Senior Principal Engineer, Project Engineering (Hybrid)

RTX•Rockford, IL

1d•$132,400 - $251,600•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 while ensuring alignment with customer requirements, business objectives, and organizational priorities. The position calls for technical and project leadership to manage complex initiatives, mitigate risks, optimize resources, and guide cross-functional teams toward successful program outcomes. The position is hybrid, with regular work both onsite and offsite; the ratio of onsite work is determined in partnership with the employee’s leader. U.S. citizenship is required because only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under the program or contract. No security clearance is required for the role, although 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; subject to local laws and regulations.
U.S. citizenship is required for access to information under the program or contract.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Experience in the aerospace or defense industry, particularly with aerospace test equipment, high-performance engine systems, or complex hardware programs.
Experience with project scheduling, budgeting, and EVMS, including managing project budgets exceeding $10 million.
Experience developing and managing Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) 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 (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) 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 Earned Value Management System (EVMS) data to assess progress, identify variances, and inform decisions.
Align engineering, project management, planning, production, and leadership teams to support program execution, resolve complex challenges, and achieve strategic objectives.
Identify program risks, evaluate 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 best practices to improve execution and operational effectiveness.
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 to facilitate alignment and decision-making.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
401(k) plan with employer matching funds and a separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
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 coverage.
Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning benefits.
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.
Potential eligibility for short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation, subject to position level, applicable agreement coverage, and other factors.
Potential eligibility for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays, depending on business unit and collective-bargaining agreement coverage.