Senior Mechanical Test Equipment Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-08-12 | Location: Rockford, IL | Onsite role | U.S. citizenship is required.

About the Role

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to solve the world’s most complex problems. Collins Aerospace, a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions, helps redefine the aerospace and defense industry. We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Test Equipment Engineer with a proven track record of designing, developing, and delivering advanced test equipment for complex mechanical power systems. The ideal candidate is an innovative engineering leader who thrives on solving challenging technical problems and driving projects from concept through design, build, validation, and commissioning.

This role focuses on supporting mission-critical military and commercial power conversion products, requiring expertise in mechanical, hydraulic, thermodynamic, and power transmission systems. Success in this role requires strong collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams, exceptional project ownership, and a commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective test solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop test equipment and systems for the Mechanical Power Conversion (MPC) suite of mechanical power generation, transmission, and distribution products supporting both military and commercial applications.
• Research, plan, design, and develop mechanical, thermodynamic, hydraulic, and power transmission test equipment for engineering, qualification, and production testing of engine- and aircraft-mounted gearboxes, air turbine starters, main fuel pumps, integrated fuel pumps, and lube and scavenge pumps.
• Prepare and maintain detailed engineering drawings, schematics, diagrams, specifications, and technical documentation for test equipment designs.
• Lead all phases of test equipment development, including fabrication, assembly, checkout, verification, validation, commissioning, and system acceptance.
• Review and analyze test results against equipment design requirements, rated specifications, and test objectives, and recommend modifications or design improvements to achieve performance targets.
• Develop performance, maintenance, calibration, and operational requirements for test stands and associated equipment.
• Lead and participate in peer reviews of test equipment specifications, designs, concepts, components, and integrated systems.
• Collaborate independently and across cross-functional teams, including Product Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations, to ensure successful project execution.
• Partner with the Quality Clinic and related departments to investigate field issues, support root cause analysis, and ensure product quality and reliability.
• Deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards, engineering specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Develop confidential proposals for test equipment and facility infrastructure projects, including scope, schedules, budgets, design, construction, and installation plans.
• Research, evaluate, analyze, and qualify improvements to machines, components, subsystems, manufacturing processes, test methods, and overall system designs.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to manufacturing, testing, and transactional processes to enhance product quality, increase test efficiency, and reduce operational waste.

Requirements

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations, and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience. Alternatively, an Advanced Degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience, or in the absence of a degree, 9 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Experience designing mechanical rotating equipment and related systems.
• Experience designing hydraulic and fluid power circuits.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, preferably for 2D drafting and detailing.
• Experience using Siemens NX for 3D CAD modeling; experience with SolidWorks is also desirable.
• Strong understanding of mechanical system design, engineering drawings, and GD&T principles.
• Ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and optimize complex mechanical and test equipment systems.
• Experience supporting the design, validation, or commissioning of engineering test equipment is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and 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, and parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance and Autism Benefit.
• Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions.
• Healthy You Incentives and wellness rewards program.
• Doctor on Demand for virtual doctor visits.
• Bright Horizons for child and elder care services.
• Teladoc Medical Experts for second opinions.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $86,800 – $165,200 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.