Sr. Equip Eng, Structural Processing (Remote)

ISU Research Park; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

ISU Research Park is seeking a Senior Equipment Engineer to support the Structural Processing team in developing and validating advanced manufacturing equipment and automation solutions. The role focuses on hands-on engineering, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration across manufacturing sites.

The ideal candidate has strong experience in industrial automation, robotics, and controls, and will work with equipment OEMs and integrators to deliver scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Requires a STEM degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with industrial automation or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Support development, integration, and validation of advanced structural-processing equipment.
• Coordinate with OEMs, integrators, and suppliers to improve manufacturability and reliability.
• Travel for on-site commissioning and support as needed.

Skills

Industrial automation

Robotics integration

Controls system design

Education

B.S. in STEM

Tools

PLC controls

HMI development

Job description

Sr. Equip Eng, Structural Processing (Remote)

The Equipment Engineering organization is seeking a highly capable Senior Equipment Engineer to support the Structural Processing engineering team. This role focuses on hands‑on development, integration, and validation of advanced manufacturing equipment and automation solutions used in process‑intensive production environments.

This position is remote, with a strong preference for candidates who reside within driving distance of an RTX manufacturing site to support periodic on‑site equipment integration, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate is a technical contributor with experience in industrial automation, robotics, controls, and structural processing equipment. The engineer supports equipment development workstreams, collaborates closely with equipment OEMs and integrators, and helps deliver reliable, scalable solutions for multiple manufacturing sites.

This role is execution‑focused and emphasizes technical solution development, equipment integration, troubleshooting, and coordination across cross‑functional teams. Project management activities (schedule, budget, governance) are handled by the Program Management Office, enabling this role to maintain a strong focus on engineering excellence.

What You Will Do:

• Support development, integration, and validation of advanced structural‑processing equipment, including cold spray deposition, robotic welding, brazing systems, presses, and forming systems.


• Execute assigned portions of equipment development workstreams (design review support, controls integration tasks, commissioning, debug, and acceptance testing).


• Provide day‑to‑day technical interaction with equipment OEMs, integrators, and automation suppliers; contribute feedback that improves manufacturability, reliability, and scalability.


• Support equipment architecture, controls strategy, robotics integration, functional safety setups, and process monitoring.


• Translate process requirements into practical equipment design inputs and support the development of scalable machinery solutions.


• Conduct troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and technical evaluations across automation, controls, cold spray, welding, and brazing systems.


• Contribute to standardized equipment platforms, tooling concepts, and integration practices across multiple sites.


• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, EHS, and site teams to define technical requirements and ensure equipment readiness.


• Participate in on‑site commissioning, debug, startup, and operational handoff (periodic travel required).


• Develop engineering documentation, specifications, validation plans, and technical reports.


• Provide subject‑matter support in industrial robotics, automation, structural processing, and related equipment technologies.


• May offer guidance to junior engineers or technicians.

Technical Scope:

Structural Processing engineering team supports technology including:

• Robotic welding (MIG, TIG, specialty processes)


• Automated or semi‑automated brazing


• Industrial robots and automation cells


• Press and forming systems


• Automated structural processing equipment


• Fixtures, material handling systems, integrated tooling


• PLC‑based controls, HMI development, industrial sensors, functional safety


• Multi‑technology equipment integration and process monitoring

Travel to manufacturing sites and vendor facilities as required

Work remotely with periodic travel and on‑site support

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience unless prohibited by local laws/regulations.


• Experience with industrial automation or robotics

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience developing, integrating, commissioning, or deploying industrial automation and manufacturing equipment.


• Working knowledge of PLC‑based controls, sensors, robotics integration, and equipment interfaces.


• Understanding of machine safety and functional safety principles.


• Experience working directly with equipment OEMs, system integrators, and automation suppliers.


• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex equipment, controls, and automation issues.


• Experience with cold spray deposition equipment, processes, or process integration.


• Experience developing automated brazing solutions or transitioning manual brazing processes to automated systems.


• Experience with robotic welding, forming systems, press equipment, or similar structural processing technologies.


• Experience supporting equipment commissioning, debugging, acceptance testing, and production ramp‑up.


• Experience deploying and supporting manufacturing equipment across multiple production sites.


• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and influence equipment vendors to drive design improvements and resolve technical issues.


• Hands‑on troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and root cause analysis skills.