Principal Mechanical Project Engineer (Onsite)

D.O.M. magazine; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) with match

Life insurance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Rockford, IL is seeking a Principal Mechanical Project Engineer onsite. You will lead the design, test, and validation of advanced mechanical systems, spanning requirements definition to sustainment.

The role emphasizes collaboration with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to deliver safe, reliable solutions worldwide. The ideal candidate has a STEM degree or advanced degree with extensive experience, strong mechanical know-how, and the ability to develop

Qualifications

• Requires STEM degree with 8+ years of relevant experience or advanced degree with 5+ years.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, components, assembly and maintenance.
• U.S. citizenship is required for access to program information.

Responsibilities

• Lead test and validation activities for mechanical systems and components.
• Support sustainment and modernization across the product lifecycle.
• Prepare cost estimates, schedules, and resource needs for test equipment proposals.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams.
• Develop and execute test plans and protocols to validate performance.
• Communicate progress and issues to internal teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Test & validation

Mechanical systems

Agile management

Test Driven Development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree in related field

Tools

RTX projects knowledge

Job description

Principal Mechanical Project Engineer (Onsite)

Company:

Collins Aerospace

Category:

Maintenance

Job Type:

Permanent

City:

Rockford

State:

Country:

United States

Date Posted:2025-08-26Country:United States of AmericaLocation:A01: Rockford - Aerospace 4747 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL, 61125 USA 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 information under this program/contract. Security Clearance: None/Not Required At Collins Aerospace, we’re redefining what’s possible in aerospace and defense, and we’re looking for a Principal Mechanical Project Engineer to help drive that mission forward. In this role, you’ll lead the design, test, and validation of advanced systems and components that ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of solutions used around the globe. You’ll quickly grow into a technical expert in mechanical design and test equipment development while collaborating with cross-functional teams in software, electrical, and systems engineering. Your work will directly support programs that keep pilots safe, enable secure communication, and power the next generation of aerospace technology. As a Principal Mechanical Project Engineer, you’ll take on complex projects that span the full product lifecycle—from requirements definition and integration to sustainment and modernization efforts that keep our technology mission-ready. Whether developing test plans, troubleshooting complex mechanisms, or shaping proposals that drive future business, you’ll be positioned to make a visible impact. At Collins, we thrive on solving tough challenges together, empowering our engineers to grow, lead, and push the boundaries of innovation in aerospace. What YOU Will Do:

• Lead test and validation activities for components and complex mechanical systems to ensure compliance with performance, reliability, and safety standards
• Support sustainment and modernization efforts across the product lifecycle, including requirements definition, hardware/software integration, validation, deployment, and failure investigations
• Contribute to proposals for test equipment by preparing cost estimates, schedules, and resource requirements
• Collaborate across disciplines to implement solutions that may include software, firmware, and hardware elements
• Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and protocols to validate system functionality and performance
• Partner with program teams and engineers to ensure seamless product delivery with minimal impact to operations
• Communicate progress, issues, and status updates clearly with both internal teams and external stakeholders
• Perform integration, testing, and documentation to ensure proper operation within factory and operational platforms
• Follow established engineering standards and processes, including peer reviews, test environment management, and continuous quality improvements
• Track and report task execution status against planned activities to support program performance metrics

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) experience and minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field with 5 years prior experience
• Understanding of mechanical systems, components, their assembly and maintenance
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Practical knowledge of RTX projects, programs or systems with the ability to make enhancements and leverage in daily work
• Experience with configuring, integrating, troubleshooting complex mechanisms
• Experience with Agile process management
• Experience with Test Driven DevelopmentExperience with planning and reporting technical and programmatic status
• Desire to work and thrive in a team environment and willingness to learn and expand experiences

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 separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• 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
• 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!

The salary range for this role is 101,000 USD - 203,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels.