Principal Automation Engineer - Industrial Robotics (Onsite)
About The Position
At RTX, the world's 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. Collins Aerospace is looking to hire a Principal Automation Engineer to support our Cedar Rapids, IA location In this role, you will contribute to automation strategy and execution across manufacturing operations by applying advanced engineering knowledge to develop, implement, and support automation solutions. You will support the creation and refinement of automation system designs and assist in deploying solutions that improve manufacturing performance, efficiency, and digital connectivity. This role blends strong technical capability with effective project execution and cross-functional collaboration. You will participate in initiatives from early concept through production deployment, including identifying and scoping opportunities, developing and testing solutions in lab environments, and executing tasks related to schedules, documentation, and implementation. The ideal candidate brings solid experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, and SCADA/MES systems, along with demonstrated success contributing to complex automation projects that require hands-on technical work and coordination with cross-functional teams. Our Cedar Rapids facility is a high‑tech manufacturing site where we build advanced avionics, secure communication systems, and mission‑critical electronic hardware. We use automated production lines, robotics, and precision systems to produce high‑reliability products for aerospace and defense customers. It’s a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where engineering, quality, and operations teams work together to bring cutting‑edge technology into full‑rate production. Our collaborative engineering culture empowers automation talent to innovate, implement new technologies, and solve challenging problems that directly influence product performance and manufacturing readiness. Cedar Rapids offers a dynamic environment where automation engineers can lead meaningful technical projects and grow their careers while shaping the future of advanced manufacturing. This is an onsite-based role requiring candidates to reside within a commutable distance of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility. This role is eligible for relocation.
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
- Hands-on industrial robotics experience
- Experience implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and/or Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing environment
Nice To Haves
- Formal training on at least one major platform (e.g., FANUC)
- Experience developing in Ignition
- Experience in Automation architecture and system design
- Possesses business acumen and the ability to manage project budgets
- Ability to work across the organization vertically and horizontally
Responsibilities
- Apply automation engineering knowledge and collaborate with other organizations to support improvements in manufacturing operations.
- Execute assigned phases of project activities from concept development through deployment and operational handoff.
- Work effectively across a matrixed organization to coordinate priorities, exchange technical information, and support implementation of automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.
- Provide technical contributions to the development of automation architectures and system designs under established guidelines.
- Conduct safety reviews and implement required controls in alignment with defined safety processes.
- Plan, organize, and manage moderately sized automation projects or workstreams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support effective deployment into live production environments.
- Prioritize assigned tasks to ensure work is completed effectively and deadlines are met.
- Maintain current knowledge of control system and Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate relevant advancements into project recommendations.
- Provide hands-on programming and troubleshooting support for automated control systems and robots as needed for assigned projects.
- Coach junior engineers or technicians on automation best practices and system operation.
- Communicate effectively with operations and engineering stakeholders regarding project status, technical challenges, and implementation plans.
- Support the development of sustainment materials and documentation to ensure stable long-term operation of deployed automation systems.
- Assist in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance improvements for existing automation systems.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
