Principal Manufacturing Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted:

2026-02-04

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IL-ROCKFORD-P1 ~ 2421 11th St ~ 2421 11TH ST-P1

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 Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Collins Aerospace is seeking a Principal Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering to join our Mechanical Power Conversion organization in Rockford, IL. This is a highly technical role responsible for driving manufacturing innovation, process excellence, and technology advancement across our Engine Systems product portfolio—including pumps, gearboxes, and starter assemblies used in next-generation aerospace platforms.

As a Principal Engineer, you will serve as a subject matter expert and key technical resource within the manufacturing engineering organization, guiding the development and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, and production process improvements. You will provide leadership to cross-functional teams, influence design for manufacturability, and enable flawless execution across new product introduction (NPI), production, and sustainment phases.

What You Will Do

• Technical Leadership: Act as the technical authority for assembly, test, paint, and inspection processes within the Mechanical Power Conversion group—setting standards for process capability, repeatability, and performance.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Identify, develop, and deploy automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions to improve quality, reduce cost, and enhance throughput.

• Process Ownership: Lead process design, validation, and control activities to ensure manufacturing readiness for new programs and continuous improvement for existing lines.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Partner with Design Engineering and Operations to influence product architecture, ensuring optimal manufacturability and lifecycle cost.

• Technology Strategy: Define and execute the roadmap for manufacturing process technology—assessing emerging trends, leading proof-of-concept initiatives, and engaging with equipment suppliers and integrators.

• Operational Support: Provide high-level technical support for production operations, leveraging root cause and corrective action (RCCA), statistical process control (SPC), and data analytics to resolve complex issues.

• Project Leadership: Serve as technical lead or work package owner for cross-functional projects involving new process introduction, equipment installation, and automation integration.

• Mentorship and Development: Provide guidance and technical mentoring to manufacturing engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

• CORE/Lean Leadership: Champion the use of Lean and CORE principles to drive process optimization and operational excellence

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.

• Working engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience leading complex process development or automation initiatives in an aerospace or high-precision manufacturing environment.

• Strong knowledge of assembly and test processes for mechanical or electromechanical systems.

• Demonstrated expertise in automation, torque tool, robotics integration, or mechatronic systems.

• Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams and influencing design-to-production transitions.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and data-driven process improvement methodologies.

• Knowledge of PFMEA, process validation, SPC, and RCCA practices.

• Familiarity with CORE operating system or equivalent structured continuous improvement framework.

What We Offer

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