Principal Project Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2025-11-18

Country:

United States of America

Location:

A01: Rockford - Aerospace 4747 Harrison Avenue, Rockford, IL, 61125 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 information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance:

None/Not Required

Are you ready to lead cutting-edge projects in the aerospace industry? Collins Aerospace is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Project Engineer to lead cross-functional teams in the development of cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies. In this role, you will lead technical execution and integration efforts across engineering disciplines, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer requirements. If you have a passion for innovation and a track record of successfully executing projects with significant scope and complexity, we want you on our team. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative mindset to drive innovative solutions and program excellence. This is your opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking aerospace technology while advancing your career with a global leader in the industry.

What You Will Do:

• Lead and manage the engineering aspects of a Program Management Team (PMT), ensuring successful execution of program objectives
• Develop and oversee technical plans, schedules, assigned resources, and budgets, aligning engineering activities with program milestones and deliverables
• Act as the primary engineering interface with program management, customers, and other stakeholders to communicate technical progress, risks, and opportunities
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and program management, to ensure seamless integration of engineering deliverables
• Drive accountability within the PMT to meet technical, cost, and schedule requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance
• Measure and predict project performance using earned value methods to drive compliance to contract requirements and ensure on-time deliverables
• Directs the work of employees assigned on projects in technical areas
• Prepares proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract
• Identify and mitigate risks, resolve technical challenges, and implement corrective actions to ensure program success
• Foster a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement within the engineering PMT
• Prepare and conduct technical reviews, design reviews, and program status briefings for leadership and customers
• Ensure compliance with engineering processes, standards, and regulatory requirements

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 Bachelor’s degree in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, electrical, or a related field)
• Strong technical background with knowledge of aerospace or defense systems, including design, development, analysis, testing, and production processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage complex technical projects, balancing competing priorities and achieving program goals
• Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Experience with risk management, systems engineering principles, and configuration management tools

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Advanced degree in engineering, business, or related discipline.
• Excellent problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Prior CAM and EVMS experience
• Experience with all aspects of the development product life cycle
• Familiarity with RTX tools, processes, and product lifecycle management.
• Experience with FPGA closed-loop control systems, actuation systems, and power electronics within a highly regulated aerospace environment.
• 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  
• Proven ability to facilitate difficult conversations and communicate early, and concisely with individuals at all organizational levels  
• Collins Enterprise Values including: Safety, Trust, Accountability, Respect, Collabora