Principal Engineer - Composite Structure (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2024-04-05

Country:

United States of America

Location:

PW102: Middletown Aircraft Rd P.O. Box 611, Middletown, CT, 06457 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Pratt & Whitney is working to once again transform the future of flight—designing, building and servicing engines unlike any the world has ever seen. And because transformation begins from within, we’re seeking the people to drive it. So, calling all curious. 

Come ready to explore and you’ll find a place where your talent takes flight—beyond the borders of title, a country or your comfort zone. Bring your passion and commitment and we’ll welcome you into a tight-knit team that takes our mission personally. Channel your drive to make a difference into shaping an organization and an industry that’s evolving fast to the future.

Innovation through diversity of thought. At Pratt & Whitney, we believe diversity of thought enables creativity, innovation, and a foundation for inclusion. By fostering an inclusive culture, we accept a shared accountability and responsibility to recognize, sponsor, coach, hire and promote talent equally. We welcome our employees to be their whole - best - selves at work because trust, respect and integrity, are a part of our DNA.

At Pratt & Whitney, the difference you make is on display every day. Just look up. Are you ready to go beyond?

The Military Composites team within Pratt & Whitney’s Compression Systems Engineering (CSE) is seeking a motivated Principal Engineer with Composite Structures and Analytical capabilities. Our team supports Military Composites Fan, and other operational and advanced engine programs.

What You Will Do

• Working on an Integrated Product Team and participating in projects aimed at crafting and implementing designs that meet advanced engine-specific requirements. Functional Structures Analyst for for composite components and provide analytical support for preliminary & detailed design, through development, validation, certification, manufacturing & operational service.
• Finite element modeling & analysis; calculation of ply stresses, natural frequencies, transient dynamic response, impact capability, fatigue life, & safety margins; monitoring of structural & engine tests; analysis of test results.
• Apply state-of-the-art finite element-based methods to the design of jet engine components and assemblies for composite structures as well as apply nonlinear, explicit dynamics methods to accurately simulate bird strike, blade-off, containment events.  Correlate results against rotating rig & full engine tests. 
• Supporting material selection, determination of laminate architecture, creation of solid models, and design of sub-element components for structural testing; assist in manufacturing process development at suppliers, and ensure the manufacturability of component designs.
• Validate methods against subscale & full-scale static, dynamic and impact tests as well as cover validation testing (engine and rig) and data-reduction. Also develop computer & simulation-based methods and processes that support engineering productivity and throughput and also document and present results to management and military customers.
• Coordinate with others to advance technology & improve engineering standard work to ensure continuous improvements to our processes and methods. Also mentor lesser experienced structures engineers and apply CORE (Customer Oriented Results & Competitive Excellence) tools within the Organization.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelors of Science Degree in Engineering and 8+ years of relevant experience OR
• Advanced Degree in Engineering with 5+ years of relevant experience
• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced Degree in Engineering
• Active US Government Security Clearance to support military programs
• Demonstrated proficiency in finite element modeling & analysis of geometrically complex components & assemblies which spans static & dynamic analysis.
• Capable track record of success with a combination of the following: NX, FiberSIM, TeamCenter, TEAMS, ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, Hypermesh, PATRAN, ProStar.
• Experience with Mechanical properties testing and Structural testing.
• Knowledge of composite design and analysis technology, as well as manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Non-destructive testing methods for composites.
• Hands-on composites manufacturing experien