Senior Principal Engineer, Project Engineering (Hybrid)

RTX•Rockford, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Principal Engineer – Project Engineering provides strategic leadership and oversees the execution of medium-to-large, multi-year aerospace engineering programs. The role drives project planning, technical execution, hardware development, testing, budget management, and program delivery, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, business objectives, and organizational priorities. It leads complex initiatives, manages risks, optimizes resources, and guides cross-functional teams toward successful program outcomes. The position is hybrid, with employees working regularly both onsite and offsite. The ratio of onsite work is determined in partnership with the employee’s leader. The role is based in Rockford, Illinois, and requires U.S. citizenship because only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under the program or contract. No security clearance is currently required, though the preferred qualifications include the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Requirements

Typically, a STEM degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree in a related field and at least 7 years of experience, unless prohibited by local laws or regulations.
U.S. citizenship is required to access information under the program or contract.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Aerospace or defense industry experience, particularly with aerospace test equipment, high-performance engine systems, or complex hardware programs.
Experience with project scheduling, budgeting, and EVMS, including management of project budgets exceeding $10 million.
Experience developing and managing Integrated Master Schedules using Microsoft Project.
Knowledge of mechanical systems, including gearing, motion control, rotational mechanics, and mechanical design principles.
Understanding of engineering materials, manufacturing processes, and Design for Manufacturability and Design for Assembly principles.
Experience with mechanical systems integration in aerospace or defense applications.
Familiarity with test planning, execution, and reporting processes.
Experience with LabVIEW, Visual Basic, or similar programming and test automation tools.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead complex, multi-year engineering projects from initiation through completion, aligning execution with program objectives, contractual requirements, schedules, budgets, and delivery commitments.
Establish and oversee integrated project schedules, budgets, and performance metrics; use EVMS data to assess progress, identify variances, and inform decisions.
Align engineering, project management, planning, production, and leadership teams to support program execution, resolve challenges, and achieve strategic objectives.
Identify program risks, assess potential impacts, and lead mitigation and corrective action strategies to protect cost, schedule, quality, and technical performance.
Drive cost efficiency, resource optimization, and continuous improvement to enhance project performance and business profitability.
Oversee hardware development, configuration control, equipment modifications, engineering documentation, and design release activities throughout the product lifecycle.
Oversee engineering test activities, including test planning, procedure development, results analysis, and verification of product and customer requirements.
Lead project reviews, monitor program performance, ensure adherence to engineering standards and processes, and establish execution best practices.
Support new business pursuits through project planning, technical execution strategies, schedule development, and budget estimation.
Present program status, risks, financial performance, and strategic recommendations to engineering leadership and key stakeholders.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
401(k) plan with employer matching and a separate employer retirement contribution
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional pet, home and auto, additional life and accident, critical illness, group legal, and identity theft protection coverages
Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
Fertility and family planning benefits
Adoption assistance
Autism benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Wellness rewards program
Virtual doctor visits
Child and elder care services
Second-opinion medical expert program
Flexible spending accounts
Flexible work schedules
Paid time off and holidays
Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be available depending on position level and collective-bargaining coverage; payments are not guaranteed.