Principal Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems
RTX· Defense· Sep 24, 2026 · 1mo ago
East Hartford, CT
In office
Full-time
Principal
$168K–$230K est.
8+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-09-24 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:
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 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 is seeking a Principal Design Engineer – Mechanical Systems to join its Mechanical Systems, Externals, & Nacelles (MSEN) Engineering organization. In this highly visible technical leadership role, you will serve as the Design Lead and primary engineering liaison to the Customer Integrated Product Team (CIPT), driving design execution, schedule adherence, and successful delivery of engineering commitments. You will be accountable for coordinating cross-functional design activities, ensuring timely completion of technical deliverables, and proactively managing design risks. As the focal point for major technical issues within the CIPT, you will collaborate closely with the Integrated Program Management Team (IPMT), System Integrated Product Team (SIPT), Chief Engineers, and customers to communicate progress, mitigate risks, and deliver innovative, high-quality engineering solutions.
What You Will Do:
Identify, plan, and execute tasks with full cross‑functional integration, including managing medium‑scale projects.
Execute with urgency to disposition customer fleet issues.
Provide consultation to Engineering Support to Operations (ESTO) in resolving manufacturing & assembly issues.
Mentor and coach engineers, influencing large tasks and resource planning.
Contribute to and create Engineering Knowledge System (EKS) content, including updates to discipline tools and standards.
Support engine builds and teardowns and Engine Centers and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sites.
Travel up to 20% (Domestic and International).
What You Will Learn:
Integrate components within a Bearing Compartment, including complex castings, forgings, machinings, bearings, carbon seals, and secondary seals.
Integrate design needs across multiple hardware types, program phases, and neighboring module centers.
Drive forward‑thinking decision‑making, including shaping system‑level design impacts and gapping.
Advance leadership skills in guiding medium‑sized cross‑functional teams and influencing project direction.
Coach others effectively—overseeing technical work, communicating expectations, and improving team capability.
Discipline tools, EKS content, and Product Development partnership jointly drive high‑quality drawing release and design execution.
Qualifications You Must Have:
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field and 8 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced degree in a related field and 5 years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in mechanical design engineering with a proven track record of delivering successful projects.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Proven track record of mentoring and providing strategic technical guidance to engineers to elevate team performance and accelerate skill development, including oversight of calculations, layouts, and EKS.
Experience with Design or Modeling of Bearings, Carbon Seals, complex Castings, Machinings, and Forgings.
Experience in Lubrication Systems or Thermal Management Systems (TMS).
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Capability to independently execute multiple tasks, lead projects, and support resource planning with strong decision‑making ability using hardware understanding, analysis, interpretation, and system‑level awareness.
Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar). Strong understanding of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
What We Offer:
Eligible for Relocation.
Learn More & Apply Now!
Department/Segment Overview :
Mechanical Systems, Externals, & Nacelles (MSEN) : The MSEN organization is responsible for the design, development, and in-service support of power transmission systems, bearing compartment and rotor support design and analysis, oil and thermal management systems, engine externals packaging and architecture, as well as nacelles for commercial and military engine models. Technical disciplines include Project Engineering, Mechanical Design, Structural Analysis, Product Definition, System Modeling, Mechanical Design analysis for bearings, gears, and seals, and fluid-thermal modeling of associated components and systems.
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 the 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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