration support
Requirements:
- Technical training
- Electronics knowledge
- Hands-on capability
- Clearance (often)
Salary: $50,000 - $85,000+
Military fit: 25 series, electronics, avionics
Test Technician:
- Test execution
- Data collection
- Equipment operation
- Lab maintenance
Requirements:
- Technical background
- Test experience
- Equipment proficiency
- Attention to detail
Salary: $50,000 - $85,000+
Military fit: Test, maintenance, technician backgrounds
Raytheon Veteran Programs
Military Skills Matcher
Online tool:
- Enter military code
- See matching positions
- Understand translation
- Direct application
SkillBridge Partnership
DoD transition program:
- 10-12 week internships
- Real project work
- While still on active duty
- Often leads to job offers
Veteran Employee Resource Group
Internal community:
- Networking
- Mentorship
- Career development
- Community service
Military Spouse Program
Family support:
- Employment opportunities
- Relocation assistance
- Flexible arrangements
- Career development
Reserve/Guard Support
Ongoing service support:
- Protected time for duty
- Differential pay options
- Job security
- Flexible scheduling
Raytheon Hiring Process
Step 1: Apply
Where to apply:
- rtx.com/careers
- ClearanceJobs
- Indeed
Application requirements:
- Resume
- Job-specific questions
- Clearance information
Step 2: Screening
HR review:
- Basic qualifications
- Clearance eligibility
- Experience match
- Education verification
Step 3: Interviews
Multiple rounds:
Phone Screen:
- Initial qualification
- Interest confirmation
- Background discussion
Technical Interview:
- Skills assessment
- Role-specific questions
- Problem-solving
- Technical depth
Panel/Hiring Manager:
- Team fit
- Behavioral questions
- Leadership assessment
Step 4: Assessments
Some positions require:
- Technical assessments
- Security interview
- Drug test
- Background check
Step 5: Offer
If selected:
- Compensation discussion
- Benefits overview
- Start date
- Clearance processing
Timeline
Typical timeline:
- Application to response: 2-4 weeks
- Interview process: 2-6 weeks
- Offer to start: 2-4 weeks
Clearance processing can extend significantly.
Raytheon Salary
Compensation Ranges
| Role Category | Entry | Mid-Level | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $70K-$90K | $90K-$135K | $135K-$175K+ |
| Cybersecurity | $85K-$110K | $110K-$150K | $150K-$190K+ |
| Program Mgmt | $90K-$115K | $115K-$155K | $155K-$200K+ |
| Technical | $45K-$65K | $65K-$85K | $85K-$110K |
Location Factors
Major locations vary:
- Tucson, AZ: Base reference
- Dallas, TX: Similar to base
- Boston area: +10-20%
- DC area: +10-15%
Clearance Impact
Security clearance premium:
- Secret: Base rates
- Top Secret: +5-10%
- TS/SCI: +10-20%
- Special programs: Additional
Benefits
Comprehensive package:
- Medical/dental/vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Pension plan (varies by legacy)
- PTO and holidays
- Tuition assistance
- Stock purchase plan
- Life insurance
Raytheon Locations
Major Sites
Tucson, AZ:
- Missile systems headquarters
- Major manufacturing
- Large workforce
Dallas, TX:
- Raytheon Intelligence & Space
- Cyber and sensors
- Growing site
El Segundo, CA:
- Space and airborne systems
- Engineering center
Waltham, MA:
- Corporate functions
- Research center
Aurora, CO:
- Space operations
- Intelligence systems
Indianapolis, IN:
- Naval power
- Sensors
Huntsville, AL:
- Missiles
- Defense systems
Collins Aerospace Sites
Cedar Rapids, IA:
- Avionics headquarters
- Major operations
Rockford, IL:
- Interior systems
- Power and controls
Pratt & Whitney Sites
East Hartford, CT:
- Engine headquarters
- Engineering center
West Palm Beach, FL:
- Military engines
- Manufacturing
Military Experience Advantages
Weapons Systems Backgrounds
Direct application:
- Fire controlmen → Fire control engineering
- Missile technicians → Missile programs
- Radar operators → Radar engineering
- EW specialists → Electronic warfare systems
Aviation Backgrounds
Technical experience:
- Avionics → Avionics systems
- Crew chiefs → Manufacturing, test
- Flight engineers → Systems engineering
Combat Systems
Understanding the mission:
- Combat arms → Program management
- Operations → Customer support
- Intelligence → Analyst positions
Cyber and IT
Growing demand:
- Cyber operators → Cybersecurity
- Signal → IT systems
- Intelligence → Threat analysis
Application Tips
Resume Optimization
Key elements:
- Translate military terminology
- Quantify achievements
- Highlight technical skills
- Note clearance status
- Show progression
Keyword Matching
Include relevant terms:
- Systems engineering
- Requirements management
- Integration and test
- Program management
- Risk management
Interview Preparation
Research:
- Know Raytheon products
- Understand business areas
- Research specific role
- Current events and awards
Prepare:
- STAR method examples
- Technical demonstrations
- Leadership examples
- Questions for team
Career Growth at Raytheon
Technical Career Path
Engineering progression:
- Engineer I/II: Entry
- Senior Engineer: Experienced
- Principal Engineer: Technical lead
- Senior Principal: Expert
- Fellow: Highest technical level
Management Path
Leadership progression:
- Supervisor: First-line
- Manager: Function management
- Senior Manager: Department
- Director: Major organization
- Vice President: Business leadership
Development Opportunities
RTX invests in people:
- Technical training programs
- Leadership development
- Rotation opportunities
- Advanced degree support
- Professional certifications
The Bottom Line
Raytheon/RTX offers veterans:
- Mission-critical products you know and used
- Technical career paths in cutting-edge systems
- Strong veteran programs and culture
- Competitive compensation with good benefits
- Career growth opportunities
If you've operated, maintained, or depended on Raytheon systems, you can help build the next generation. Your experience is directly relevant.
Apply at rtx.com/careers
Explore other defense contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics.