Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Onsite)

RTX

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering to join our Mechanical Power Conversion organization in Rockford, IL. This is a highly technical role responsible for driving manufacturing innovation, process excellence, and technology advancement across our Engine Systems product portfolio—including pumps, gearboxes, and starter assemblies used in next-generation aerospace platforms. As a Principal Engineer, you will serve as a subject matter expert and key technical resource within the manufacturing engineering organization, guiding the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and production process improvements. You will provide leadership to cross-functional teams, influence design for manufacturability, and enable flawless execution across new product introduction (NPI), production, and sustainment phases.

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.
Working engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access certain necessary systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading complex process development or automation initiatives in an aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of assembly and test processes for mechanical or electromechanical systems.
Demonstrated expertise in automation, torque tool, robotics integration, or mechatronic systems.
Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and influencing design-to-production transitions.
Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven process improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of PFMEA, process validation, SPC, and RCCA practices.
Familiarity with CORE operating system or equivalent structured continuous improvement framework.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Act as the technical authority for assembly, test, paint, and inspection processes within the Mechanical Power Conversion group—setting standards for process capability, repeatability, and performance.
Advanced Manufacturing: Identify, develop, and deploy automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions to improve quality, reduce cost, and enhance throughput.
Process Ownership: Lead process design, validation, and control activities to ensure manufacturing readiness for new programs and continuous improvement for existing lines.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Partner with Design Engineering and Operations to influence product architecture, ensuring optimal manufacturability and lifecycle cost.
Technology Strategy: Define and execute the roadmap for manufacturing process technology—assessing emerging trends, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and engaging with equipment suppliers and integrators.
Operational Support: Provide high-level technical support for production operations, leveraging root cause and corrective action (RCCA), statistical process control (SPC), and data analytics to resolve complex issues.
Project Leadership: Serve as technical lead or work package owner for cross-functional projects involving new process introduction, equipment installation, and automation integration.
Mentorship and Development: Provide guidance and technical mentoring to manufacturing engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
CORE/Lean Leadership: Champion the use of Lean and CORE principles to drive process optimization and operational excellence

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 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