Principal Advanced Manufacturing Research Engineer
RTX· Defense· Jul 21, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 98 days ago
East Hartford, CT
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
8+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 21, 2026 — 98 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-07-21 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:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
At RTX, the world 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.
For more than 95 years the RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC) has operated as a multidisciplinary group of experts collaborating on groundbreaking innovations. Our team includes some of the world’s leading scientists, researchers, and engineers working to anticipate the discoveries destined to change everything, and they transform that research into the solutions and products that help our businesses shape the future of aerospace and defense. Our unique talent, experience, and resources allow us to deliver rapid responses to critical, time-sensitive challenges, and develop breakthroughs for a safer, more connected world.
RTRC is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Principal Advanced Manufacturing Research Engineer. The candidate will join the Advanced Manufacturing Team which specializes in the development, testing, optimization, and demonstration of novel manufacturing technologies for internal deployment as well as for external research programs across a variety of technical areas including additive manufacturing, robotic automation, machining, joining, welding, repair, surface treatment, sensing, amongst many others.
The successful candidate will lead and support programs with a focus on advanced welding & joining, large platform metal additive manufacturing, directed energy deposition technologies, and manufacturing automation. The individual will collaborate with a cross-functional team, supporting project reviews with internal and external customers, contributing to strategy and roadmap exercises, originating new ideas, defining new projects, and pursuing R&D funding from internal and external sources. The individual will work with the team in a fast-paced, R&D environment alongside leading scientists and colleagues from across RTRC and the greater RTX organization (including Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon) to conceive, develop, and demonstrate next generation technologies for Aerospace and Defense applications.
Responsibilities
Development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, including industrial robotics, motion platforms, and process equipment (e.g. welding, additive manufacturing, cutting, deburring, finishing)
Joining process selection and definition, welding and joining supplier identification and engagement, process development, inspection and failure analysis
Identify, develop, and deploy automation, robotics, process monitoring, and smart manufacturing solutions to improve quality, reduce cost, and enhance throughput.
Support definition and execution of roadmaps for manufacturing process technology—assessing emerging trends, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and engaging with equipment suppliers and integrators
Work with the team to develop concepts, marketing campaigns, whitepapers, and proposals in pursuit of R&D funding from internal and external sources
Troubleshoot process and equipment issues and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired project outcomes, improve quality and performance
Work safely at all times, following all safety protocols and procedures
Comply with all company policies and procedures
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.
Hands-on experience with and fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication techniques, and equipment
Hands-on experience with welding, joining, or metal additive manufacturing / 3D printing, including large platform wire and powder-fed directed energy deposition (DED)
Demonstrated background in optimization of manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, coating, assembly, and/or other advanced manufacturing methods
Qualifications We Prefer
PhD in Manufacturing, Material Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred
Combination of experience in areas including mechanical design, materials science, metallurgy, finishing processes, machining, welding, joining
Strong experience in aerospace mechanical component manufacturing methods including subtractive and additive techniques, fabrication, welding, hot and cold forming, casting, material processing, assembly, testing, automation, metrology, and inspection
Proficiency with industrial robotics (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA, etc.) and/or related automation technologies (CNC systems, PLCs, etc.)
Experience collaborating with and directing suppliers performing special manufacturing processes
Experience with common industry standards for metals and metal manufacturing including Aerospace Materials Specifications, American Welding Society, and ASTM International
Experience leading complex process development or automation initiatives in an aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environment
Background in Low Volume, High Mix aerospace manufacturing
Experience with technical design and documentation including mechanical assemblies, weldments, fabrication drawings, assembly and inspection procedures, installation drawings, and GD&T
Experience working with DoD and other government agencies
Experience writing proposals and leading complex R&D projects
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.
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.
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.
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave