Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Systems Researcher

RTX; East Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Flexible schedules

Educational assistance

Job summary

RTX's Raytheon Technologies Research Center in East Hartford, CT is seeking a Senior Research Engineer in Heat Transfer/ Thermodynamic Systems. You will lead advanced modeling and system-level analysis across thermofluid challenges, supporting microelectronics cooling to propulsion systems.

The role requires strong analytical modeling, multi-physics expertise, and the ability to develop innovative cooling strategies using microchannels, jet impingement, and phase-change materials.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical/Nuclear Engineering with 3+ years experience.
• PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical/Nuclear Engineering with no formal experience.
• Minimum 1 year research experience in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics.
• Strong analytical modeling and programming skills (preferably multi-physics).
• Experience with uncertainty quantification and multi-physics coupling.

Responsibilities

• Perform high‑fidelity and reduced‑order modeling of single‑ and two‑phase flows.
• Develop multi‑physics simulations coupling thermal, fluid, structural, and thermomechanical responses.
• Create advanced computational cooling strategies for high‑heat‑flux electronics using microchannels, jet impingement, passive spreaders, and phase‑change materials.
• Conduct design‑space exploration using machine learning, AI‑assisted modeling, uncertainty quantification, and other optimization techniques.
• Perform parametric and topology optimization of thermal components such as heat sinks, cold plates, heat exchangers, and integrated flow channels.
• Model novel systems for engines, space propulsion, undersea propulsion, waste‑heat recovery, power generation, and cryogenic cooling.
• Predict device reliability using thermomechanical modeling and support experimental efforts.

Skills

Analytical modeling

Programming skills

FEA

CFD

Multi-physics

Multi-phase

Interfacial phenomena

Complex geometry

Uncertainty quantification

Collaboration

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical/Nuclear Eng

PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace/Chemical/Nuclear Eng

1 year research in Heat Transfer/Thermodynamics

Job description

Location

US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC K ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC K

Date Posted

2026-09-16

Country

United States of America

Location

US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC K ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC K

Position Role Type

Hybrid

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status

Not Required

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

What You Will Do

Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) develops breakthrough technologies that power the world’s most advanced aerospace and defense products. As a Senior Research Engineer on our Heat Transfer or Thermodynamic Systems Team, you will lead advanced modeling, simulation, and system‑level analysis across a wide range of thermofluid and thermal‑management challenges. Your work will span multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena in complex geometries, supporting programs from microelectronics thermal management to next-generation propulsion systems.

• Perform high‑fidelity and reduced‑order computational modeling of single‑ and two‑phase flows, including interfacial physics, phase change, and transient behavior
• Develop and integrate multi‑physics simulations coupling thermal, fluid, structural, and thermomechanical responses
• Create advanced computational cooling strategies for high‑heat‑flux electronics using microchannels, jet impingement, passive spreaders, heterogeneous integration, and phase–change materials
• Conduct design‑space exploration using machine learning, AI‑assisted modeling, uncertainty quantification, and other advanced optimization techniques
• Perform parametric and topology optimization of thermal components such as heat sinks, cold plates, heat exchangers, and integrated flow channels
• Model novel systems for next‑generation engines, space propulsion, undersea propulsion, waste‑heat recovery, power generation, and cryogenic cooling
• Predict device reliability using thermomechanical modeling
• Support (as a secondary responsibility) experimental efforts such as thermal testing, two‑phase flow loops, additively manufactured coupon evaluation, interface characterization, and system demonstrations

What You Will Learn

In this role, you will gain exposure to a broad set of cutting‑edge technologies and research practices across RTX. You will learn how to apply advanced computational approaches—multi‑physics modeling, machine learning, complex optimization—to real system‑level challenges. You will collaborate with experts in propulsion, microelectronics, power electronics, radar, avionics, sensors, and space systems, and you will gain experience shaping early‑stage research programs and contributing to externally funded initiatives.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Minimum a Master’s degree Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and minimum 3 years experience
• or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and no formal experience
• Minimum 1 year research experience in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics

Qualifications We Prefer

• Strong analytical modeling and programming skills
• General understanding of FEA and CFD methods
• Demonstrated experience publishing or presenting technical research
• Exceptional computational modeling capability in multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena
• Demonstrated ability to model complex geometry and highly coupled physical systems
• Ability to manage uncertainty, formulate problems from ill‑defined needs, and identify when additional SME expertise is required
• Excellent communication skills and ability to foster strong technical collaborations
• Experience developing or supporting externally funded research programs
• Background in military operations analysis or wargaming (helpful for select project areas)
• Hands‑on experience with thermal/fluid experiments, two‑phase systems, additive‑manufactured test coupons, or cryogenic hardware

What We Offer

Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs.

• Parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays
• Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective‑bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.