Senior Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering; Onsite

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.

We are seeking a Senior Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering to join our Aftermarket Technical Services organization. In this senior technical role, you will serve as an expert in nacelle repair design and structural analysis, providing rapid, compliant engineering solutions that minimize aircraft downtime on all Collins Aerostructures commercial nacelle hardware that are compliant with certified type design and airworthiness (FAA/EASA) requirements.

You will guide cross‑functional teams, support airline customers on complex technical issues, improve engineering processes, and mentor engineers across the organization.

This position requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make timely engineering decisions in a fast‑paced customer‑support environment.

This position will be onsite in Chula Vista, CA. Relocation assistance is available. May be required to work weekends and holidays in rotation, as needed.

• Perform and approve structural repair stress analyses for complex nacelle components, ensuring compliance with certified type design and FAA/EASA airworthiness standards
• Develop analytical methods and creative engineering solutions for complex technical issues that satisfy airline operational and maintenance requirements
• Provide expert guidance on metallic and composite repair design and make rapid engineering judgments and recommendations to support aircraft return‑to‑service
• Define strategies and approaches for repair analysis and productivity‑improvement initiatives
• Develop and refine standards, tools, and methods that strengthen consistency and efficiency across the engineering team
• Evaluate and optimize processes for addressing customer inquiries and resolving technical concerns
• Lead internal and customer‑facing efforts to respond quickly to complex questions and deliver approved repair solutions
• Prioritize and manage multiple customer requests to maintain service levels, responsiveness, and turnaround time commitments
• Lead teams to resolve customer issues, establish engineering standards, and advance repair methodologies
• Mentor, train, and support senior and junior engineers to build technical capability across the Repair Engineering organization
• Guide organizational initiatives to improve workflows, tools, standards, and technical best practices
• Partner with cross‑functional groups to support repair solutions, design updates, and engineering reviews

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
• Experience with repair analysis of aircraft metallic and/or composite structures
• In-depth knowledge in technical understanding of maintenance, repair, overhaul, and regulatory requirements in the commercial aircraft industry
• Thorough understanding of load path, load balance, free body diagram and experience in classical hand…