Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Systems Researcher

RTX•East Hartford, CT

3d•$86,800 - $165,200•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Raytheon Technologies Research Center (RTRC) develops breakthrough technologies that power the world’s most advanced aerospace and defense products. As a Senior Research Engineer on our Heat Transfer or Thermodynamic Systems Team, you will lead advanced modeling, simulation, and system‑level analysis across a wide range of thermofluid and thermal‑management challenges. Your work will span multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena in complex geometries, supporting programs from microelectronics thermal management to next-generation propulsion systems. What You Will Learn In this role, you will gain exposure to a broad set of cutting‑edge technologies and research practices across RTX. You will learn how to apply advanced computational approaches—multi‑physics modeling, machine learning, complex optimization—to real system‑level challenges. You will collaborate with experts in propulsion, microelectronics, power electronics, radar, avionics, sensors, and space systems, and you will gain experience shaping early‑stage research programs and contributing to externally funded initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum a Master’s degree Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and minimum 3 years experience or Ph.D. in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Nuclear Engineering and no formal experience
Minimum 1 year research experience in Heat Transfer or Thermodynamics

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical modeling and programming skills
General understanding of FEA and CFD methods
Demonstrated experience publishing or presenting technical research
Exceptional computational modeling capability in multi‑physics, multi‑phase, and interfacial phenomena
Demonstrated ability to model complex geometry and highly coupled physical systems
Ability to manage uncertainty, formulate problems from ill-defined needs, and identify when additional SME expertise is required
Excellent communication skills and ability to foster strong technical collaborations
Experience developing or supporting externally funded research programs
Background in military operations analysis or wargaming (helpful for select project areas)
Hands‑on experience with thermal/fluid experiments, two‑phase systems, additive‑manufactured test coupons, or cryogenic hardware

Responsibilities

Perform high‑fidelity and reduced‑order computational modeling of single‑ and two‑phase flows, including interfacial physics, phase change, and transient behavior
Develop and integrate multi‑physics simulations coupling thermal, fluid, structural, and thermomechanical responses
Create advanced computational cooling strategies for high‑heat‑flux electronics using microchannels, jet impingement, passive spreaders, heterogeneous integration, and phase‑change materials
Conduct design‑space exploration using machine learning, AI‑assisted modeling, uncertainty quantification, and other advanced optimization techniques
Perform parametric and topology optimization of thermal components such as heat sinks, cold plates, heat exchangers, and integrated flow channels
Model novel systems for next‑generation engines, space propulsion, undersea propulsion, waste‑heat recovery, power generation, and cryogenic cooling
Predict device reliability using thermomechanical modeling
Support (as a secondary responsibility) experimental efforts such as thermal testing, two‑phase flow loops, additively manufactured coupon evaluation, interface characterization, and system demonstrations