Research Software Engineer, Formal Methods (Hybrid)

Prattwhitney; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Parental leave

Job summary

Prattwhitney is seeking a Research Software Engineer with a focus on formal methods in dynamic systems. This hybrid role, based in Cambridge, requires expertise in Python and C/C++, with additional experience in formal methods and systems security.

The successful candidate will contribute to enhancing security measures and resilience across large-scale systems while leading projects within a dynamic team environment. Comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and professional development opportunities, will be provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience with Python and either C/C++ or Java.
• Experience with Formal Methods and model checking.
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret Clearance within one year.

Responsibilities

• Program and test software and systems.
• Design and develop models and specifications.
• Develop algorithms for security and resilience.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Formal Methods

Mathematical Logic

Networking Fundamentals

Systems Security

Education

University Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics

Ph.D. degree

Tools

Software Development Tools

SAT/SMT Solvers

Job description

Overview

Date Posted: 2026-04-01 | Country: United States of America | Location: US-MA-CAMBRIDGE-BBN06 ~ 10 & 50 Moulton St ~ MOULTON B6 | Role Type: Hybrid | Citizenship: U.S. citizen required | Security Clearance: DoD Top Secret Clearance required after day 1.

RTX BBN Networking and Cyber Technologies group is seeking a Research Software Engineer, Formal Methods who will develop software to enhance the security and resilience of large‑scale dynamic systems. The role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team and build core technologies for improving processes, networks, protocols, and systems.

Responsibilities

• Program and test software and systems in Python, C, C++, or Java, as well as with logic‑programming languages.
• Design and develop formal or informal models and specifications of protocols and systems using mathematical logic.
• Develop algorithms to analyze how systems work or break, and how to make them more secure and resilient.
• Apply formal methods techniques such as model checking and theorem proving (highly desirable).
• Conduct critical analyses of results to validate technical hypotheses and guide next steps.
• Advance network security research at BBN.
• Own projects or large components of projects.
• Distinguish BBN and yourself by leading and performing cutting‑edge research.
• Travel up to 10% as required to BBN, RTX, teammate, or customer sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• A University Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics (or equivalent experience) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
• Minimum 3years of experience with multiple software development tools and languages, including Python and either C/C++ or Java.
• Prior experience with Formal Methods, especially with application and scaling of model checking, model measuring, and theorem proving.
• Prior experience with mathematical logic and logic programming.
• Prior experience with networking fundamentals.
• Prior experience in systems security.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret Clearance within one year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. degree.
• Experience writing logic for SAT/SMT solvers.
• Experience with Python and/or shell scripting.
• Experience writing proposals and capture.
• Experience in networking and protocols (TCP/IP stacks, wire‑level protocols, RF communications, BGP, etc.).

Location & Work‑Style

Hybrid: Employees will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Onsite ratio to be determined in partnership with your leader. Hybrid locations include Columbia, MD; Arlington, VA; Cambridge, MA. Relocation assistance available.

Benefits

• Healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, parental leave, paid time off, holidays, achievement awards, educational assistance, child/adult backup care.
• Robust total rewards package with compensation and career development programs.
• Opportunities through RTX to transition research into real‑world applications.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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, veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.