Skillbridge: Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Systems Intern

RTX • East Hartford, CT

2d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

This is a SkillBridge/HOH Fellowship opportunity for transitioning service members to gain an in-depth understanding of the aerospace and defense business. Fellows will not be eligible for any compensation during their fellowship, as they will continue to receive all military pay and benefits. Upon successful completion of this fellowship, you will be well prepared and encouraged to apply for open positions listed on our careers page.

Requirements

• Must be eligible to participate in Fellowship per DoD Instruction 1322.29.
• Must be projected to receive an honorable discharge from the military.
• Must have all TAP and transition requirements completed prior to the start date.
• Must receive approval from Unit Commander or O4+ in the chain of command.
• Must be located within a commutable distance or willing/approved to relocate to the job location.
• 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

Benefits

• SkillBridge fellows will not be eligible for any compensation during their fellowship, as they will continue to receive all military pay and benefits.
• Upon successful completion of this fellowship, you will be well prepared and encouraged to apply for open positions listed on our careers page.
• Relocation assistance not available

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level