Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design for Automation (Onsite)

About the role

Collins Aerospace is seeking an operations automation engineer to join our cutting-edge operations technology team at Collins Aerospace - Power and Controls. This role is hands-on and dynamic, working directly with production teams and modern automation technologies to transform our shop floor into a fully connected, data-driven, manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment and troubleshooting of robotics systems (e.g., collaborative robots, CNC automation) and integrate them with broader control systems.
• Lead or contribute to machine connectivity initiatives, including network configuration, tag structuring, and data modeling to enable smart factory capabilities.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives, providing manufacturing and automation expertise to ensure next-generation products are designed for efficient automation.
• Create and manage the budget for automation projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial constraints.
• Develop training programs for staff to effectively use new technologies and provide ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain roadmaps for continuous innovation, maintenance, and enhancement of automation, smart factory initiatives, and software.
• Authoring and/or contributing to statements of work, supplier selection, factory & site acceptance testing, and release to production for medium and large capital projects.

Qualifications

• You must have typically a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
• We prefer a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Computer Science or related discipline.
• You must have strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of motivating and developing teams.
• You must have strong expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms and connectivity, with a solid foundation in traditional manufacturing concepts and processes.
• You must have excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• You must have strong communication and interpersonal skills to work across functions and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• You must have familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in manufacturing and technology.
• You must have Lean Certification (CORE).
• You must have experience designing and implementing automated process improvements.
• You must have experience working with NPI.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• A generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages you can buy (pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection)
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
• Adoption Assistance Autism Benefit
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
• Flexible work schedules
• Employee Scholar Program
• Paid time off
• Holidays

Pay

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.

Schedule

This role can be located onsite in either West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT. This role is eligible for relocation assistance. This role may expect up to 25% travel.