Senior Research Engineer - Combustion & Propulsion Technology

Senior Research Engineer – Combustion & Propulsion Team

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

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

Salary range: $86,800 – $165,200 USD.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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.