Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design for Automation (Onsite)

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access certain necessary systems.

About the role

Join Collins Aerospace as an operations automation engineer and become part of a mission to lead the future of aerospace manufacturing through innovation and advanced manufacturing transformation. This hands-on, dynamic role works directly with production teams and modern automation technologies to transform the shop floor into a fully connected, data-driven manufacturing environment.

This position can sit onsite in either West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT and is eligible for relocation assistance. The role may require up to 25% travel.

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.
• Author and/or contribute to statements of work, supplier selection, factory & site acceptance testing, and release to production for medium and large capital projects.

Requirements

• Typically requires 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of motivating and developing teams.
• Strong expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms and connectivity, with a solid foundation in traditional manufacturing concepts and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work across functions and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in manufacturing and technology.
• Lean Certification (CORE).
• Experience designing and implementing automated process improvements.
• Experience working with New Product Introduction (NPI).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• 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: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance.
• Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons, child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program.

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. 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.