Principal Composites Engineer (Onsite)

Pratt & Whitney; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation eligibility

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Pratt & Whitney is seeking an onsite design/structures engineer specializing in composites for advanced engine projects in East Hartford, CT. You will perform design and structural analysis from concept through detail, selecting materials and performing FEA to meet requirements.

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance are required. Travel ~10% and mentorship of engineers are included in the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 8+ years of experience in Defense/Aerospace.
• Advanced degree with 5+ years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design/structures engineer for composite components on engine projects.
• Provide design and structural analysis through all design phases, including validation and certification.
• Mentor developing engineers on the team.

Skills

Composite design

FEM analysis

Team leadership

Agile/Waterfall

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

NX

FiberSIM

TeamCenter

HyperMesh

Abaqus

Nastran

Job description

Location: US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-ETC ~ 400 Main St ~ BLDG ETC

Date Posted: 2026-07-14

Country: United States of America

Position: Onsite, U.S. Citizen required – Must obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance (Secret) from day one.

What You Will Do

• Function as a design/structures engineer for composite components; work on Integrated Product Teams and projects to meet advanced engine requirements.
• Provide design and/or structural analysis support throughout conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases, including validation, certification, manufacturing, and operational service.
• Select materials, determine laminate architecture, generate detail/assembly-level CAD models, and design sub‑element components for empirical testing.
• Perform finite element analysis of homogeneous solid, layered shell, and layered solid (ply‑by‑ply) models to ensure compliance with engine hardware requirements and validate structural testing.
• Assist in manufacturing process development at suppliers and ensure manufacturability of component designs; document and present results to management and external customers.
• Support Military Engines, advanced engine designs, and the installed base of engines; apply CORE tools within the Composites Organization.
• Mentor and coach developing engineers on the team.
• Travel: approximately 10%.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 8+ years of relevant experience in Defense/Aerospace or related industries, or
• Advanced degree in a related field and 5+ years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Advanced degree in Engineering.
• Active US Security Clearance.
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., NX, FiberSIM, TeamCenter).
• Experience with CAE software (e.g., Altair HyperMesh, Ansys MAPDL/Workbench, Abaqus, Nastran, Patran, NX Simcenter).
• Familiarity with non‑destructive testing methods for composites.
• Mechanical design experience: bolted/mechanically fastened joints, GD&T, tolerance stack‑up methodology, beam/plate theory, classical laminate theory, and hand calculations.
• Hands‑on composites manufacturing experience using hand‑layup, autoclave, compression molding, RTM, VARTM, and/or SQRTM techniques.
• Knowledge of composite technology including design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing/characterization processes.
• Familiarity with advanced textile design and manufacturing.
• Strong problem‑solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
• Track record of delivering positive results in a multi‑functional team environment.
• Effective communication with customers, co‑workers, suppliers, and management across disciplines.
• Experience with Agile and/or Waterfall project management frameworks.

What We Offer

• Relocation eligibility.
• Competitive salary between $107,500 and $204,500 (USD).
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and 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.

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.