Senior Principal Automation Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

ISU Research Park; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Senior Principal Automation Engineer to drive advanced automation strategy across manufacturing operations. You will define architecture standards and develop scalable solutions, balancing technical depth with program management across cross-functional teams.

The role leads projects from concept through deployment, with emphasis on safety, integration of SCADA/MES/IIoT systems, and hands-on robotics work in demanding manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Requires a STEM degree and 10+ years of experience where allowed by law.
• Hands-on robotics experience with formal training on a major platform (e.g., FANUC).
• Experience implementing PLC, SCADA, MES, and IIoT solutions in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Apply automation engineering knowledge and coordinate with other organizations to improve manufacturing operations.
• Own all phases of project execution from concept through deployment and adoption.
• Provide technical guidance on development of complex automation architectures.
• Conduct safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure effective deployment to live production.
• Maintain knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate into proposals.
• Provide expert guidance for hands-on programming of automated control systems and robots.
• Mentor engineers on developing and maintaining automated manufacturing systems.
• Communicate proposals and active projects with operations and management.

Skills

Industrial automation

Controls engineering

SCADA

MES

Robot programming

Program management

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

FANUC

Job description

Senior Principal Automation Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing

Employer

Collins Aerospace

Posted On

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Job Description

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.

As a Senior Principal Automation Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader driving advanced automation strategy and execution across manufacturing operations. In this highly visible individual contributor role, you will define automation architecture standards and lead the development and deployment of scalable solutions that enhance manufacturing performance, efficiency, and digital connectivity, blending deep technical expertise with strong program management discipline.

You will lead initiatives from concept through production deployment, including identifying and scoping opportunities, developing and validating solutions in lab environments, and managing execution, schedules, and financials through to operational adoption. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in industrial automation, controls engineering, and SCADA/MES systems, along with a proven track record delivering complex manufacturing automation programs that require both hands-on technical execution and structured program management across cross-functional teams.

What You Will Do :

• Apply automation engineering knowledge and coordinate with other organizations to improve manufacturing operations.
• Own all phases of project execution from concept development through deployment and adoption.
• Provide technical guidance on development of complex automation architectures.
• Conduct comprehensive safety risk assessments and implement layered safety controls.
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple automation projects.
• Lead cross functional teams to ensure effective deployment to live production.
• Prioritize tasks to ensure that the team’s overall resources are used effectively and that deadlines are met.
• Maintain current knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate into project proposals.
• Provide expert level guidance for hands-on programming of automated control systems and robots as projects require.
• Mentor engineers within the team or within operations on how to develop and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
• Effectively communicates with operations, management, and technical leadership on proposals and active projects.

Qualifications You Must Have :

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations
• Hands-on industrial robotics experience, with formal training on at least one major platform (e.g., FANUC)
• Experience implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing environment

Qualifications We Prefer :

• Experience in Automation architecture
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, electronics, or other complex/regulated manufacturing environments
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or Robotics
• Possesses business acumen and the ability to manage project budgets
• Ability to work across the organization vertically and horizontally