Senior Principal Automation Engineer – Advanced Manufacturing Systems

RTX

Senior Principal Automation Engineer driving advanced automation strategy at Collins Aerospace. Leading architectural standards and execution across manufacturing operations for efficiency and performance.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeCedar Rapids • Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $132,400 - $251,600 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

IoT

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)
Minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience
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
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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

automation engineeringindustrial roboticsPLCSCADAMESIndustrial IoT (IIoT)automation architectureprogramming of automated control systemsproject executionsafety risk assessments

Soft Skills

technical guidanceproject managementleadershipmentoringcommunicationprioritizationcross-functional collaborationbusiness acumenresource managementeffective deployment

Certifications

degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM)degree in Mechanical Engineeringdegree in Industrial Automationdegree in Robotics