Senior Principal Manufacturing Project Engineer Post-Wave Transformation (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2025-07-15

Country:

United States of America

Location:

HIA32: Cedar Rapids, IA 400 Collins Rd NE , Cedar Rapids, IA, 52498-0505 USA

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access certain necessary systems.

Security Clearance:

None/Not Required

We are looking for a Senior Principal Manufacturing Project Engineer Post Wave Transformation with authoritative expertise in manufacturing processes and systems like soldering (wave / selective) & automated inspection (AOI, AXI, SPI) to help us transform the build and test processes of circuit card assemblies (CCAs) .

You will provide strategic and technical leadership across multiple sites and projects, mainly executing the deployment of s uch platforms including programming and integration with existing or future system s i n our roadmap s . You will also manage high capital / high complexity projects in sync with project / program managers for full manufacturing production release . You will d emonstrat e hands-on subject matter expertise and the ability to effectively communicat e with both technical and non-technical audiences . You will participate in leading efforts with new business capture teams, developing business cases, establishing baseline plans, mentoring emerging engineers, and transition process ownership, including management of operations functions in a matrixed environment.

You must display a great understanding of performance measures like Statistical Process Controls (SPC), machine utilization , throughput, First Pass Test Yield (FPTY) , and others. The ability to gather requirements and coordinate the involvement of Operations, Quality, Engineering, Design, Test, Programs, and other key resources early in product development lifecycles will be critical for success in the role . Bui l ding trust and influenc ing improved product designs, yields, and costs are also critical skills .

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• S erve as liaison between Operations, Facilities, EHS, Program Management, Design Engineering, Digital Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Test Engineering, and Quality Engineering for automation initiative s business case development with no oversight.

• Provide great levels of visibility through effective documentation and presentation skills at the different levels of the organization, including the executive level.

• Lead involvement in the development of cell designs and footprint/layout plans at target locations for the different initiatives.

• Act as the primary NPI contact to the Advanced Manufacturing and Program Management Teams to coordinate the proliferation of technologies through NPI transition into full-rate production.

• Maintain understanding of the various aspects of engineering design, product development, design to cost (DTC), design for manufacture (DFM), design for testability (DFT), and product prototyping processes.

• Ensure Operations considerations, such as producibility, testability, design to cost, component obsolescence, and other factors, are considered as part of new automation initiatives and early in the design development process.

• Successfully lead or coordinate cross-functional trade studies and strategic roadmaps development that drive increased customer value and company profitability.

• Own the quality of new designs relative to compatibility with the target manufacturing process technologies and site capabilities.

• Support activities involving variability reduction to identify and mitigate process and product risk through the use of technologies (DFMEA, PFMEA, etc.).

• Ensure quality, cost, schedule, and inventory goals are achieved in a manner consistent with the overall business plan, capital expenditures, and annual operating plans.

• Lead continuous improvement practices using CORE and Lean Electronics tools and methods proactively in the execution of projects and programs .

• Lead cross-training initiatives and knowledge transfer for team members across experience levels to build domain expertise and support operational resilience.

• Support leadership with the development and modification of new and existing procedures to capture tribal knowledge and increase team efficiency and standardization across the organization.

• Operate in accordance with Corporate, Operations, and Division policies and practices and in compliance with accepted business practices.

• Average travel to be close to 15 % , however different stages of projects might require more travel to be coordinated at specific stages of each project.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU MUST HAVE:

• 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.

• 10+ years of e lectronics manufacturing experience ( e.g., SMT, Wave, AOI, SPI , others ).

QUALIFICATIONS WE PREFER:

• Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering Degree.

• Engineering experience, Aerospace preferred.

• Advanced proficiency in applying Lean/Six Sigma or APQP principles .

• P roficiency in MS Project and SAP or a similar ERP system .

• Experience with New Product Introductions is valued.

• Program/Project management experience and/or certification .

• PMP Certification is valued.

• SMTA certification is valued.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve operational goals .

• Experience using analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively identify and resolve issues and mitigate risks .

• Collins Enterprise Values including Safety | Trust | Accountability | Respect | Collaboration | Innovation.

WHAT WE OFFER

BENEFITS

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:

• 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 illnessinsurance, 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

• And more!

This position may be eligible for relocation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again .

Apply now and be part of the team thats redefining aerospace, every day.

The salary range for this role is 124,000 USD - 250,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidates work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the companys performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms