Senior Principal Automation Engineer - Advanced Manufacturing Systems

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

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.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world 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.

This is an onsite-based role requiring candidates to reside within a commutable distance of a Collins Aerospace facility. While the preferred location is Cedar Rapids, Iowa, consideration may also be given to candidates located near other Collins Aerospace facilities within the United States. Given the nature of the role, travel up to 30% is anticipated.

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 

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.

What We Offer

This role may offer relocation support.

Some of our competitive benefits package includes: 

• 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! 

At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team?

*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 possibility. 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.

#LI-JC4

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.

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