Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer (Onsite)

Location: US-IL-ROCKFORD-P1 ~ 2421 11th St ~ 2421 11TH ST-P1

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Date Posted:

2026-03-03

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IL-ROCKFORD-P1 ~ 2421 11th St ~ 2421 11TH ST-P1

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access certain necessary systems.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

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.

What You Will Do

• 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

Qualifications You Must Have

• 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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• 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.

What We Offer

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

• 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  

•  And more!  

May be eligible for relocation

We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second.  Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight! 

Role type definition:

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.  

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.  

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, 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. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.

This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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