Preparing for Your Systems Engineer Interview at Raytheon Technologies: 25 Common Questions and How to Answer Them Effectively

Landing a systems engineer role at a leading aerospace and defense company like Raytheon Technologies requires strong technical skills and the ability to handle complex projects. To stand out in your interview, you need to demonstrate not just your engineering prowess but also your problem-solving ability, communication skills, and teamwork.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide an overview of Raytheon Technologies, insights into the systems engineer role, and a list of the top 25 most common interview questions along with sample answers to help you prepare effectively.

About Raytheon Technologies

Raytheon Technologies is one of the largest aerospace and defense manufacturers in the world Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, the company specializes in advanced systems for defense, civil government, and cybersecurity solutions

Raytheon Technologies is a company that makes and sells over $64 billion worth of goods and has over 195,000 employees all over the world. Its business segments, such as Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and

The Role of a Systems Engineer at Raytheon Technologies

As a systems engineer at Raytheon Technologies, you will work on complex projects that leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced sensors, cybersecurity, and more.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing system requirements and specifications
• Performing technical design and integration
• Developing verification plans and procedures
• Conducting system testing and validation
• Managing system configurations and documentation
• Identifying risks and opportunities for system improvements
• Collaborating with designers, developers, and other engineers

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are needed for the job, along with great communication and teamwork skills. You will need to be able to quickly adjust to new situations and know about the newest technologies and trends in your field.

Top 25 Raytheon Technologies Systems Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

Here are the most common questions asked in Raytheon Technologies systems engineer interviews along with example responses:

1. How do you stay current on the latest trends and technologies in the aerospace and defense industries?

I make it a priority to regularly review industry publications, attend conferences and webinars, and take online courses related to new developments in aerospace and defense systems engineering. I also have a robust network of colleagues who I collaborate with to share knowledge and insights. Staying updated ensures I can leverage the latest advancements to deliver optimal solutions.

2. What experience do you have working with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?

While at [Company], I successfully utilized MBSE to enhance the design, integration, and testing of a new avionics system. Creating a virtual model allowed us to identify issues early, saving significant time and costs compared to traditional document-based approaches. I’m very familiar with leading MBSE tools like CORE, MagicDraw, and Capella.

3. How would you go about evaluating the security vulnerabilities of a new system?

I would start by thoroughly analyzing the system architecture, data flows, inputs and outputs. Next, I’d conduct penetration testing using tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Burp Suite to identify any weaknesses. I’d work closely with cybersecurity experts to implement solutions like encryption, access controls, and network segmentation to harden the system against potential threats.

4. What experience do you have with requirements analysis and management?

I have extensive experience managing complex requirements for aerospace systems. I use traceability matrices and modeling tools like DOORS to keep track of everything from the first needs of stakeholders to the final requirements that have been validated. I also make working together with cross-functional teams a priority and make sure that requirements are always being checked to make sure that our final system meets customer needs.

5. Describe your experience with system integration and testing processes.

I recently led the integration and test effort for [Project Name], which involved synchronizing the interfaces of the radar, weapons control, and propulsion subsystems. We utilized HIL testing to validate performance under simulated mission conditions. I also leveraged automation tools to streamline regression testing, resulting in a high-quality and thoroughly-validated system.

6. How would you go about troubleshooting an issue with a rocket guidance system used during flight testing?

I would start by reviewing sensor diagnostic data to pinpoint any anomalies. Then I would break down the system into smaller components to isolate the issue, checking power systems, wiring, software functionality, etc. I would coordinate with the design team to reproduce the issue through simulations. By methodically troubleshooting in a step-by-step manner, I am confident I could determine the root cause and implement solutions.

7. What experience do you have with design trade-off analyses and risk management?

I utilize trade-off analyses during the design phase to balance performance, cost, and other factors. For a satellite project, we performed extensive trade studies to choose between solar arrays, fuel cells, and nuclear batteries based on longevity, power needs, and cost. For risks, I develop thorough mitigation plans encompassing areas like schedule, performance, software, safety, and cybersecurity.

8. How would you go about planning the verification procedures for a new ballistic missile system?

I would work closely with the design and testing teams to define verification points aligned with critical requirements. Methods would include simulations, software CI/CT, ground tests, captive carry tests, and test flights. I’d develop detailed test procedures specifying metrics, environments, sensors, pass/fail criteria, contingencies, and documentation. Ensuring full verification coverage is crucial to validating mission readiness.

9. How do you go about resolving conflicts between engineering design teams and manufacturing teams?

Open communication is key. I would organize collaborative sessions for both teams to discuss constraints and understand all perspectives. Often design changes can be made to accommodate manufacturability without compromising core functionality. Demonstrating how a collaborative approach results in solutions acceptable to all parties helps build relationships between teams.

10. What is your experience with real-time operating systems used in defense applications?

I have worked extensively with real-time OS like VxWorks, LynxOS, and PikeOS certified for DO-178C Level A systems. I understand how to leverage RTOS capabilities for deterministic performance and reliability required in defense systems. I also have experience with schedulability analysis and utilizing dual-redundant architectures to meet fault tolerance requirements.

11. How would you manage the complexity of integrating the various subsystems of a drone or UAV?

To manage this complexity, I would create a model encompassing the interconnectivity of the subsystems to fully understand interaction points and dependencies. Rigorous testing is key, so I would develop extensive test cases and procedures to verify all subsystem interfaces. I would also plan regular integration reviews with the software, hardware, sensors, and communications teams to ensure seamless integration.

12. Describe your experience working in an Agile systems engineering environment.

I thrive in Agile environments. For example, while working on a radar subsystem, we took an iterative approach executing rapid design-build-test sprints. I worked closely with firmware and hardware engineers to continuously integrate and test changes, allowing faster feedback and continuous delivery of incremental capabilities. I am well-versed in Agile methodologies and tools.

13. How would you explain a complex technical design for a new project to a non-technical executive audience?

I would use analogies and simple terms to explain our approach without technical jargon. For example, I might liken our system design to assembling a sports car. The engine represents the core processing unit, the tires and suspension represent the sensing components, while the steering system represents the data outputs and controls. This analogy helps convey how all the subsystems integrate to achieve the desired performance in a relatable way.

14. What proactive steps would you take to mitigate safety risks in a new defense system?

Defense systems require an uncompromising focus on safety. I would conduct exhaustive FMEA analyses to identify all potential failure points and their severity levels. For catastrophic risks, I would recommend design changes to eliminate them or redundant/fail-safe features as backup. I would also conduct extensive simulations and physical testing to validate all safety requirements are met. Being proactive about safety is paramount.

15. Tell me about a time when you successfully delivered a complex technical project on schedule and within budget.

As the lead systems engineer for [Project Name], my team was tasked with delivering a new airborne radar system within a 2-year timeframe to meet critical operational needs. Through extensive planning and resource allocation, as well as regular budget reviews, we successfully completed the project on schedule while coming in 15% under budget by utilizing cost-saving measures whenever possible.

16. How would you foster teamwork and collaboration on an engineering project with team members located globally?

Frequent communication and inclusion are vital for global teams. I would schedule regular status calls at times suitable for all time zones to provide visibility. I’d also create collaboration spaces on Microsoft Teams for document sharing and collective brainstorming. Shared milestones, peer reviews, and collective recognition help build an integrated team. I would work to create a culture focused on our collective mission.

17. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple complex systems projects simultaneously?

I use the Eisenhower Matrix as an effective tool. It separates tasks based on importance and urgency. I focus first on