2026 Research Engineer I - Arlington, VA / Cambridge, MA - Hybrid

Date Posted: 2026-06-30 Country: United States of America Location: US-VA-ARLINGTON-111 ~ 1300 17Th St N ~ BBN ARLINGTON 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: Top 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. RTX BBN’s Analytics and Machine Intelligence department (AMI) is an entry level Research Engineer candidate focused on AI/ML, with a particular interest in Generative AI (GenAI) and Agentic AI systems. This is a hybrid role in our Arlington, VA or Cambridge, MA offices. What You Will Do: Work with researchers and engineers to design, build, test, and transition AI capabilities for real-world applications. Utilize software fundamentals, curiosity about modern AI systems, and an interest in applying emerging techniques to challenging mission and commercial problems. Contribute to projects spanning the full development lifecycle, including prototyping, implementation, evaluation, and deployment into operational environments. Example areas include LLM-based agentic AI systems, retrieval and reasoning workflows, tool-using agents, ML engineering pipelines, and applied research for high-impact use cases. Receive high level guidance from the BBN/AMI leadership but will be allowed freedom in independently planning assignments and in executing and applying technical acumen, judgment, and initiative. Qualifications You Must Have: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Technology, Engineering or Applied Mathematics (STEM) Proficiency in Java, Python, and/or C++ Academic or project experience in AI/ML, data science, or generative AI Interest in AI/ML, GenAI, Agentic AI systems, and/or Data Science Experience and/or interest in agentic AI systems, such as tool-using LLMs, orchestration workflows, evaluation/benchmarking, or retrieval-augmented systems Qualifications We Prefer: Familiarity with ML development workflows, including experimentation, model evaluation, and pipeline development Knowledge and experience with Agentic AI Exposure to frameworks like LangChain, LangGraph, Autogen, or similar ecosystems Knowledge of, experience in, or interest in learning about the aerospace, defense, and intelligence community 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 eligible Learn More & Apply Now! Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as: Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility. This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: 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 62,900 USD - 119,700 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.