Principal Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Design Automation; Onsite

Operations Automation Engineer – Collins Aerospace

Join our cutting‑edge operations technology team to work hand‑on with modern automation technologies, transforming our shop floor into a fully connected, data‑driven manufacturing environment. The role collaborates with cross‑functional teams across the site and enterprise, delivering intelligent automation systems that increase visibility and enable data‑driven decision‑making.

Onsite in West Des Moines, IA (preferred) or Windsor Locks, CT. Eligible for relocation assistance and up to 25% travel.

• 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.
• Author and/or contribute to statements of work, supplier selection, factory & site acceptance testing, and release to production for medium and large capital projects.

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with a STEM degree, or an advanced degree with at least 5 years of experience.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with a track record of motivating and developing teams.
• Expertise in automation technologies, including robotics, Industrial IoT (IIoT) platforms and connectivity, and 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 stakeholders at all levels.
• Familiarity with industry standards, safety regulations, and best practices in manufacturing and technology.
• Experience designing and implementing automated process improvements.
• Experience working with new product introduction (NPI).

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Computer Science or related discipline.
• Lean Certification (CORE).

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and a separate employer retirement contribution with a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages you can purchase: 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.
• Additional benefits available.

Salary range: $107,500 – $204,500 USD, commensurate with 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, veteran status, or any other protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section
503 and the Vietnam Era Veterans ’Readjustment Assistance Act .