Senior Principal Research Engineer - Advanced Maritime Systems

Date Posted:

2026-07-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-RI-MIDDLETOWN-201 ~ 127 John Clarke Rd ~ BBN MIDDLETOWN, Ste 3

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

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.

Who We Are

RTX BBN, a noted high-tech research & development company, seeks a creative, organized, people-centered candidate to fill the role of Senior Principal Research Engineer in the Maritime and Advanced Systems Line of Business in RTX BBN’s Physical Sciences and Systems (PS2) business unit. BBN’s Maritime and Advanced Systems groups are leading providers of acoustic sensing solutions, maritime platform design concepts, and undersea communications systems supporting DOD and non-DOD agencies. Our systems of systems provide chain closure, situational awareness, and autonomous system detection and tracking capabilities to enhance our nation’s security. Our multidisciplinary teams include physicists, engineers, and software developers, who collaborate closely with other parts of RTX in areas such as photonics, quantum, communications, networking, AI/ML, and battlespace management.

What You Will Do:

This position is for an experienced professional in Maritime System technologies who excels in the following areas: creates the vision and secures funding for new concepts; leads multiple, multi-million-dollar R&D programs and teams; plans and executes field tests on land or at sea; regularly meets or exceeds the metrics of challenging R&D programs. The ideal candidate will be organized and detail-oriented with the ability to efficiently handle complex technical challenges while helping researchers focus on the technical work to be achieved and the big picture of their efforts.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• A degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years prior relevant experience. Relevant experience includes serving as a principal or technical lead on R&D programs related to physical sciences, sensing, and signal processing.
• Subject Matter Expert in acoustics, signal processing, or related discipline, and fluent in at least one commonly used programming language such as Python, Matlab, C, or C++.
• Experience forming and leading diverse teams of scientists and engineers through full lifecycle of technology development including understanding how to balance the demands of multiple large programs or pursuits and influencing teams to achieve success.
• Ability to confidently present technical information in presentations, journal papers, and reports.
• Track record of repeatedly and successfully leading technical teams from concept to pursuit to award for R&D contracts, including serving as a lead author of winning competitive R&D proposals, follow-on contracts, and work with new customers.
• Willingness to travel to partner, customer and corporate offices.
• Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Successful capture of new R&D contracts from US Government customers such as the US Navy, ONR, or DARPA.
• Fluent in multiple commonly used programming languages such as Python, Matlab, C, or C++.
• Known as a technical leader and subject matter expert either regionally or nationally.
• Strong network of R&D contacts across the Federal Government.
• Ability to leverage extensive professional network to form and influence complex teams.

What We Offer: 

• Some of our competitive benefits package includes: 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance   
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option   
• Tuition reimbursement program  
• Student Loan Repayment Program   
• Life insurance and disability coverage   
• Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection  
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits  
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   
• Adoption Assistance            
• Autism Benefit   
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program  
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits   
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services  
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

Learn More & Apply Now!
Work Location: Onsite - Middletown, RI
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role:

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

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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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