Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design for Automation (Onsite)

Isupark; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel opportunities (up to 25% for 25

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is hiring an operations automation engineer to transform the shop floor into a data-driven manufacturing environment. You will deploy robotics, lead smart factory initiatives, and work with production teams across the site and enterprise to enable intelligent automation.

The role involves collaboration on DFA/DFM, budgeting for automation projects, and developing training programs while advancing end-to-end automation for next‑generation aerospace manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree with 8+ years of experience, or an advanced degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in automation and manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment and troubleshooting of robotics systems and integrate with broader control systems.
• Lead or contribute to machine connectivity initiatives, including network configuration, tag structuring, and data modeling for smart factory capabilities.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives to ensure products are designed for efficient automation.
• Create and manage budgets for automation projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Develop training programs for staff to use new technologies and provide ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain roadmaps for continuous automation and software improvements.
• Prepare statements of work, supplier selection, factory/site acceptance testing, and release to production for capital projects.

Skills

Automation expertise

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

Industrial IoT platforms

CNC automation

Job description

Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design for Automation (Onsite)

Employer

Collins Aerospace

Posted On

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Location: Des Moines, IA

We are hiring an operations automation engineer to join our cutting‑edge operations technology team at Collins Aerospace - Power and Controls. This role is hands‑on and dynamic, working directly with production teams and modern automation technologies to transform our shop floor into a fully connected, data‑driven, manufacturing environment. In this role you’ll collaborate with cross‑functional teams across the site and enterprise to deliver intelligent automation systems, increase visibility, and enable data‑driven decision‑making across our operations. From deploying robotics, leading large‑scale initiatives, and participating in new product introduction (NPI) strategies, your work will drive the next generation of aerospace manufacturing.

Location: This position can sit onsite in either West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT.

This role is eligible for relocation assistance.

This role may expect up to 25% Travel.

What You Will Do

• Support deployment and troubleshooting of robotics systems (e.g., collaborative robots, CNC automation) and integrate them with broader control systems.
• Lead or contribute to machine connectivity initiatives, including network configuration, tag structuring, and data modeling to enable smart factory capabilities.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives, providing manufacturing and automation expertise to ensure next‑generation products are designed for efficient automation.
• Create and manage the budget for automation projects, ensuring cost‑effectiveness and adherence to financial constraints.
• Develop training programs for staff to effectively use new technologies and provide ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain roadmaps for continuous innovation, maintenance, and enhancement of automation, smart factory initiatives, and software.
• Author and/or contribute to statements of work, supplier selection, factory & site acceptance testing, and release to production for medium and large capital projects.

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.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of motivating and developing teams.
• Strong expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms and connectivity, with a solid foundation in traditional manufacturing concepts and processes.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work across functions and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in manufacturing and technology.
• Lean Certification (CORE).
• Experience designing and implementing automated process improvements.