Raytheon is seeking a System Engineer II to join its Global Hawk Field Service Support team in Rancho Bernardo, California. The position, posted on February 27, 2026, offers a salary range of $75,800 to $144,200 per year and requires an active U.S. Government-issued security clearance, specifically a Secret clearance, prior to the start date. This role is onsite and focuses on supporting complex test operations for the Global Hawk program, a critical component of the company’s defense capabilities.
The demand for skilled system engineers at Raytheon reflects the ongoing investment in advanced defense technologies. The company, now part of RTX, is focused on developing and maintaining systems that address evolving national security challenges. The Global Hawk, an unmanned aircraft system, plays a key role in surveillance and reconnaissance, providing persistent intelligence gathering capabilities. Finding qualified personnel for these roles is essential to maintaining operational readiness and continuing innovation in the field of unmanned systems. The GH System Engineer II position is a key part of that effort.
Global Hawk and Raytheon’s Role in National Security
Raytheon, now operating under the RTX umbrella, has a long history of providing advanced defense solutions to the U.S. Military and its allies. RTX describes itself as accelerating ideas to solve global challenges, with a strong focus on aviation, enterprise services, and space. The Global Hawk program is a prime example of this commitment, offering a high-altitude, long-endurance platform for gathering critical intelligence. The system is used for a variety of missions, including maritime surveillance, border patrol, and disaster relief.
The System Engineer II role is specifically embedded within the Field Service Support team, indicating a focus on maintaining and improving the operational effectiveness of the Global Hawk system in real-world deployments. This involves not just theoretical design, but hands-on operate with the aircraft and its associated technologies. The position requires a strong foundation in system engineering principles, software, and test processes, suggesting a need for a versatile engineer capable of tackling a wide range of challenges.
Job Requirements and Security Clearance
The job posting emphasizes the necessity of a current and transferable U.S. Government-issued security clearance, specifically a Secret clearance, as a prerequisite for employment. U.S. Citizenship is as well required, as It’s a condition for obtaining and maintaining a security clearance. This underscores the sensitive nature of the work and the importance of ensuring the trustworthiness of personnel involved in national security programs. The requirement for an existing clearance on day one suggests that Raytheon is seeking candidates who are already vetted and ready to contribute immediately.
Beyond the security clearance, the ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of system engineering principles and software development. The role involves supporting and guiding complex test operations, which requires a meticulous approach to planning, development, and execution. Experience with test processes and methodologies is also highly valued, indicating a need for someone who can ensure the reliability and performance of the Global Hawk system.
RTX and Future Investments
Raytheon’s integration into RTX signals a broader strategic direction for the company. RTX is actively investing in new technologies, including counter-drone systems and advanced fighter jet engines, as highlighted on their website. This investment demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats and maintaining a competitive edge in the defense industry. The company is also focused on speeding up production of missiles and interceptors, indicating a response to increased global demand for these capabilities.
The GH System Engineer II position is part of this larger effort to strengthen national security and advance technological innovation. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to a critical program and work alongside a team of experienced engineers. The location in Rancho Bernardo, California, places the position within a hub of aerospace and defense activity, providing access to a wealth of resources and expertise.
According to LinkedIn, the job was posted 6 hours ago as of February 28, 2026, and is actively seeking applicants. The LinkedIn posting provides further details about the position and the application process.
Another related position, GH Sr. Software Eng. In Rancho Bernardo, CA, is also available at Raytheon, as noted on their careers page. This listing suggests a continued need for software engineering talent within the Global Hawk program.
The next step for interested candidates is to apply through the Raytheon careers website. The company is actively reviewing applications and seeking qualified individuals to join the team. The ongoing demand for skilled engineers underscores the importance of the Global Hawk program and Raytheon’s commitment to national security.
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