Principal Advanced Manufacturing Research Engineer

RTX•East Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At RTX, the world 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. For more than 95 years the RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC) has operated as a multidisciplinary group of experts collaborating on groundbreaking innovations. Our team includes some of the world’s leading scientists, researchers, and engineers working to anticipate the discoveries destined to change everything, and they transform that research into the solutions and products that help our businesses shape the future of aerospace and defense. Our unique talent, experience, and resources allow us to deliver rapid responses to critical, time-sensitive challenges, and develop breakthroughs for a safer, more connected world. RTRC is seeking a highly motivated individual for the position of Principal Advanced Manufacturing Research Engineer. The candidate will join the Advanced Manufacturing Team which specializes in the development, testing, optimization, and demonstration of novel manufacturing technologies for internal deployment as well as for external research programs across a variety of technical areas including additive manufacturing, robotic automation, machining, joining, welding, repair, surface treatment, sensing, amongst many others. The successful candidate will lead and support programs with a focus on advanced welding & joining, large platform metal additive manufacturing, directed energy deposition technologies, and manufacturing automation. The individual will collaborate with a cross-functional team, supporting project reviews with internal and external customers, contributing to strategy and roadmap exercises, originating new ideas, defining new projects, and pursuing R&D funding from internal and external sources. The individual will work with the team in a fast-paced, R&D environment alongside leading scientists and colleagues from across RTRC and the greater RTX organization (including Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon) to conceive, develop, and demonstrate next generation technologies for Aerospace and Defense applications.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience
Engineering/Other Technical Positions: Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.
Hands-on experience with and fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes, fabrication techniques, and equipment
Hands-on experience with welding, joining, or metal additive manufacturing / 3D printing, including large platform wire and powder-fed directed energy deposition (DED)
Demonstrated background in optimization of manufacturing processes, such as machining, welding, coating, assembly, and/or other advanced manufacturing methods

Nice To Haves

PhD in Manufacturing, Material Science, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred
Combination of experience in areas including mechanical design, materials science, metallurgy, finishing processes, machining, welding, joining
Strong experience in aerospace mechanical component manufacturing methods including subtractive and additive techniques, fabrication, welding, hot and cold forming, casting, material processing, assembly, testing, automation, metrology, and inspection
Proficiency with industrial robotics (e.g., ABB, FANUC, KUKA, etc.) and/or related automation technologies (CNC systems, PLCs, etc.)
Experience collaborating with and directing suppliers performing special manufacturing processes
Experience with common industry standards for metals and metal manufacturing including Aerospace Materials Specifications, American Welding Society, and ASTM International
Experience leading complex process development or automation initiatives in an aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environment
Background in Low Volume, High Mix aerospace manufacturing
Experience with technical design and documentation including mechanical assemblies, weldments, fabrication drawings, assembly and inspection procedures, installation drawings, and GD&T
Experience working with DoD and other government agencies
Experience writing proposals and leading complex R&D projects

Responsibilities

Development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, including industrial robotics, motion platforms, and process equipment (e.g. welding, additive manufacturing, cutting, deburring, finishing)
Joining process selection and definition, welding and joining supplier identification and engagement, process development, inspection and failure analysis
Identify, develop, and deploy automation, robotics, process monitoring, and smart manufacturing solutions to improve quality, reduce cost, and enhance throughput.
Support definition and execution of roadmaps for manufacturing process technology—assessing emerging trends, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and engaging with equipment suppliers and integrators
Work with the team to develop concepts, marketing campaigns, whitepapers, and proposals in pursuit of R&D funding from internal and external sources
Troubleshoot process and equipment issues and make necessary adjustments to achieve desired project outcomes, improve quality and performance
Work safely at all times, following all safety protocols and procedures
Comply with all company policies and procedures