Principal Equipment Engineer, Structural Processing (Onsite)

Date Posted: 2026-09-23 Country: United States of America Location: US-MN-BURNSVILLE-WEST ~ 14300 Judicial Rd ~ WEST BLDG 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 Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. The Equipment Engineering organization is seeking a highly skilled Principal Equipment Engineer to support the Structural Processing engineering team. This role focuses on hands-on development, integration, and validation of advanced manufacturing equipment and automation solutions used in process‑intensive manufacturing applications. The ideal candidate is an experienced technical contributor with strong expertise in industrial automation, robotics, controls, and structural processing equipment. This engineer will execute equipment development workstreams, collaborate with vendors and integrators, and deliver robust, scalable solutions for multiple manufacturing sites. This position is execution-focused and centered on technical solution development, detailed design evaluation, and equipment integration support. Project management activities (schedule, budget, governance) are managed by the Program Management Office, enabling this role to focus on engineering excellence and hands-on technical problem solving. What You Will Do: Develop, integrate, and validate advanced manufacturing equipment for structural processing applications, including cold spray deposition, robotic welding, brazing systems, press systems, and forming equipment. Own execution of assigned equipment development workstreams, including design collaboration, controls integration, commissioning, debug, and acceptance testing. Work closely with equipment OEMs, integrators, and automation suppliers; lead day‑to‑day technical interaction and challenge design assumptions to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and scalability. Support equipment architecture, controls strategy, robotics integration, functional safety implementation, and process monitoring. Translate complex manufacturing process requirements into practical, scalable equipment designs. Conduct technical evaluations, design reviews, troubleshooting, and root‑cause analysis across automation, controls, cold spray, welding, and brazing technologies. Support development of standardized equipment platforms, tooling concepts, and integration practices deployable across multiple sites. Partner with Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Quality, EHS, and site teams to define technical requirements and ensure equipment readiness. Participate in equipment commissioning, startup, debug, and operational handoff at manufacturing sites. Generate engineering documentation, specifications, validation plans, and technical reports. Provide subject matter expertise in cold spray, automated welding, brazing, industrial robotics, structural processing, automation, and controls. May mentor junior engineers and support capability-building within the Structural Processing team. Technical Scope: Experience with one or more of the following: Cold spray deposition systems Robotic welding systems (MIG, TIG, specialty processes) Automated or semi‑automated brazing systems Industrial robotics and integrated automation cells Press and forming systems Automated process equipment Material handling, fixtures, and integrated manufacturing equipment Machine controls, PLC-based systems, HMI development, and functional safety Process monitoring, supervision, and multi‑technology equipment integration Qualifications You Must Have: Typically requires: A University Degree or equivalent experience and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience, or An Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years experience Experience developing, integrating, or deploying automated industrial or manufacturing equipment Direct experience working with equipment OEMs, integrators, or automation suppliers Ability to travel up to 25% to manufacturing sites and vendor facilities as required U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Qualifications We Prefer: Strong experience with industrial automation and robotics Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot complex engineering and controls issuesWorking knowledge of PLC-based controls, robotics integration, sensors, and equipment interfaces Understanding of machine safety and functional safety principles Experience with cold spray deposition, including equipment development or process integration Experience with automated brazing or converting manual brazing processes into automation-ready equipment solutionsExperience with robotic welding, forming systems, press equipment, or other structural processing technologies Experience with equipment commissioning, debug, acceptance testing, and production rampExperience supporting multi‑site equipment deployment Demonstrated ability to challenge vendor designs and drive technical improvementsStrong hands-on problem-solving, troub