Senior Composites Engineer (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 86,800 - 165,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Relocation eligibility

Flexible schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Job summary

Pratt & Whitney’s Military Composites team seeks a highly motivated Composites Engineer to support military engine programs, focusing on composite fan components and advanced engine development.

You will design and analyze composite structures, select laminate architectures, and collaborate in IPTs to meet stringent engine requirements. Travel ~10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Engineering with 5+ years in defense/aerospace, or advanced degree with 3+ years.
• U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain DoD Secret security clearance.
• Proficient in CAD/CAE software including NX, ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, Patran and TeamCenter.
• Experience with composite manufacturing and non-destructive testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Design/structures engineer for composite components within IPT and systems.
• Provide CAD/CAE design and analysis across conceptual to detailed design phases.
• Select materials and laminate architectures; generate CAD models for testing.
• Perform FEM on ply-by-ply and layered models to verify engine requirements.
• Support manufacturability and document results for management and customers.
• Mentor developing engineers and apply CORE tools within the Composites Org.
• Travel roughly 10% to support programs.

Skills

Composite design

FEM analysis

GD&T

Mechanical design

Leadership

Non-destructive testing

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

NX

FiberSIM

TeamCenter

HyperMesh

Ansys MAPDL

Ansys Workbench

Abaqus

Nastran

Patran

NX Simcenter

Job description

Company Overview

Pratt & Whitney’s Military Composites team within Compression Systems Engineering (CSE) is seeking a highly‑motivated Composites Engineer to support all military engine programs. The role focuses on composite fan components for operational military engines and advanced engine development programs.

Responsibilities

• Function as a design/structures engineer for composite components and work on an Integrated Product Team (IPT) to design and implement solutions that 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 to validate structural testing.
• Assist in manufacturing process development at suppliers and ensure manufacturability of component designs, documenting and presenting results to management and external customers.
• Support military engines, advanced engine designs and the installed base, applying CORE (Customer Oriented Results & Excellence) tools within the Composites Organization.
• Mentor and coach developing engineers on the team.

Travel: approximately 10% travel is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience in defense/aerospace or related industries, OR advanced degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance (DoD Secret clearance).
• Experience with CAD software (e.g., NX, FiberSIM, TeamCenter) and CAE software (e.g., Altair HyperMesh, Ansys MAPDL, Ansys Workbench/ACP, 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, beam/plate theory, classical laminate theory, hand calculations).
• Hands‑on composites manufacturing experience using hand‑layup, autoclave, compression molding, RTM, VARTM, and/or SQRTM techniques.
• Knowledge of composite technology, manufacturing, and testing/characterization processes; familiarity with advanced textile design and manufacturing.
• Strong problem‑solving, teamwork, communication and leadership skills, with a track record of delivering positive results in a multi‑functional team environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 USD.
• Benefits including 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.
• Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs (subject to eligibility).
• Relocation eligibility.

Work Location

Onsite: Employees will work primarily onsite in Hartford, CT. Commute to/from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility. The role is U.S. based.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.