Senior Principal Engineer – Solid & Structural Mechanics (Hybrid)

Prattwhitney; East Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

RTX Technologies Research Center in East Hartford is seeking a Senior Principal Engineer to advance mechanics of materials and structures with AI/ML integration. You will develop constitutive, damage and fracture models and perform multiscale analyses using FEA tools.

The role requires strong communication, ability to present to senior management, and collaboration with RTRC staff; hybrid onsite/offsite work is expected. A STEM degree with extensive experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM with 10+ years experience or MS/PhD with 7+ years.
• Proficiency in AI/ML for mechanics/materials problems and FEA coding.
• Experience with multi-physics modeling and AI/ML integration.

Responsibilities

• Contribute technically to mechanics of materials and structures.
• Apply AI/ML tools to solve complex mechanics problems.
• Prepare timely reports and presentations for RTRC management.

Skills

AI/ML tools in mechanics

Constitutive modeling

Damage mechanics

Fracture mechanics

Structural analysis

Structural dynamics

Multi-scale modeling

Finite element methods

Excellent communication

Education

MS or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or Materials Science

Degree in STEM with 10+ years of experience

Tools

ANSYS

ABAQUS

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-08-13 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 certain necessary systems. 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

The Solid and Structural Mechanics team at RTX Technologies Research Center (RTRC) is seeking qualified candidates to join the team as a Senior Principal Engineer. The candidate is expected to provide technical contributions in the core area of mechanics of materials and structures as well as in the use and deployment of emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) tools to solve complex problems in those areas. Background and expertise in one or more core areas of mechanics such as constitutive modeling, damage mechanics, fracture mechanics, structural analysis, structural dynamics and vibrations, multi-scale modeling, finite element methods applied to metallic and/or composite materials are desired. The candidate will have exceptional communication skills, capable of interacting with RTRC senior management as well as members of the technical staff. The candidate must be able to provide timely, accurate, and detailed reports and presentations. Experience in developing innovative ideas, marketing them to internal and external funding agencies, and proposal writing is highly desirable.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years experience MS or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Engineering Mechanics / Materials Science & Engineering
• Proficiency in the following is required: (1) Development and deployment of AI/ML tools for solving mechanics/materials/structures problems (2) Linear and nonlinear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS or ABAQUS including writing user material subroutines
• Proficiency in the following is desirable: Multi-scale and multi-physics modeling approaches leveraging AI/ML techniques is highly desired.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; proficient with Microsoft tools: Word, Excel and PowerPoint; high energy; team player

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

This position is classified as: Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

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.

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RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.