Senior Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering (Onsite)

RTX•Chula Vista, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

At RTX, the world 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. We are seeking a Senior Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering to join our Aftermarket Technical Services organization. In this senior technical role, you will serve as an expert in nacelle repair design and structural analysis, providing rapid, compliant engineering solutions that minimize aircraft downtime on all Collins Aerostructures commercial nacelle hardware that are compliant with certified type design and airworthiness (FAA/EASA) requirements. You will guide cross‑functional teams, support airline customers on complex technical issues, improve engineering processes, and mentor engineers across the organization. This position requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make timely engineering decisions in a fast‑paced customer‑support environment. This position will be onsite in Chula Vista, CA. Relocation assistance is available.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
Experience with repair analysis of aircraft metallic and/or composite structures
In-depth knowledge in technical understanding of maintenance, repair, overhaul, and regulatory requirements in the commercial aircraft industry
Thorough understanding of load path, load balance, free body diagram and experience in classical hand analysis methods used in Aerospace structural analysis
Expertise in finite element analysis of aircraft structure using Patran/Nastran (soln's 101, 106, 111)
Firm working knowledge of Repairs methods

Nice To Haves

Experience in MRB and MRO repairs preferred
Knowledge in Automation (Excel VBA & Visual Basic applications)
Composite nacelle and exhaust repair experience
Basic CATIA V and FiberSim skills
Detailed understanding of nacelle systems
Familiarity on specialty manufacturing processes for aerospace components
Capable of positively interacting in a team environment and have good listening and verbal communication skills.
Ability to represent company in technical review meetings and have excellent customer relations and negotiating skills.
Able to communicate and make presentations to internal and external customers and be driven to achieve customer satisfaction.
Ability to serve as the key point of contact for internal and external customers on complex technical issues.
Able to mentor other engineers and lead teams in the generation of standard work for repair development.
Ability to work with all levels of maintenance, engineering, and management personnel.
Experience with technical writing

Responsibilities

Perform and approve structural repair stress analyses for complex nacelle components, ensuring compliance with certified type design and FAA/EASA airworthiness standards
Develop analytical methods and creative engineering solutions for complex technical issues that satisfy airline operational and maintenance requirements
Provide expert guidance on metallic and composite repair design and make rapid engineering judgments and recommendations to support aircraft return‑to‑service
Define strategies and approaches for repair analysis and productivity‑improvement initiatives
Develop and refine standards, tools, and methods that strengthen consistency and efficiency across the engineering team
Evaluate and optimize processes for addressing customer inquiries and resolving technical concerns
Lead internal and customer‑facing efforts to respond quickly to complex questions and deliver approved repair solutions
Prioritize and manage multiple customer requests to maintain service levels, responsiveness, and turnaround time commitments
Lead teams to resolve customer issues, establish engineering standards, and advance repair methodologies
Mentor, train, and support senior and junior engineers to build technical capability across the Repair Engineering organization
Guide organizational initiatives to improve workflows, tools, standards, and technical best practices
Partner with cross‑functional groups to support repair solutions, design updates, and engineering reviews

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
Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
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 assistance