Trae Jennette ’15 is living out his childhood dream. The Aerospace Engineering major’s fascination with fighter jets led him to WPI’s rigorous academic curriculum and ultimately to his position with RTX (formerly Raytheon), a multinational aerospace and defense conglomerate. Read below to hear more about Jennette.
Q. Please talk about your current occupation and company/organization.
A. I am privileged to serve as a Principal Systems Engineer at RTX, where I engage in the cutting-edge development of advanced electro-optical infrared sensors tailored for a spectrum of tactical aircraft missions. My journey with fighter jets began in middle school, fueled by a deep-rooted passion. This passion has propelled me through a dynamic career, allowing me to immerse myself in all facets of fighter jet technology. From guidance, navigation, and control to flight mechanics, performance, aerodynamics, propulsion, mission effectiveness, weapon systems, and now, advanced sensing—each component has been a steppingstone in my professional growth and expertise.
Q. What drew you to WPI, and how was your overall WPI education experience?
A. My decision to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) was driven by the institute's unique blend of approachability and challenge, perfectly aligning with my aspirations of working on fighter jets. WPI's rigorous academic environment and its emphasis on project-based learning offered me an unparalleled platform to stretch my limits and explore new horizons. Being a Connecticut native, WPI’s Massachusetts location provided the comfort of proximity to home while the Global Projects Program expanded my reach to a global scale, truly offering the world at my fingertips. The holistic education at WPI not only nurtured my technical skills but also broadened my perspective, preparing me for a global career.
Q. How have the education and life skills you gained at WPI gone on to serve you (so far) in your career?
A. My tenure at WPI was marked by active participation in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where I had the honor of holding both regional and national leadership positions. The unique structure of WPI’s 7-week terms fostered a versatile learning environment, enabling me to manage significant responsibilities off-campus while maintaining academic excellence. These experiences were instrumental in honing my leadership capabilities, providing me with the dexterity to navigate and excel in high-stakes environments. The leadership skills and resilience I cultivated through NSBE and my academic endeavors at WPI have been invaluable as I ascend the ranks of technical leadership in my career, equipping me to tackle challenges with confidence and drive.
Q. Is there anything you’d like to add?
A. The fusion of these elements at WPI laid a strong foundation for my career, empowering me to contribute innovatively to the field of aerospace engineering. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my path, and I am committed to leveraging my skills and knowledge to push the boundaries of technology and inspire the next generation of engineers.