Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design for Automation (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Windsor Locks (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

Generous 401(k) plan with matching

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a senior automation professional to lead deployment and optimization of robotics systems across onsite facilities in the U.S. You will drive smart factory initiatives, manage budgets, and guide teams through DFM/DFA processes to scale automation across capital projects.

You will build roadmaps for continuous innovation, provide training, and coordinate with suppliers, ensuring on-time delivery within financial constraints.

Qualifications

• Requires STEM degree and 8+ years experience or an advanced degree with 5+ years experience.
• Experience leading automation projects across manufacturing environments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment and troubleshooting of robotics systems and integrate them with control systems.
• Lead or contribute to machine connectivity initiatives for smart factory capabilities.
• Participate in DFM and DFA initiatives to design 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 roadmaps for continuous innovation, maintenance, and enhancement of automation and software.
• Prepare statements of work, supplier selection, and release to production for capital projects.

Skills

Robotics & automation

Industrial IoT

Project leadership

Network configuration

Data modeling

Design for Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

PLC/SCADA

Industrial networking

CAD/engineering software

Job description

Job Details

• Location: West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT
• Position Role Type: Onsite
• U.S. Citizen required
• Security Clearance: None/Not Required
• Relocation assistance available
• 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.
• Experience working with NPI.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Optional coverages such as 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 services
• 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!

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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.