Principal Automation Engineer - Industrial Robotics; Onsite

Principal Automation Engineer – Cedar Rapids, IA

Location:

Cedar Rapids, IA. The role is onsite‑based and requires candidates to reside within a commutable distance of the facility. Relocation is eligible. This role is a U.S.‑based role; for candidates residing in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits apply.

• 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 work streams.
• 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.

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.

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.

• 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 such as pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal,  protection.
• Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits.
• Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
• Adoption Assistance, Autism Benefit, Employee Assistance Plan (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.

$107,500 – $204,500 USD (estimated; based on experience).

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.