Principal R&D Engr/Scientist

Honeywell Aerospace US LLC; South Bend (IN); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace in South Bend, IN seeks a Principal R&D Engineer/Scientist to advance materials and processes for high temperature composites and thermal protection systems. The role reports to the Control Systems Director of Engineering and operates on a hybrid schedule.

As an SME, you will shape advanced materials programs, drive innovation, and mentor teams to deliver safe, reliable aerospace solutions that meet stringent government and industry standards.

Qualifications

• U.S. export control compliance requires a U.S. Person.
• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering is required.
• 15+ years leading R&D projects in related fields.
• Deep knowledge of aerospace materials and high‑temperature systems.
• Experience with testing and validation of composite materials at high temperature.
• Familiarity with aerospace regulations and government standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in design, development, and testing of high temperature composites and thermal protection systems.
• Drive innovation by identifying new materials and technologies to improve performance and durability.
• Lead research initiatives contributing to IP and patent development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and scientists to foster technical excellence.

Skills

Materials science

Aerospace materials

High temperature composites

Thermal protection systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering

Job description

As a Principal R&D Engineer/Scientist here at Honeywell Aerospace, you will leverage your technical expertise in Materials & Processes for High Temperature Composites and Thermal Protection Systems to develop innovative solutions. You will play a critical role in shaping and advancing enterprise technology that delivers significant business value and influences both governmental and industry projects.

You will report directly to our Control Systems Director of Engineering, and you’ll work out of our South Bend, IN, location on a hybrid work schedule.

In this role, you will serve as a Subject Matter Expert and impact the development and implementation of cutting‑edge materials and systems that enhance safety, performance, and reliability in aerospace applications.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical expertise in the design, development, and testing of High Temperature Composites and Thermal Protection Systems.
• Drive innovation by identifying new materials and technologies that improve system performance and durability.
• Lead research initiatives that contribute to intellectual property and patent development.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and scientists to foster a culture of technical excellence.

Qualifications

YOU MUST HAVE

• Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Material Science or Chemical Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience leading research and development projects.
• Deep knowledge of materials science related to Aerospace Braking Systems.
• Proven ability to innovate and contribute to business value through technology development.
• Experience with testing, characterization, and validation of composite materials under high temperature conditions.
• Familiarity with industry standards and government regulations relevant to aerospace materials.

WE VALUE

• Advanced degree in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering.
• Strong leadership skills and experience influencing governmental agencies and industry partners with publishing white papers and business proposals.
• Experience in patent development and intellectual property generation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

Due to compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, candidate must be a U.S. Person, which is defined as, a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or have protected status in the U.S. under asylum or refugee status or have the ability to obtain an export authorization.

ABOUT US

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission‑focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world’s aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

THE BUSINESS UNIT

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on‑time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Control Systems develops the thermal and motion control systems that help aircraft take off, land safely and protect the people on board. With more than 10 million passengers per day flying on aircraft equipped with our products and more than 75% of commercial flights beginning with our engine start systems, Control Systems reaches farther across the aviation industry than most people realize.

Honeywell Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, religion, or veteran status. Learn more about inclusion and diversity :

About Us:

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission‑focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world’s aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits:

Beyond a performance‑driven salary, you’ll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you’re eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer‑subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on aircraft across commercial aviation, defense and space — from engines and cockpit electronics to cabin systems, mechanical components and connectivity solutions. Our technology helps operators fly more safely, reduce fuel consumption, improve on‑time performance and deliver a better experience for the people on board.

As aviation continues to evolve, we're also developing systems to support autonomous and supersonic platforms, bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. With approximately 36,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, Honeywell Aerospace is one of the largest dedicated aerospace companies in the world. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com

Control Systems

Control Systems develops the thermal and motion control systems that help aircraft take off, land safely and protect the people on board. With more than 10 million passengers per day flying on aircraft equipped with our products and more than 75% of commercial flights beginning with our engine start systems, Control Systems reaches farther across the aviation industry than most people realize.