Principal Engineer

Hiring for a Principal Materials Engineer in East Hartford! Job DescriptionThis Principal Materials Engineer role focuses on corrosion, metallic coatings, high-temperature oxidation, and advanced coating technologies for critical aerospace engine programs. You will step into a highly technical, high-visibility position with significant ownership over materials and coating projects that directly impact engine durability, reliability, safety, and production. The role offers a contract-to-hire path with strong long-term career potential, flexible scheduling, and paid time off and holidays during the contract period.Responsibilities

• Lead complex materials and coating-related projects for aerospace engine programs, including ownership from experimental design through implementation.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert in corrosion, metallic materials, coatings, and high-temperature oxidation for engine components and systems.
• Design and execute experiments to investigate materials performance, corrosion behavior, cracking, stress effects, and high-temperature oxidation in metallic systems.
• Perform hands-on technical testing, materials characterization, and data analysis to understand failure mechanisms and performance limitations.
• Determine root causes of complex field and production issues related to corrosion, coatings, oxidation, and high-temperature materials.
• Develop and validate material and process solutions, including coating technologies and design controls, to improve engine durability, reliability, safety, and manufacturability.
• Support major engine programs, including geared turbofan (GTF) and PW135, with materials engineering expertise across design, manufacturing, and repair activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, and program teams to integrate materials solutions into production and repair processes.
• Manage technical projects independently, including planning, prioritizing tasks, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering results within program requirements.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to less-experienced engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and development of the materials engineering team.
• Contribute to testing validation strategies and design control processes to ensure materials and coatings meet aerospace performance and quality standards.
• Communicate technical findings, project status, and recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science or Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a related technical discipline.
• Approximately 10+ years of relevant materials engineering experience, preferably working with metals in high-temperature, corrosion, oxidation, cracking, and stress environments.
• Strong experience with corrosion and metallic materials, including metallic coatings and high-temperature oxidation behavior.
• Experience working with high-temperature materials and coatings in aerospace or similarly demanding applications.
• Knowledge of aerospace coating application methods and associated manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience with experimental design, technical testing, and validation of materials and coatings.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem solving to determine root causes and develop effective materials solutions.
• Ability to independently own and execute complex technical projects from concept through implementation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, and program organizations.
• Engineering or STEM degree background with a solid foundation in metallurgy and coating technologies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• PhD in Materials Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Metallurgy, or a related STEM discipline is preferred.
• Experience with design control processes for materials and coatings in regulated or high-reliability environments.
• background in testing validation methodologies for metallic materials and coatings.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a technical subject matter expert and mentor within an engineering organization.
• Track record of influencing engine or system durability, reliability, safety, and production through materials engineering decisions.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift based on program and customer needs.

Work EnvironmentThis is an onsite, hands-on engineering position within a highly technical aerospace setting. You will work closely with laboratory, manufacturing, design, and program teams on engine materials and coating projects that can directly impact engine safety, durability, production, repair capability, and customer commitments. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, combining laboratory investigation, materials characterization, data analysis, technical leadership, project management, and production/program support. The role offers a flexible schedule, contract-to-hire structure with strong long-term career potential, and paid time off and holidays during the contract period. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Hartford, CT. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $70.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of East Hartford, CT. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in East Hartford,CT.About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.