Principal Composites Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-07-14

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-ETC ~ 400 Main St ~ BLDG ETC

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. 

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power systems and has been revolutionizing modern flight for over 100 years. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Pratt & Whitney’s Military Composites team within Compression Systems Engineering (CSE), is currently seeking a highly-motivated Composites Engineer to join its team in support of all our military engine programs. In this role, you will support CIMA (Composites, Impact, Manufacturing and Analysis) with technology, design development, definition, production, and aftermarket phases for composite fan components on a mix of operational military engines and advanced engine development programs.

What You Will Do

• Functioning as a design/structures engineer for composite components and working on an Integrated Product Team (IPT) and participating in projects aimed at crafting and implementing designs that meet advanced engine-specific requirements.
• Providing design and/or structural analysis support throughout conceptual, preliminary, & detailed design phases, to include validation, certification, manufacturing, and operational service.
• Material selection, determination of laminate architecture, generation of detail/assembly-level CAD models, and design of sub-element components for empirical testing.
• Finite element analysis of homogeneous solid, layered shell, & layered solid (ply-by-ply) models to ensure compliance to engine hardware requirements and structural testing correlation/validation.
• Assist in manufacturing process development at suppliers and ensure the manufacturability of component designs, documenting and presenting results to management and external customers.
• Support of Military Engines, advanced engine designs and installed base of engines and apply CORE (Customer Oriented Results & Excellence) tools within the Composites Organization.
• Mentor and Coaching developing engineers on the team.
• Travel: ~10% Travel is anticipated.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 8+ years’ relevant experience in Defense/Aerospace or related industries, OR
• Advanced Degree in a related field and 5+ years of experience.
• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Advanced Degree in Engineering.
• Active US Security Clearance.
• CAD Software experience (e.g., NX, FiberSIM, TeamCenter).
• CAE Software experience (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, e.g., bolted/mechanically fastened joints, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance stack-up methodology, beam/plate theory, classical laminate theory (CLT), general hand calculations, etc.
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experience using hand-layup, autoclave, compression molding, RTM, VARTM, and/or SQRTM techniques.
• Knowledge of composite technology including the composite design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing/characterization processes.
• Familiarity with advanced textile design and manufacturing.
• Demonstrated strong problem solving, teamwork, communication, & leadership skills.
• A track record of delivering positive results in a multi-functional team environment.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, suppliers and management in varying disciplines.
• Experience with Agile and/or Waterfall project management frameworks.

What We Offer

• Relocation Eligibility

Learn More & Apply Now!

Compression Systems Engineering (CSE)

Compression Systems Engineering is responsible for the design, development, and in service support of all fans low-pressure and high-pressure compressors for commercial and military engine models. CSE is responsible for the identification and maturation of new technologies for these products.

Technical disciplines in CSE include Project Engineering, Mechanical Design, Structural Analysis, and Product Definition.

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms