Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite)

RTX; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

RTX Collins Aerospace seeks a Principal Structural Engineer in Foley, AL to provide expert structural analyses for complex aerospace components, including metallic and advanced composite structures. You will define repair designs, collaborate with MRB and FAA processes, and guide junior staff on stress analysis while driving efficiency and cost reduction across projects.

The role requires deep experience in static and fatigue analysis, hands-on hand calculations, and use of Patran/FEA tools,

Qualifications

• Typically requires degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree and minimum 5 years of experience.
• Strong structural analysis background including static stress analysis and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with stress analysis of metallic and advanced composite structures.
• Experience using Patran or comparable finite element analysis tools.
• Experience performing detail analysis by hand calculations and computer methods.
• Experience across functional boundaries and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic production support environment.
• Experience identifying process improvement opportunities, developing and implementing corrective or improveme

Responsibilities

• Perform complex structural analyses using hand and computer calculations, including static, fatigue and fracture analysis of aerospace components.
• Define, assess, and document repair designs for metallic, bonded metallic, and advanced composite aerospace structures.
• Work with MRB to develop standard repair instructions.
• Analyze repair proposals and prepare formal engineering reports supporting repairs for customers and FAA approval.
• Provide limited direction to others in stress analysis and may act as technical lead on assigned projects.
• Coordinate repairs with internal and external customers, as well as external staff of major airlines and aircraft manufacturers.
• Develop and implement processes and tools that improve efficiency across engineering workflows.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering quality and productivity.
• Assist cross functional technical team in identifying opportunities for improved producibility and implement changes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to identify cost reduction opportunities across product lines and processes.
• Provide technical expertise to Engineering Build Assessment and design study activities to drive improvements in defect eradication.
• Review, quantify, and drive support of defect corrective action plans across the product lines.
• Support product development teams by providing defect eradication, producibility, and lessons learned early in the product lifecycle.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and decisions clearly to engineering leadership, customers, and cross functional stakeholders.

Skills

Structural analysis

Fatigue analysis

FEA

Hand calculations

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's in STEM

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Patran

FEA tools

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-11-03

Country: United States of America

Location: US-AL-FOLEY-1300 ~ 1300 W Fern Ave ~ OEM BLDG

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of "U.S. Person" go here. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status: Not Required

About the Company

At RTX, the world's 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.

Collins Aerospace is looking for a Principal Structural Engineer to fill a high business impact role by representing the Engineering organization through tactical and strategic oversight.

This experienced Engineer will provide technical expertise throughout the product design, build, and delivery processes for complex, integrated aircraft components of metallic and advanced composite construction.

This role will drive meaningful improvements across Engineering Production Support processes by applying a strong understanding of product design, performing detailed structural analyses, and promoting continuous improvement in engineering efficiency, product producibility, quality, and cost reduction.

What You Will Do:

• Perform complex structural analyses using hand and computer calculations, including static, fatigue and fracture analysis of aerospace components.
• Define, assess, and document repair designs for metallic, bonded metallic, and advanced composite aerospace structures.
• Work with Materials Review Board (MRB) to develop standard repair instructions.
• Analyze repair proposals and prepare formal engineering reports supporting minor and major repairs for customers and FAA approval, which may include obtaining authorized engineering signatures.
• Provide limited direction to others in stress analysis and may act as technical lead on assigned projects.
• Coordinate repairs with internal and external customers, as well as external staff of major airlines and aircraft manufacturers.
• Develop and implement processes, methods, and tools that improve efficiency throughout Engineering Production Support workflows activities.
• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering quality, productivity, standardization, and cycle time reduction.
• Assist cross functional technical team in identifying opportunities for improved producibility and work with extended engineering team to implement meaningful changes.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities across product lines and processes.
• Provide technical expertise to Engineering Build Assessment and design study activities to drive regular improvements in defect eradication.
• Review, quantify, and drive support of defect corrective action plans across the product lines.
• Support product development teams by providing defect eradication, producibility, and lessons learned early in the product lifecycle.
• Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and decisions clearly to engineering leadership, customers, and cross functional stakeholders.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience.
• Strong structural analysis background including static stress analysis and fatigue analysis.
• Experience with stress analysis of metallic and advanced composite structures.
• Experience using Patran or comparable finite element analysis tools.
• Experience performing detail analysis by hand calculations and computer methods.
• Experience working effectively across functional boundaries and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic production support environment.
• Experience identifying process improvement opportunities, developing and implementing corrective or improveme

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