Quick Answer

Yes, RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) hires individuals with conviction records. However, most core engineering, defense, and classified positions require federal security clearance and criminal history is a major adjudicative factor. A criminal record is NOT an automatic disqualifier for security clearance, but it significantly complicates the process and requires substantial evidence of rehabilitation. RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company with approximately 185,000-195,000 global employees across three industry-leading businesses: Collins Aerospace (avionics, aerospace systems), Pratt & Whitney (aircraft engines), and Raytheon (integrated defense, missiles, cybersecurity). Formed in 2020 through merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

CRITICAL: U.S. citizenship required for most clearance-eligible positions; Must fully disclose ALL criminal history on SF-86 (dishonesty is automatic disqualifier); 13 Adjudicative Guidelines evaluate "whole person"; Best opportunities in non-clearance commercial roles or positions where clearance may be obtainable with demonstrated rehabilitation.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to RTX, honestly assess these fundamental requirements:

1. U.S. Citizenship (for clearance positions): Must be U.S. Citizen to be eligible for most security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI). Some commercial non-clearance positions may accept permanent residents, but defense contractor career advancement typically requires clearance eligibility. Dual citizens face additional scrutiny.

   
   

2. No Automatic Disqualifiers: Must NOT have conviction that leads to automatic denial under federal adjudicative guidelines. While most offenses are evaluated individually, certain severe offenses (treason, espionage, terrorism) create presumptive disqualifiers. Violent felonies, drug trafficking, and financial crimes create significant but not automatic barriers.

   
   

3. Honesty is Paramount: Must be prepared to fully disclose ALL criminal history including charges, arrests (even without conviction), expunged/sealed records, juvenile matters, and any encounters with law enforcement on SF-86 form. Dishonesty or material omission is automatic, permanent disqualifier—worse than the underlying conviction. Investigators will discover everything.

   
   

4. Rehabilitation Demonstration: Must be ready to demonstrate successful rehabilitation: crime was not recent; behavior was isolated not pattern; evidence of positive lifestyle change; stable employment; treatment completion if applicable; community involvement; character references from credible sources.

   
   

5. Financial Responsibility: Must have stable financial history. Heavy debt, late payments, tax liens, judgments, and bankruptcy create separate security concern under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). Financial irresponsibility suggests potential vulnerability to coercion/bribery.

   
   

6. Drug Screening: Be prepared for pre-employment drug test as condition of employment. Defense contractor environment requires drug-free workplace. Failed test is disqualification.

Critical Regulatory Information

CRITICAL: The key barrier at RTX is the federal security clearance process. Most core engineering, defense systems, and classified program positions require Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearance. The clearance process reviews life history against 13 Adjudicative Guidelines—criminal conduct is major factor but not automatic disqualifier.

The 13 Adjudicative Guidelines

Security clearance decisions evaluated under Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) through 13 guidelines. Most relevant for applicants with criminal records: Guideline J (Criminal Conduct): History or pattern of criminal activity creates doubt about person's judgment, reliability, and trustworthiness; Guideline F (Financial Considerations): Failure to meet financial obligations suggests unwillingness to abide by rules, potential vulnerability; Guideline H (Drug Involvement): Illegal drug use raises questions about willingness to comply with laws; Guideline E (Personal Conduct): Conduct involving questionable judgment, lack of candor, dishonesty; Guideline I (Psychological Conditions): Certain conditions affecting judgment or reliability. Each guideline has disqualifying conditions AND mitigating conditions.

Criminal Conduct (Guideline J) - Disqualifying Conditions

Under Guideline J, security concerns raised by: (a) A pattern of minor offenses, any one of which on its own would be unlikely to affect a national security eligibility decision, but which in combination cast doubt on the individual's judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness; (b) Evidence of criminal conduct, regardless of whether the individual was formally charged, prosecuted, or convicted; (c) Individual is currently on parole or probation; (d) Violation of parole or probation, or failure to complete court-mandated program; (e) Discharge or dismissal from the Armed Forces for criminal reasons; (f) Conviction in a Federal or State court and sentenced to imprisonment exceeding one year and incarcerated for not less than one year. These conditions trigger heightened review but are NOT automatic disqualifiers.

Criminal Conduct (Guideline J) - Mitigating Conditions

Clearance is still possible if mitigating factors apply:

(a) So much time has elapsed since the criminal behavior happened, or it happened under such unusual circumstances, that it is unlikely to recur and does not cast doubt on the individual's reliability, trustworthiness, or good judgment;

(b) The individual was pressured or coerced into committing the act and those pressures are no longer present;

(c) Evidence that the individual did not commit the offense;

(d) There is evidence of successful rehabilitation including but not limited to: passage of time without recurrence; remorse; restitution; job training or higher education; good employment record; constructive community involvement. Demonstrating mitigating conditions is key strategy.

Financial Considerations (Guideline F)

History of financial problems (heavy debt, late payments, tax liens, judgments, bankruptcy, foreclosure) creates separate security concern even without criminal conviction. Financial irresponsibility suggests: unwillingness to abide by rules and regulations; potential susceptibility to pressure, coercion, or exploitation. Address ALL financial issues before pursuing clearance positions. Credit reports will be pulled and financial history thoroughly reviewed.

EEOC/Individualized Assessment for Non-Clearance Roles

While RTX must follow EEOC guidance for general hiring process, security clearance adjudication is separate federal process not subject to EEOC employment standards. Clearance decisions made by government adjudicators using national security criteria—RTX has limited influence. For non-clearance commercial positions, standard EEOC individualized assessment applies with Green Factors (nature/gravity of offense, time elapsed, job-relatedness).

Company Overview

RTX Corporation is the world's largest aerospace and defense company with approximately 185,000-195,000 global employees pushing the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Formed in 2020 through the transformative combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, RTX is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The company operates at the edge of known science, imagining and delivering solutions that push boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy weapons, hypersonic systems, advanced avionics, and cutting-edge cybersecurity. RTX serves both military/government customers with defense systems and commercial customers with aviation technologies, creating diverse career opportunities across its three industry-leading businesses.

RTX comprises three industry-leading businesses each representing top-tier capability in their respective domains: Collins Aerospace specializes in advanced structures, avionics and flight systems, connectivity solutions, aircraft interiors, mission systems, and power and control systems serving customers across commercial airlines, regional carriers, business aviation, and defense sectors worldwide. Pratt & Whitney designs, manufactures, and services the world's most advanced aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems for commercial airlines, military aviation, and business aircraft—engines powering thousands of flights daily around the globe. Raytheon creates next-generation defense solutions that are smarter, faster, and more capable than previously thought possible, developing technologies and enhancing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense systems, advanced sensors, space-based systems, hypersonic weapons, kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions protecting critical infrastructure and national security.

Company values emphasize Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation. RTX offers robust total rewards packages, leadership development programs, and commitment to employee growth—both personally and professionally—through work-life balance, continued education, and long-term career development. Many employees have military backgrounds and defense contractor experience.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia; Formed: 2020 (merger of Raytheon and UTC aerospace);

• Employees: 185,000-195,000 globally;

• Businesses: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon;

• Industries: Aerospace, defense, cybersecurity;

• Primary Customers: Military, government, commercial aviation;

• Security Clearances: Required for most defense positions;

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required for clearance-eligible roles;

• Core Values: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Innovation.

Hiring Policy Analysis

RTX hiring for defense positions fundamentally shaped by security clearance requirements. Most engineering, systems, and classified program roles require Secret or Top Secret clearance—federal government process evaluates "whole person" including criminal history. RTX equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, but national security clearance standards are federal requirement beyond employer control. Commercial aviation positions without clearance requirements may offer more accessible pathway.

For clearance positions: Criminal history not automatic disqualifier but significant factor; Whole person concept considers totality of circumstances; Mitigating factors actively evaluated; Time elapsed critical; Rehabilitation evidence important; Honesty throughout process absolutely essential—dishonesty permanently disqualifying. For non-clearance positions: Standard EEOC individualized assessment; Criminal history evaluated for job-relatedness; More accessible than clearance roles.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and RTX job postings. Most positions require U.S. citizenship; clearance requirements vary. Defense contractor compensation typically competitive.

Career Path Examples

Non-Clearance Entry Path: Manufacturing/Production role in commercial aviation (assembler, technician, or production position NOT requiring security clearance, proving reliability and quality through consistent performance in Collins Aerospace commercial avionics, Pratt & Whitney commercial engine programs, or non-classified production operations) → Build positive employment record demonstrating trustworthiness, attendance, and quality over 2-5+ years → If clearance becomes obtainable as time elapses and rehabilitation strengthens case, potential transition to cleared positions with sponsor support OR continue advancement within commercial/non-clearance career track → Senior Technician → Lead/Supervisor → Manufacturing/Production Management. This path allows meaningful career building at world-class aerospace company while clearance situation may naturally improve with passage of time and demonstrated professional reliability. Non-clearance career track is viable long-term option, not just holding pattern.

Clearance Path (if obtainable): Entry-level cleared position (with successful SF-86 adjudication demonstrating mitigating factors) → Build clearance history → Demonstrated trustworthiness → Access to more sensitive programs over time → Higher clearance levels may become accessible → Technical specialist or management tracks. Each successful period with clearance improves future prospects. Continuous evaluation means ongoing demonstrated reliability essential.

Background Check Process

Dual-Track Process: For non-clearance positions: Standard background check; EEOC individualized assessment; Drug test; Employment verification; Criminal history evaluated for job-relatedness. For clearance positions: SF-86 form (Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for National Security Positions); Complete life history disclosure required; Background investigation by government investigators (DCSA); References interviewed; Neighbors interviewed; Employment history verified; Criminal records checked at all jurisdictions; Financial records reviewed; Foreign contacts assessed; Adjudication against 13 guidelines; Whole person concept applied; Mitigating factors considered. Clearance timeline: 6-18 months depending on complexity. Interim clearance possible but depends on initial review.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic/Presumptive Disqualifiers: Dishonesty or falsification on SF-86 (permanent, absolute); Treason/espionage/terrorism convictions; Ongoing illegal drug use; Currently on parole/probation (until completed).

  
  

• Significant Barriers (but not automatic): Felony convictions (especially recent); Pattern of criminal conduct; Drug trafficking; Financial crimes; Violence; Dishonorable discharge. Each evaluated individually with mitigating factors considered.

  
  

• Mitigating Factors Evaluated: Significant time elapsed since offense; Isolated incident not pattern; Evidence of successful rehabilitation; Stable employment since conviction; Completion of treatment programs; Community involvement; Remorse and restitution; Positive references; Clean record since conviction; Changed circumstances.

Your Rights as Applicant

1. For Non-Clearance Positions: EEOC individualized assessment applies; Green Factors considered; FCRA rights (consent, pre-adverse action, dispute).

   
   

2. For Clearance Positions: Due process in adjudication; Right to respond to concerns raised; Right to appeal unfavorable decision; Statement of Reasons provided if denied; Right to present mitigating evidence; Whole person concept must be applied.

   
   

3. Important Note: Security clearance denial is not employment discrimination under EEOC—national security adjudication operates under different legal framework. RTX cannot override government clearance decisions.

Application Strategy

1. Target Non-Clearance Roles First: If record is recent (last 7-10 years) or involves financial integrity, drug trafficking, or violence, focus on positions NOT requiring security clearance. Commercial aviation manufacturing, facilities, and certain support roles may not require clearance. Build employment record first.

   
   

2. Be 100% Honest on SF-86: If you receive conditional offer requiring clearance and fill out SF-86, disclose EVERYTHING. Include: all arrests (even without conviction); charges (even dismissed); expunged/sealed records; juvenile matters; traffic offenses beyond minor violations; any law enforcement contact. Investigators will discover omissions—dishonesty is permanent disqualifier worse than underlying conviction.

   
   

3. Document Rehabilitation Thoroughly: Gather comprehensive proof of rehabilitation: degree completion; stable work history; treatment completion certificates; community involvement; character references from supervisors, clergy, community leaders; evidence of lifestyle change; time elapsed.

   
   

4. Address Financial Issues First: If you have outstanding debts, tax liens, judgments, or late payments, actively address them before applying to clearance positions. Create payment plans; resolve collections; file taxes. Financial irresponsibility is separate disqualifying factor under Guideline F.

   
   

5. Understand Time Elapsed Factor: More time since conviction significantly improves clearance prospects. 7-10+ years with clean record and demonstrated rehabilitation creates stronger case. Recent convictions (less than 5 years) face heightened scrutiny.

   
   

6. Prepare Detailed Narrative: Be ready to explain circumstances, accept responsibility, describe lessons learned, and articulate how you've changed. Genuine remorse and insight evaluated positively. Minimizing or excusing behavior evaluated negatively.

   
   

7. Consult Security Clearance Attorney: For serious criminal history seeking clearance positions, consulting attorney specializing in security clearance matters may be worthwhile investment. They can assess likelihood and strengthen presentation.

   
   

8. Consider Timing Strategically: If approaching 7 or 10 year mark since conviction, waiting may significantly improve clearance prospects. Time is major mitigating factor.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Honesty is Non-Negotiable: Government investigators will discover your complete history. Attempting to hide information guarantees permanent disqualification. Full disclosure with mitigating evidence is only path forward.

   
   

2. Non-Clearance Path is Viable: RTX's commercial aviation businesses (Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney commercial) offer positions without security clearance requirements. Career building possible without clearance.

   
   

3. Time Heals Clearance Concerns: Each year of clean behavior strengthens case. What may be disqualifying at 5 years may be mitigable at 10+ years. Strategic patience valuable.

   
   

4. Financial Health Matters: Clearance considers financial responsibility separately from criminal conduct. Outstanding debts, tax problems, and financial irresponsibility create independent barriers. Address finances proactively.

   
   

5. World-Class Employer: RTX is world's largest aerospace and defense company. Even non-clearance positions provide exceptional career opportunity in cutting-edge technology environment with competitive compensation.

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: Competitive defense contractor pay; Total rewards packages; Performance-based compensation; Technical specialist and management tracks.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision coverage; Multiple plan options; Competitive with major employers.

• Retirement: 401(k) with company match; Pension benefits (legacy plans); Long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays; Work-life balance emphasis.

• Education: Tuition assistance; Continued education support; Leadership development programs; Professional growth emphasis.

• Career Development: Leadership Development Program; Rotational programs; Internal advancement; Cross-functional exposure; Long-term career paths.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: World's largest aerospace/defense; Cutting-edge technology (hypersonics, directed energy, cybersecurity); Mission-driven culture; Leadership development; Competitive compensation; Job security in defense; Career advancement; Global opportunities; Innovation focus.

Cons: Security clearance requirements for most positions; Criminal history creates clearance challenges; Lengthy clearance process; Financial history also scrutinized; U.S. citizenship required for clearance; Defense industry cyclical with government budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does RTX (Raytheon Technologies) hire people with felonies?

   Yes, RTX hires individuals with felony convictions. However, most core engineering and defense positions require federal security clearance where criminal history is major adjudicative factor. Criminal record is NOT automatic disqualifier—clearance decisions evaluate "whole person" including mitigating factors (time elapsed, rehabilitation, isolated incident). Non-clearance commercial positions more accessible. RTX follows EEOC individualized assessment for non-clearance roles.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at RTX?

   Dual-track process: Non-clearance positions undergo standard background check with EEOC individualized assessment. Clearance positions require SF-86 (complete life history disclosure), government investigation by DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency), interviews with references/neighbors, financial review, adjudication against 13 guidelines. Clearance process: 6-18 months. Whole person concept applies—mitigating factors considered.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go—what is the lookback period?

   For security clearance: Entire life history reviewed. SF-86 asks about lifetime criminal history, though typical investigation focuses most intensely on last 7-10 years. Time elapsed is critical mitigating factor—more time since conviction significantly strengthens case. 7+ years with clean record and rehabilitation evidence creates much stronger position than recent convictions.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at RTX?

   For clearance positions: Any felony creates heightened review; Pattern of offenses (vs. isolated incident); Financial crimes (fraud, embezzlement—suggests vulnerability); Drug trafficking; Violence; Dishonesty/false statements; Recent convictions (less time to demonstrate rehabilitation). Dishonesty on SF-86 is automatic permanent disqualifier—worse than underlying conviction. For non-clearance: Standard EEOC job-relatedness analysis.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at RTX for applicants with a record?

   Non-clearance positions most accessible: Commercial aviation manufacturing (Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney commercial programs); Mechanical Assembler ($22-$42/hr); Manufacturing Technician; Facilities positions; Supply chain roles (some may not require clearance). Target positions explicitly NOT requiring clearance. Build employment record; time elapsed strengthens future clearance prospects.

   
   

6. Does RTX drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, pre-employment drug testing is standard condition of employment at RTX. Defense contractor environment requires drug-free workplace. Additionally, ongoing illegal drug use is disqualifying factor under Guideline H for security clearance. Must be completely drug-free. Clearance applications ask about drug history—full disclosure required.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will RTX ask about criminal history?

   For non-clearance positions: Background check typically after conditional offer; EEOC individualized assessment. For clearance positions: SF-86 requires complete criminal history disclosure after conditional offer requiring clearance. Must disclose ALL arrests, charges, convictions, expunged records, juvenile matters. Investigators will discover everything—honesty is absolutely essential.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at RTX if they have a felony?

   Possible but challenging if clearance required. Non-clearance career tracks: Manufacturing → Lead → Supervisor → Management possible without clearance. Clearance career tracks: If clearance obtained, advancement based on performance. Each successful period with clearance improves standing. Leadership Development Program available. Key: Time elapsed + rehabilitation + demonstrated trustworthiness.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   Non-clearance positions: Standard hiring timeline 2-4 weeks. Clearance positions: SF-86 submission → Investigation → Adjudication: 6-18 months depending on complexity and backlog. Criminal history adds time for additional investigation and mitigation review. Interim clearance may be possible during investigation depending on initial review.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at RTX?

    Target non-clearance positions initially; Be completely honest (dishonesty is permanent disqualifier); Document rehabilitation thoroughly; Address financial issues (separate clearance concern); Allow maximum time to elapse since conviction; Prepare detailed explanation demonstrating insight and change; Consider security clearance attorney consultation for serious history; Build employment record demonstrating reliability; Understand clearance is not guaranteed but possible with strong mitigation.

Alternative Second

Conclusion

RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies) offers career opportunity at the world's largest aerospace and defense company—185,000+ employees across Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon working on cutting-edge technologies including hypersonics, directed energy, cybersecurity, and advanced aviation. However, most core positions require federal security clearance where criminal history is major adjudicative factor under 13 guidelines.

Critical understanding: Criminal record is NOT automatic security clearance disqualifier under federal adjudicative standards. Security Executive Agent Directive 4 (SEAD 4) mandates comprehensive "whole person" evaluation considering all relevant information—favorable and unfavorable—with particular attention to mitigating factors: significant time elapsed since offense allowing demonstration of changed behavior; isolated incident versus concerning pattern suggesting ongoing unreliability; substantial evidence of successful rehabilitation including stable employment, community involvement, treatment completion, and lifestyle change; transformed circumstances eliminating pressures that contributed to past conduct; genuine remorse and acceptance of responsibility. Many individuals with past criminal history have successfully obtained security clearances when significant time has passed and rehabilitation is comprehensively documented. However, dishonesty or material omission on SF-86 IS automatic permanent disqualifier—far worse than underlying conviction because it demonstrates current untrustworthiness.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Target non-clearance positions initially in commercial aviation manufacturing (Collins Aerospace commercial avionics systems, Pratt & Whitney commercial aircraft engines), facilities management, or corporate support functions where standard EEOC individualized assessment applies without federal security clearance overlay. Build positive employment record at world-class aerospace company over time. Allow maximum years to elapse since conviction while demonstrating consistent rehabilitation through stable employment, community involvement, and responsible lifestyle. If pursuing clearance positions after time has elapsed: Commit to complete honesty on SF-86 (disclose everything including arrests, dismissed charges, expunged records, juvenile matters); Document rehabilitation comprehensively with employment records, treatment completion, references, community involvement; Address any financial issues proactively as Guideline F creates separate concern; Prepare detailed narrative accepting responsibility for past conduct and articulating genuine change; Consider consulting attorney specializing in security clearance matters for serious criminal history to assess likelihood and strengthen presentation.

Key success factors: Target non-clearance positions initially; Be absolutely honest about ALL criminal history (dishonesty permanently disqualifying); Document rehabilitation evidence thoroughly; Address financial issues proactively (separate clearance concern); Allow maximum time to elapse; Prepare compelling mitigation narrative; Understand clearance not guaranteed but possible with strong case; Build employment record demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness; Strategic patience—time is major mitigating factor.

Understanding the opportunity: RTX represents world-class career opportunity in aerospace and defense industry, including substantial commercial aviation operations where clearance requirements may not apply. Collins Aerospace serves commercial, regional, and business aviation sectors with avionics, interiors, and systems. Pratt & Whitney builds engines for commercial airlines worldwide. These commercial programs create positions without defense security clearance requirements. Competitive compensation across all RTX businesses, leadership development programs, tuition assistance, and cutting-edge technology environment provide exceptional career foundation. Those who successfully navigate clearance process with demonstrated rehabilitation, or who build rewarding careers in commercial tracks without clearance, contribute meaningfully to technologies advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems, and developing innovations connecting and protecting our world. RTX mission-driven culture values trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, and innovation—qualities demonstrated through rehabilitation and professional excellence.

Apply Now at careers.rtx.com

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Security clearance adjudication is federal government process governed by Security Executive Agent Directive 4 and 13 Adjudicative Guidelines—RTX does not control clearance decisions. U.S. citizenship required for most clearance-eligible positions. Criminal history is significant clearance factor but not automatic disqualifier when mitigating factors present. Dishonesty on SF-86 is permanent disqualifier. Consider consulting security clearance attorney for serious criminal history. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by position, location, and clearance level. Individual outcomes depend on criminal history specifics, time elapsed, rehabilitation evidence, financial history, and position requirements. RTX Corporation name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment or clearance outcomes.