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Collins Aerospace · 1 day ago

Principal Mechanical Engineer (Onsite)

Rockford, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$101K/yr - $203K/yr

5+ years exp

Collins Aerospace is a leader in aerospace systems, and they are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to play a critical leadership role in mechanical design and program execution. This position involves serving as a Project Engineer for complex mechanical scopes, ensuring robust solutions that align with program objectives while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

AerospaceIndustrialMilitarySatellite Communication

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Serve as Project Engineer for assigned mechanical scope from concept through production transition

Own mechanical technical direction, execution approach, and design intent across development programs

Lead design and development activities including trade studies, architecture decisions, and design reviews

Integrate manufacturing readiness, producibility, and verification considerations into design decisions

Drive design maturity and risk reduction through analysis, test strategy definition, and validation planning

Coordinate with cross-functional functions (Systems, Manufacturing, Test, Quality, Supply Chain) to ensure aligned execution

Support EVMS-based execution, including scope definition, schedule alignment, technical progress assessment, and identification of risks and variances within assigned mechanical scope

Provide clear technical status, inputs, and assessments to support program reporting and reviews

Provide technical guidance and oversight to supporting engineers; integrate inputs into a cohesive solution

Communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations to program and functional leadership

Qualification

Mechanical EngineeringProject EngineeringMechanical DesignVerificationValidationEVMS-based executionManufacturing ReadinessTechnical Trade StudiesCommunication SkillsLeadership SkillsProblem Solving

Required

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 Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Demonstrated experience leading mechanical design and development efforts through production readiness

Proven ability to operate as a Project Engineer or technical owner for complex mechanical scope

Strong background in mechanical design principles, requirements interpretation, and design decision-making

Working knowledge of verification and validation planning, including integration of test strategy into design

Experience supporting EVMS-based execution, including scope definition, schedule alignment, technical progress assessment, and risk identification

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction, resolving ambiguity and setting technical direction

Preferred

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Experience in development programs transitioning to low-rate or full-rate production

Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal direction, resolving ambiguity and setting technical direction

Background in manufacturing readiness, producibility, or production support

Working knowledge of dynamics, loads, vibration, or structural behavior sufficient to inform design and verification decisions

Experience conducting or leading technical trade studies and design reviews

Familiarity with NX, Teamcenter, and PLM-based release processes

Experience mentoring or technically guiding other engineers without formal supervisory responsibility

Customer-facing technical experience or participation in major program reviews

Ability to communicate technical status, risks, and recommendations clearly to program and functional leadership

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!