Barbara Borgonovi

President of Naval Power

Raytheon

By Rodney Campbell

A few months into her new job as Raytheon’s president of Naval Power, Barbara Borgonovi developed a fondness for Tucson.

But the desert tested that love the very first week.

“Our first Saturday night in the new house, we were grilling and there was a baby rattlesnake in our backyard,” she said. “My first thought was to get a shovel.”

Borgonovi and her husband, Stephen, got through the experience and have grown to appreciate the region by hiking, playing golf and spending time outdoors.

“I didn’t know what a javelina was when we moved here,” she said. “Now, we appreciate living with animals.”

The couple moved here from Dallas when Borgonovi accepted the job last year. She has worked for Raytheon since 2001, steadily moving up through the ranks. Borgonovi started with the company after earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

“I could work in the defense industry with another company, but I choose to work with Raytheon because of the people,” said Borgonovi, who also earned an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Ryan Doak works closely with Borgonovi as executive director of contracts. He said his colleague’s leadership style allows her to get the most from employees, benefiting the company and customers.

“Barbara is a straightforward leader who holds herself and her team accountable to commitments,” he said. “This allows her to build trust quickly with her team, her leadership and our customers.”

Borgonovi’s father was a nuclear physicist, sparking her career interests. Her involvement in student government also set the stage to pursue leadership positions.

“I was raised with a science background,” she said. “I knew I wanted to be an engineering leader.”

She’s proud that Raytheon provides outreach to Southern Arizona students who are interested in STEM careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that the nation’s demand for engineering skills would grow by 13% from 2023 to 2031. 

“We spend a lot of time at RTX and Raytheon working with elementary and middle school students. We need more engineers in this country,” said Borgonovi, who is a member of the University of Arizona College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board. 

Borgonovi is grateful for the chance to work with the U.S. Navy as it defends our nation’s interests. It motivates her to lead her team every day.

“The role is an incredible privilege, leading the Navy business for Raytheon,” Borgonovi said. “Having a customer in need of a product gets me out of bed every day. It’s an exciting time in the job. I’m loving it.”