HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A former defense contractor has pleaded guilty to sending sensitive information about U.S. military jet programs to Iran in an effort to land a job in his native country.

Sixty-year-old engineer Mozaffar Khazaee pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Hartford to violating the Arms Export Control Act and faces up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is May 20.

Federal prosecutors say Khazaee, formerly of Manchester, stole information about engines used in the F35 Joint Strike Fighter and F-22 Raptor programs from his employers, including Connecticut-based Pratt Whitney.

Authorities say Khazaee sent emails containing sensitive data to a person in Iran in 2009. Authorities also seized a shipment of materials bound for Iran in 2013.