Senior Researcher, Photonics / Optics
RTX· Defense· Oct 1, 2026 · 27d ago
East Hartford, CT
Hybrid
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
3+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-10-01 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-CT-EAST HARTFORD-RTRC L ~ 411 Silver Ln ~ RTRC L Position Role Type:
Hybrid U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S. Person” go here. ecfr.gov Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
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.
Role Overview
The RTX Technology Research Center is seeking a motivated and collaborative researcher in Electromagnetics with a focus on photonics to join our Electromagnetics and Network Systems Team.
Our Electromagnetics and Network Systems Team research focuses on developing advanced devices that leverage the interaction between RF, photonics, and functional materials for imaging, sensing, communication, and information‑processing technologies across the electromagnetic spectrum, supporting aerospace and defense applications. In collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, we transition novel concepts from early technology stages to a readiness level that influences RTX business applications.
What You Will Do
Role responsibilities include supporting the conception and design of novel optical, photonic devices, proof-of-concept demonstrations via simulation, fabrication, and experiments, supporting the preparation of internal and external research proposals, supporting dissemination of research results through reports, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed articles, and development of intellectual property. The candidate is expected to work in execution of the existing projects as well as contribute to develop new research programs.
A strong candidate will demonstrate:
A strong background and understanding of electromagnetism and its application across areas such as sensing and radar, communications, and imaging.
Self-motivation along with excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong collaboration abilities, problem solving capabilities, and interpersonal strengths, supported by a record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation, and initiative.
Technical proficiency in one or more of the following domains: design and development of optical, photonics and integrated circuit structures, optics/photonics/RF laboratory experimentation, multi physics or multi domain modeling for photonics/optics applications.
What You Will Learn
You will learn to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team including RTX Technology Research Center and broader RTX network, and contribute to advanced research projects, applying your expertise to tackle some of the most challenging engineering and scientific problems in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Qualifications You Must Have
Masters degree with a minimum of 3 years of experience or PhD in Physics, Engineering or a related field.
Minimum of 1 year of experience in fundamental principles of electromagnetism focused on photonics and/or optics, including photonic integrated circuits.
Minimum of 1 year of experience in the application of computational and/or experimental skills towards the development of new technologies.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Expertise in one or more of the following areas: integrated photonics (e.g., photonic integrated circuits, heterogenous integration, nano-photonics, optoelectronic devices), quantum network and sensing, optical metasurfaces, optical system design, non-linear optics, computational imaging, lasers.
Knowledge of emerging research areas and techniques, materials and structures for RF, photonics and quantum systems.
Practical knowledge of project management and practical to substantial knowledge of RTX projects, programs, or systems with the ability to make enhancements and leverage in daily work.
What We Offer: Whether you’re just starting out on your career journey or are an experienced professional, we offer a robust total rewards package with compensation; healthcare, wellness, retirement and work/life benefits; career development and recognition programs. Some of the benefits we offer include parental (including paternal) leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
Learn More & Apply
Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:
Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.
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 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.
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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