Senior Principal Automation Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing Systems

RTX • Cedar Rapids, IA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Principal Automation Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving advanced automation strategy and execution across manufacturing operations. In this highly visible individual contributor role, you will define automation architecture standards and lead the development and deployment of scalable solutions that enhance manufacturing performance, efficiency, and digital connectivity, blending deep technical expertise with strong program management discipline. You will lead initiatives from concept through production deployment, including identifying and scoping opportunities, developing and validating solutions in lab environments, and managing execution, schedules, and financials through to operational adoption. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in industrial automation, controls engineering, and SCADA/MES systems, along with a proven track record delivering complex manufacturing automation programs that require both hands-on technical execution and structured program management across cross-functional teams. This is an onsite-based role requiring candidates to reside within a commutable distance of a Collins Aerospace facility. While the preferred location is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, consideration may also be given to candidates located near other Collins Aerospace facilities within the United States. Given the nature of the role, travel up to 30% is anticipated.

Requirements

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations
• Hands-on industrial robotics experience, with formal training on at least one major platform (e.g., FANUC)
• Experience implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Automation architecture
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, electronics, or other complex/regulated manufacturing environments
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or Robotics
• 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 coordinate with other organizations to improve manufacturing operations.
• Own all phases of project execution from concept development through deployment and adoption.
• Provide technical guidance on development of complex automation architectures.
• Conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects.
• Lead cross functional teams to ensure effective deployment to live production.
• Prioritize tasks to ensure that the team’s overall resources are used effectively and that deadlines are met.
• Maintain current knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate into project proposals.
• Provide expert level guidance for hands-on programming of automated control systems and robots as projects require.
• Mentor engineers within the team or within operations on how to develop and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
• Effectively communicates with operations, management, and technical leadership on proposals and active projects.

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
• Relocation support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior