Principal Automation Engineer - Industrial Robotics (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-06-26 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-109 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 109 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 Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required 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 to hire a Principal Automation Engineer to support our Cedar Rapids, IA location In this role, you will contribute to automation strategy and execution across manufacturing operations by applying advanced engineering knowledge to develop, implement, and support automation solutions. You will support the creation and refinement of automation system designs and assist in deploying solutions that improve manufacturing performance, efficiency, and digital connectivity. This role blends strong technical capability with effective project execution and cross-functional collaboration. You will participate in initiatives from early concept through production deployment, including identifying and scoping opportunities, developing and testing solutions in lab environments, and executing tasks related to schedules, documentation, and implementation. The ideal candidate brings solid experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, and SCADA/MES systems, along with demonstrated success contributing to complex automation projects that require hands-on technical work and coordination with cross-functional teams. Our Cedar Rapids facility is a high‑tech manufacturing site where we build advanced avionics, secure communication systems, and mission‑critical electronic hardware. We use automated production lines, robotics, and precision systems to produce high‑reliability products for aerospace and defense customers. It’s a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where engineering, quality, and operations teams work together to bring cutting‑edge technology into full‑rate production. Our collaborative engineering culture empowers automation talent to innovate, implement new technologies, and solve challenging problems that directly influence product performance and manufacturing readiness. Cedar Rapids offers a dynamic environment where automation engineers can lead meaningful technical projects and grow their careers while shaping the future of advanced manufacturing. This is an onsite-based role requiring candidates to reside within a commutable distance of the Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility. This role is eligible for relocation. What You Will Do: Apply automation engineering knowledge and collaborate with other organizations to support improvements in manufacturing operations. Execute assigned phases of project activities from concept development through deployment and operational handoff. Work effectively across a matrixed organization to coordinate priorities, exchange technical information, and support implementation of automation and digital manufacturing initiatives. Provide technical contributions to the development of automation architectures and system designs under established guidelines. Conduct safety reviews and implement required controls in alignment with defined safety processes. Plan, organize, and manage moderately sized automation projects or workstreams. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support effective deployment into live production environments. Prioritize assigned tasks to ensure work is completed effectively and deadlines are met. Maintain current knowledge of control system and Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate relevant advancements into project recommendations. Provide hands-on programming and troubleshooting support for automated control systems and robots as needed for assigned projects. Coach junior engineers or technicians on automation best practices and system operation. Communicate effectively with operations and engineering stakeholders regarding project status, technical challenges, and implementation plans. Support the development of sustainment materials and documentation to ensure stable long-term operation of deployed automation systems. Assist in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance improvements for existing automation systems. 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 Hands-on industrial robotics experience Experience implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and/or Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing environment Qualifications We Prefer: Formal training on at least one major platform (e.g., FANUC) Experience developing in Ignition Experience in Automation architecture and system design Possesses business acumen and the ability to manage project budgets Ability to work across the organization vertically and horizontally What We Offer Benefits Some of our competitive benefits packages include: 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 Tuition reimbursement program 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 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! Learn More & Apply Now! Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customers succeed today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide. *Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibilities. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day. As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote. The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. 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. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.