Principal Project Engineer (Onsite)

RTX•Rockford, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you ready to help lead cutting-edge aerospace technology programs? Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to support the technical execution and integration of advanced aerospace and defense systems. In this role, you will contribute to technical execution, subsystem integration, and cross-functional coordination across Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) developing complex aerospace solutions. You will work closely with engineering disciplines, program leadership, and manufacturing partners to ensure technical objectives are delivered in alignment with program goals and customer requirements. The ideal candidate combines strong engineering fundamentals with the ability to coordinate across teams, manage technical scope, and help drive program execution. This role provides an opportunity to take on technical leadership responsibilities without direct supervisory management, while contributing to innovative aerospace programs within a collaborative engineering environment. This position is onsite in Rockford, IL and supports programs requiring close collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years of relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Prior experience supporting the design, development, integration, or testing of aerospace or defense systems or subsystems
Prior experience serving in a technical leadership role (e.g., Project Engineer, Technical Lead, Systems Lead, IPT Lead, or Subsystem Lead) supporting execution of engineering deliverables within a program environment
Prior experience coordinating engineering work across multiple technical disciplines within a cross-functional program team
Prior experience working within matrixed engineering organizations supporting aerospace or defense programs
Prior experience applying systems engineering processes, risk management practices, or configuration management within an engineering development program

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Business, or related discipline
Prior Control Account Manager (CAM) or Earned Value Management System (EVMS) experience
Experience supporting full product lifecycle development from concept through production
Experience providing technical leadership within Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)
Familiarity with RTX tools, processes, or product lifecycle management systems
Experience with FPGA closed-loop control systems, actuation systems, or power electronics within a regulated aerospace environment
Demonstrated ability to support technical reviews, design reviews, and program briefings
Ability to communicate technical information effectively to engineering teams, program leadership, and stakeholders
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and mitigate technical risks

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership within an Integrated Product Team (IPT) supporting successful execution of program objectives
Support technical execution, subsystem integration, and cross-discipline coordination across mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams
Assist in developing and executing technical plans, schedules, and engineering deliverables aligned with program milestones and customer requirements
Serve as a technical interface between engineering teams, program leadership, and internal stakeholders to communicate progress, risks, and opportunities
Coordinate with cross-functional partners including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program management to ensure seamless integration of engineering deliverables
Support risk identification and mitigation activities, helping resolve technical challenges and implement corrective actions to maintain program performance
Contribute to monitoring project performance, including support of earned value management (EVM) activities to maintain alignment with program cost and schedule objectives
Coordinate engineering activities across assigned workstreams to ensure alignment with program goals and technical requirements
Support proposal development activities including technical inputs, work scope definition, and engineering estimates
Prepare and support technical reviews, design reviews, and program status briefings for internal leadership and customers
Ensure engineering activities comply with established processes, standards, and regulatory requirements

Benefits

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, 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!