Director of Engineering, Product Line Design

RTX•Winston-Salem, NC

2d•$186,200 - $353,800•Onsite

About The Position

At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Director of Engineering, Product Line Design owns the end‑to‑end design leadership, platform architecture, and technical stewardship for CS&F product families. This individual will be reporting to the Executive Director of Interior Engineering for Commercial Seating & Furniture. This role will be an on-site role in Winston-Salem, NC and would be eligible for relocation assistance. This role sets the design strategy and standards for seating and furniture platforms; ensures our products meet market needs for ergonomics, durability, sustainability, and aesthetics; and delivers manufacturable, cost‑right designs that pass verification on the first try. You will lead a team of product line engineers and technical specialists, partner closely with Industrial Design and Product Management, and serve as the design authority for the portfolio.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 14 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 12 years of experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related field
10+ years progressive product engineering leadership
Demonstrated product line ownership from concept to launch, with proven outcomes in reliability, cost, and manufacturability
Mastery of design methods: DFx, GD&T, tolerance analysis, FMEA, reliability growth, and drawing/model quality management
Verification & compliance experience: aligning designs to regulatory and OEM requirements
Financial acumen: should‑cost modeling, VAVE, tooling/capital planning, and BOM variance management
Executive communication: clear narratives on trade‑offs, risks, and decision asks; crisp design review facilitation
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MS/MEng or MBA)
PMP and/or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Familiarity with FAA regulatory standards and commercial aerospace certification
Hands‑on experience with Teamcenter, SolidWorks, Jira, MS Project

Responsibilities

Define product line roadmaps and technical strategies aligned to market requirements, design language, and cost/price positioning
Own platform architecture and modularity (common mechanisms, frames, arms/bases, upholstery kits) to increase reuse, reduce complexity, and accelerate time‑to‑market
Translate requirements to specs: ergonomics, anthropometric ranges, comfort targets, durability, acoustic, sustainability (recycled content, circularity, reparability), and compliance
Establish and govern Engineering standards: Gated Design Process, Design Best Practices, and internal design controls
Govern drawing/model quality: GD&T, release discipline, BoM accuracy, configuration control
Change reduction & EBOM quality
Design reviews & sign‑offs: chair multi‑disciplinary reviews; adjudicate risks; require evidence (DFMEA/PFMEA, stress/FEA, reliability growth plans, supplier capability data)
Lead engineering content for successful launches: mature designs to APQP process standards, incorporating DFA and DFM through design development process
Own cost & value outcomes: drive VAVE pathways (materials, processes, simplification, modular reuse); maintain should‑cost models and variance control
Reduce rework & cycle time through robust standards, reusable designs, reference models, and lessons‑learned libraries
Partner with Industrial Design to harmonize aesthetics with manufacturability, durability, and ergonomics—protecting brand design language while meeting engineering targets
Collaborate with Operations & Quality on process DFM/DFA, control plans, and process capability studies
Engage suppliers technically: capability assessments, DFM/DFS workshops, production readiness and capability, and joint reliability improvements
Build and lead a high-performing team of program managers, systems engineers, and methods/process specialists
Develop talent: mentoring, skill roadmaps, succession planning
Champion a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and curiosity—where engineers own the outcome and bring solution options to the most difficult problems

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 you can buy 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 Program, 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
Eligible for relocation