Senior Principal Mechanical Engineer

About the role

The role involves guiding complex tactical systems through rigorous development and qualification lifecycle, conducting pivotal cryocooler trade studies, and developing concepts of Opto-Mechanical Assemblies. It also includes designing Solid Models, performing Design for Manufacturability Trade Studies, and collaborating with Integrated Product Teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cryocooler trade studies and market down-selections for flagship programs.
• Evaluate SWaP-C characteristics, thermal capacity curves, and reliability predictions to guide selection and secure stakeholder buy-in.
• Partner with Chief Technologists and Engineering Leadership for strategic road mapping exercises and new business capture.
• Develop and optimize Solid Model designs for Opto-Mechanical Assemblies.
• Perform Design for Manufacturability Trade Studies to reduce fabrication and integration costs.
• Iterate designs with Structural and Thermal Analysts to ensure survival and reliability requirements are met.
• Create and manage Technical Data Packages (TDP) in Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Support Manufacturing in a Sustaining/Liaison Engineering role, advising on FPAs, optical systems, or Dewar systems.
• Define scope and level of analysis to meet required objectives, ensuring cost and schedule compliance.
• Act as an organizational spokesperson, presenting work in program and department reviews and providing expert counseling and mentoring to team members.

Requirements

• A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in Mechanical design in the aerospace or commercial industry.
• Experience developing and implementing new products, processes, standards, or operational plans.
• Experience with low-temperature materials and their usage in cryogenic applications.
• Experience with performing hand calculations based on fundamental equations.
• Experience with thin structural bonds in assemblies and thermal testing.

Qualifications

• Extensive understanding and experience in advanced principles, theories, concepts, and techniques in structural and/or dynamics analysis.
• Team leadership and/or personnel management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of government, industry, and academic practices and standards related to mechanical/aerospace.
• In-depth experience in vacuum life analysis and development of vacuum enclosure assemblies.
• Working knowledge of cryogenic materials properties via published papers or programs actively engaged as a contributing analyst.
• Knowledge of commercial CAD software, such as CREO/ProE, Solidworks, or Unigraphics.
• Ability to read detailed engineering drawings and specifications, including understanding of GD&T.
• Programming experience in Matlab, Python, C++, or Visual Basic.

What We Offer

• Total rewards package including compensation, healthcare, wellness, and work/life benefits.
• Career development and recognition programs.
• Benefits such as parental leave, flexible work schedules, achievement awards, educational assistance, and child/adult backup care.

Pay and Benefits

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. Specific benefits are dependent on the specific business unit and whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is committed to maintaining a secure hiring process and equal opportunity employment. The company values trust, respect, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and safety.