Principal Engineer - Learning for Dynamics & Control

Location: East Hartford, CT (Hybrid)

U.S. citizenship is required for this position.

About the Role

RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC) is the innovation hub for RTX, conducting basic and applied research in a stimulating multi-disciplinary environment. The Dynamics, Control, and Autonomy Team within the Intelligent & Cyber-Physical Systems Department is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist specializing in Learning for Dynamics and Control. This role involves designing and developing novel control solutions for aerospace and defense applications while collaborating with experts across multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop novel control solutions for aerospace and defense applications, including jet engines, missiles, autonomous vehicles, avionics, aircraft power systems, hypersonic vehicles, advanced manufacturing, and space systems.
• Work in a multidisciplinary setting, integrating system-level perspectives with cutting-edge technologies from fields such as autonomy, power systems, cybersecurity, mechanical systems, aerodynamics, and thermal management.
• Lead and support externally and internally sponsored programs, including writing research proposals.
• Disseminate research results through reports, conference proceedings, peer-reviewed articles, and intellectual property development.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering with 2+ years of professional experience post-degree. Alternatively, an MS in the above disciplines with 5+ years of full-time industrial experience may be considered.
• Extensive experience in model-based control, including:
  • Optimization-based control (e.g., Model Predictive Control, both linear and nonlinear), from problem formulation to software implementation.
  • Novel approaches for safety, such as Control Barrier Functions (CBF).
  • Standard multivariable control techniques and estimation.
• Experience with machine learning for control, including:
  • Reinforcement Learning (RL) for safety-critical systems (e.g., model-based RL, Sim2Real transfer learning, safety guarantees using CBF).
  • Verification & Validation of AI/ML control laws, including neural network-based control.
  • Neural-network representations of controllers and estimators (e.g., Physics-Informed Neural Networks for MPC, Neural Network-based MPC).
• Experience with multi-agent collaborative autonomy, including:
  • Multi-agent autonomous behaviors.
  • Decentralized mission planning and execution.
• Control-oriented modeling of physical systems, both from first principles and data-driven methods (e.g., SINDy, Physics-Informed Neural Networks).
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and PyTorch/TensorFlow.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Hardware-in-the-Loop validation and real-time/embedded implementation of control laws, with experience in Speedgoat, dSPACE, or LabView/NIDAQ.
• FPGA programming.
• Hands-on experience implementing autonomy algorithms in high-fidelity simulations and/or hardware platforms, including:
  • PX4 or ArduPilot autopilots and software-in-the-loop simulations.
  • Robot Operating System (ROS) and Gazebo simulation.
  • Open-source planning and perception software packages.
  • Commercial UAV and UGV platforms.
• Experience in one or more of the following technical areas:
  • Neural and symbolic AI approaches for course of action development.
  • Resilient contingency management for multi-agent autonomous systems.
  • Human-robot teaming.
• Application experience in:
  • Manufacturing and inspection operations for autonomous systems, including assurance for autonomy safety and certification in aerospace.
  • Gas turbine engine modeling and control.
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Control (aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles).
  • Hypersonic propulsion.
  • Electric or hybrid-electric propulsion for aircraft.
  • Control co-design.
• Experience with Large Language Models and agentic control.
• Proposal writing for government-funded research, with a record of grants, patent applications, or high-quality journal and conference publications.
• Active security clearance.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills with a track record of teamwork, adaptability, innovation, and initiative.
• Clear and effective communication with all levels of management, business development, researchers, and customers.
• Ability to focus on results in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction in a multidisciplinary environment to accomplish project goals.
• Innovative mindset to view open-ended, tough problems as opportunities for novel solutions.

What You Will Learn

• How to transition novel concepts from early technology stages to impactful, globally influential products.
• How to build long-term relationships within RTX and externally with industry, academia, and government agencies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package, including:
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Healthcare, wellness, retirement, and work/life benefits.
  • Career development and recognition programs.
  • Parental (including paternal) leave.
  • Flexible work schedules.
  • Achievement awards.
  • Educational assistance and child/adult backup care.
• Eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (dependent on role level and collective-bargaining agreements).
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, and paid time off (including holidays).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $107,500 – $204,500 USD. The range is representative of all experience levels, and actual offers consider factors such as role, function, responsibilities, work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Schedule

This is a hybrid role. Employees will work both onsite and offsite, with the ratio of onsite time determined in partnership with your leader. Candidates within a reasonable commute of an RTX site may have a degree of onsite presence associated with this role.