Senior Research Engineer - Combustion & Propulsion Technology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Flexible work schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Parental leave

Paid time off

Holidays

Incentive compensation

Job summary

RTX in Hartford, CT is seeking a Senior Research Engineer for the Combustion & Propulsion Team to advance research in pressure‑gain combustion, RDE, and high‑speed reacting flows. The role requires an MS (PhD preferred) in mechanical or aerospace engineering and a track record of technical contributions.

The position is onsite in Hartford, with collaboration across RTX business units and government partners.

Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with at least 3 years of post‑degree experience in RDE/gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures.
• Proficient knowledge of pressure‑gain combustion, combustion science, fluid mechanics, and chemical kinetics with RDE/gas turbine combustor design experience.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver challenging technical objectives through creative problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Experience applying analytical skills to develop new technology.
• Record of technical contributions, including patents or publications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on research in pressure‑gain combustion and Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE).
• Demonstrate technical excellence and innovation in propulsion concepts and diagnostics.
• Build strong customer relationships within RTX and with external partners.
• Participate in proposals to RTX business units and government agencies.

Skills

RDE development

CFD

Propulsion systems

Experimental combustion

Education

MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD software

Job description

Senior Research Engineer – Combustion & Propulsion Team

Security Clearance: U.S. Citizen, active DoD Secret clearance required.

Location & Employment Type

Hartford, CT – Onsite. Employees will primarily work onsite. Personal commuting responsibility.

Salary

Salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 USD.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate on research in pressure‑gain combustion, Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE), advanced propulsion concepts, gas turbine combustion, high‑speed and multi‑physics reacting flows, sprays, and experimental combustion and diagnostics.
• Demonstrate technical excellence and innovation in advanced technology delivery.
• Build strong customer relationships within and outside RTX.
• Participate in research proposals to RTX business units and government agencies.

Must Have Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field with at least 3 years of post‑degree experience for senior level in RDE/gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures.
• Proficient knowledge of pressure‑gain combustion, combustion science, fluid mechanics, and chemical kinetics applied to advanced propulsion, with experience in RDE and gas turbine combustor design, experimental combustion and diagnostics, CFD, high‑speed and/or reacting flows.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver challenging technical objectives through creative problem‑solving and innovative thinking.
• Experience applying analytical skills to develop new technology.
• Record of technical contributions, including patents or publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field with graduate work in RDE and gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures.
• Experimental testing of RDEs or other high‑pressure, high‑temperature combustion rigs, diagnostics and data analysis (performance, emissions, acoustics, durability, etc.).
• Understanding of fundamental RDE physics and advanced combustor concepts.
• Design of fuel/air mixers for combustion devices (including RDE injectors, gas turbines, low/zero‑carbon combustors, rockets, scramjets) using CFD or other analytical methods.
• Experience with alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and/or sustainable aviation fuels (SAF’s).
• System‑level architecture exploration for propulsion systems including combustion devices.

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, holidays.
• Annual short‑term and/or long‑term incentive compensation programs (eligible per level and collective‑bargaining agreement).

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.