Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design Automation; Onsite

Operations Automation Engineer

Are you ready to advance your career in advanced manufacturing? We are hiring an operations automation engineer to join our cutting-edge operations technology team at Collins Aerospace - Power and Controls. This role is hands-on and dynamic, working directly with production teams and modern automation technologies to transform our shop floor into a fully connected, data-driven, manufacturing environment. In this role you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams across the site and enterprise to deliver intelligent automation systems, increase visibility, and enable data-driven decision-making across our operations.

From deploying robotics, leading large scale initiatives, and participating in new product introduction (NPI) strategies, your work will drive the next generation of aerospace manufacturing. Help us lead the factory of the future revolution in aerospace.

Location:

This position can sit onsite in either West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT.

This role is eligible for relocation assistance.

This role may expect up to 25% Travel.

What You Will Do

• Support deployment and troubleshooting of robotics systems (e.g., collaborative robots, CNC automation) and integrate them with broader control systems.
• Lead or contribute to machine connectivity initiatives, including network configuration, tag structuring, and data modeling to enable smart factory capabilities.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Automation (DFA) initiatives, providing manufacturing and automation expertise to ensure next-generation products are designed for efficient automation.
• Create and manage the budget for automation projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial constraints.
• Develop training programs for staff to effectively use new technologies and provide ongoing support.
• Develop and maintain roadmaps for continuous innovation, maintenance, and enhancement of automation, smart factory initiatives, and software.
• Authoring and/or contributing to statements of work, supplier selection, factory & site acceptance testing, and release to production for medium and large capital projects.

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

Qualifications We Prefer

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Computer Science or related discipline
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of motivating and developing teams.
• Strong expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms and connectivity, with a solid foundation in traditional manufacturing concepts and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work across functions and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in manufacturing and technology.
• Lean Certification (CORE)
• Experience designing and implementing automated process improvements.
• Experience working with NPI

What We Offer:

• 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,  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!

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, miss ionized 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 customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.