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Propulsion System Engineer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

D489 engineers are responsible for the assembly, integration, outfitting, test, and problem resolution of delivered TG sets for the state-of-the-art electric drive propulsion system on COLUMBIA Class ...

D489 engineers are responsible for the assembly, integration, outfitting, test, and problem resolution of delivered TG sets for the state-of-the-art electric drive propulsion system on COLUMBIA Class ...

Showing results 21-40

Propulsion System Engineer information

What is a propulsion system engineer?

Propulsion System Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain systems that propel vehicles, such as rockets, airplanes, or spacecraft. They work with various types of engines, including jet, rocket, and other advanced propulsion technologies, to ensure efficient and safe performance. Their responsibilities often include analyzing system requirements, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize propulsion systems for specific missions or vehicles. They play a crucial role in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a propulsion system engineer?

To thrive as a Propulsion System Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like ANSYS or MATLAB, and knowledge of propulsion system regulations or certifications (such as those from SAE or FAA) are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and project management abilities set outstanding engineers apart in collaborative and high-stakes environments. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of propulsion systems in complex aerospace projects.

What are some common challenges faced by propulsion system engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Propulsion System Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex mechanical, electrical, and software components while ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency. These challenges can be addressed by collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, conducting rigorous simulation and testing, and staying current with industry standards and technological advancements. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and technologies may evolve rapidly. Additionally, effective troubleshooting and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unexpected issues during development and testing phases.

What is the difference between Propulsion System Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPropulsion System EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Propulsion EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test propulsion systems for aerospace or automotive industriesDesign, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems across various industries
Industry UsagePrimarily aerospace, defense, and space sectorsBroadly used in automotive, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace sectors

The Propulsion System Engineer specializes in designing and testing propulsion components, often within aerospace and defense industries, requiring specific knowledge of propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineers have a broader focus on mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles require strong engineering fundamentals, Propulsion System Engineers focus more on propulsion-specific design and testing, whereas Mechanical Engineers work on a wider range of mechanical systems.

Infographic showing various Propulsion System Engineer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Research Engineer - Combustion & Propulsion Technology

Raytheon Technologies

East Hartford, CT • On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-10
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:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
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.
What You Will Do
The Combustion and Propulsion Team at RTX Technology Research Center is seeking a candidate with strong analytical skills and expertise in combustion and propulsion technology to serve as a Senior Research Engineer. The successful candidate will join an inter-disciplinary research team working in areas such as pressure gain combustion including Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE), advanced propulsion concepts, gas turbine combustion, high-speed and multi-physics reacting flows, sprays, and experimental combustion and diagnostics. The individual is expected to focus on technical excellence; demonstrate innovation in the delivery of advanced technology; develop strong customer relationships both within and outside of RTX and to participate on research proposals to RTX business units and government agencies.
Qualifications You Must Have
  • M.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related engineering field. (Master's degree with at least 3 years of work experience post degree for Senior Research Engineer in the RDE and gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures)
  • Proficient knowledge of pressure gain combustion, combustion science, fluid mechanics and chemical kinetics as applied to advanced propulsion technologies with experience in RDE and gas turbine combustor design, experimental combustion and diagnostics, computational fluid dynamics, high speed and/or reacting flows.
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver to challenging technical objectives through creative problem solving and innovative thinking.
  • Experience in the application of analytical skills to the development of new technology.
  • Record of technical contributions including patents or publications.

Qualifications We Prefer
  • PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related engineering field with graduate work in the RDE and gas turbine combustor development or advanced engine architectures.
  • Experimental testing of RDEs or other high pressure, high temperature combustion rigs, diagnostics and data analysis (performance, emissions, acoustics, durability, etc.).
  • Understanding of fundamental RDE physics and advanced combustor concepts
  • Design of fuel/air mixers for combustion devices (including RDE injectors, gas turbines, low/zero carbon combustors, rockets, scramjets) using CFD or other analytical methods.
  • Experience with use of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and/or sustainable aviation fuels (SAF's).
  • System-level architecture exploration for propulsion systems including combustion devices.

Learn More & Apply Now
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 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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About RTX

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Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, it services, aerospace product and parts manufacturing and engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Waltham, MA, US

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