Senior Research Engineer - Combustion & Propulsion Technology

globalhr; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision benefits

401(k) match

Employee Scholar Program

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

RTX Technology Research Center in East Hartford is seeking a Senior Research Engineer with strong analytical skills and expertise in combustion and propulsion to join the Combustion and Propulsion Team. The role focuses on pressure gain combustion, Rotating Detonation Engine, gas turbine combustion, and high-speed reacting flows.

You will collaborate with an inter-disciplinary team, contribute to proposals, develop innovative technologies, and build relationships with RTX customers and

Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; 3+ years post-degree for senior role.
• Proficient knowledge of pressure gain combustion, propulsion tech, CFD, and experimental diagnostics.
• Proven ability to deliver on challenging technical objectives with creative problem solving.
• Experience applying analytical skills to new technology development.
• Record of technical contributions such as patents or publications.

Responsibilities

• Work on combustion and propulsion tech including RDE and gas turbine combustors.
• Contribute to research proposals and customer relationships inside RTX and with external entities.
• Deliver technically rigorous results and drive innovation across projects.

Skills

Pressure gain combustion

CFD

High-speed/reacting flows

Experimental diagnostics

Problem solving

Education

MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

PhD preferred in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

CFD software

Experimental rigs

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Country: United States of America

Location: US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC K ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC K

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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 Combustion and Propulsion Team at RTX Technology Research Center is seeking a candidate with strong analytical skills and expertise in combustion and propulsion technology to serve as a Senior Research Engineer. The successful candidate will join an inter-disciplinary research team working in areas such as pressure gain combustion including Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE), advanced propulsion concepts, gas turbine combustion, high-speed and multi-physics reacting flows, sprays, and experimental combustion and diagnostics. The individual is expected to focus on technical excellence; demonstrate innovation in the delivery of advanced technology; develop strong customer relationships both within and outside of RTX and to participate on research proposals to RTX business units and government agencies.

Qualifications You Must Have

• M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related engineering field.(Master’s degree with at least 3 years of work experience post degree for Senior Research Engineer in the RDE and gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures)
• Proficient knowledge of pressure gain combustion, combustion science, fluid mechanics and chemical kinetics as applied to advanced propulsion technologies with experience in RDE and gas turbine combustor design, experimental combustion and diagnostics, computational fluid dynamics, high speed and/or reacting flows.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver to challenging technical objectives through creative problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Experience in the application of analytical skills to the development of new technology.
• Record of technical contributions including patents or publications.

Qualifications We Prefer

• PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related engineering field with graduate work in the 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 use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and/or sustainable aviation fuels (SAF's).
• System-level architecture exploration for propulsion systems including combustion devices.

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.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 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. 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.