Skillbridge: Heat Transfer and Thermodynamic Systems Intern

At Raytheon, we know and value the strategic and tactical talents that only veterans can offer. Our military veterans work across all disciplines, lead our businesses, engineer our products, and lead our supply chain. As a US military veteran, you are uniquely qualified to work at Raytheon. We are seeking ambitious military talent who will bring the skills and experience gained while wearing the uniform to help us create trusted, creative solutions for a safer, more connected world, join us. Your next MISSION starts with Raytheon.

Raytheon is a provider of SkillBridge/HOH Fellowship opportunities for transitioning service members to gain an in-depth understanding of the aerospace and defense business from some of the most respected leaders and engineers in the industry. 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.

To be eligible for a SkillBridge Fellowship, you must meet the following 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.

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.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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

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.

Qualifications You Must Have

• 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

Qualifications We Prefer

• 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

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation Non-Eligible – Relocation assistance not available

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.

We are RTX

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