Principal Industrial Engineer (Onsite)

Date Posted

2026-09-24

Country

United States of America

Location

US-IA-CORALVILLE-155 ~ 2855 Heartland Dr ~ HEARTLAND BLDG 155

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.

Collins Aerospace is hiring a Principal Industrial Engineer to support our Coralville manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for providing technical support to Operations by improving and enabling efficient manufacturing flow through established industrial engineering practices. This role will drive optimization of production processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, and quality across key programs including THAAD, HF Communications, TCTS2 and TCN.

This role serves as the primary FOD focal point and is accountable for continuous process and quality improvements, as well as ensuring a safe and productive work environment for a team of more than 30 production employees. The position also supports new product transitions through effective project management and structured continuous improvement initiatives. Qualified candidates will demonstrate strong self‑motivation, collaboration skills, and experience in electronics manufacturing processes, root cause analysis, and CORE, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies.

This is an onsite role in Coralville, IA and is eligible for relocation.

What You Will Do

• Provide technical leadership in defining and resolving complex manufacturing challenges, serving as the key interface with design engineering to drive design-for-manufacturability improvements.

• Develop and implement advanced tools, methods, and systems that enhance manufacturing performance, support process optimization, and mitigate safety risks.

• Contributes to the creation and refinement of innovative engineering concepts, techniques, and standards that strengthen overall operational capability.

• Lead cross‑functional initiatives focused on cost control, cost reduction, and inventory optimization through application of Lean methodologies, employing creative problem-solving techniques to address broad operational issues.

• Establish efficient production process flows, determine optimal sequencing of operations, and define methods that maximize utilization of manufacturing equipment, resources, and workforce.

• Generate and analyze cost estimates for proposed projects and incorporate cost considerations into engineering decisions and evaluations.

• Plan and design manufacturing layouts, facilities, and equipment configurations that support streamlined production and long‑term operational efficiency.

• Evaluate product designs for manufacturability, providing expert technical recommendations to resolve design gaps and ensure robust producibility.

• Define, develop, and refine new assembly processes while continuously improving existing processes to support quality, efficiency, and performance goals.

• Conduct research into emerging processes, technologies, and equipment, delivering data‑driven recommendations for investment and implementation.

• Prepare cost and schedule estimates and contribute to proposal development, technical presentations, and strategic planning activities.

• Establish advanced approaches, methodologies, and techniques that support continuous improvement across engineering and operational disciplines.

Expectations Of The Role

• In this role, you'll thrive in an environment that fosters continuous professional development and allows you to make significant contributions to organizational success and operational excellence. Key expectations for the role include:

• Collaboration: Work closely with VSLs to resolve program issues, manage schedules, and ensure objectives are met.

• Problem Solving & Coordination: Network with internal teams to resolve issues and ensure customer commitments are met.

• Gate Review & Program Support: Support gate review processes and other high-level program responsibilities.

• Applying previous technical experience to blend technical expertise, analytical skills, and practical knowledge in optimizing processes and systems.

What You Will Learn:

• During your tenure, you will have numerous opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge in various areas, equipping you to enhance organizational efficiency and competitiveness effectively, including:

• Master the ability to assess current processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement enhancements to boost productivity and efficiency.

• Gain proficiency in methodologies for continuous improvement, focusing on waste reduction, efficiency enhancement, and driving overall process improvements.

• Develop strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross functional teams and stakeholders across all organizational levels.

• Acquire the ability to adapt to changing environments and integrate industry trends and innovations to maintain competitiveness.

• Learn to lead teams, delegate responsibilities, and inspire team members to achieve collective objectives.

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

Qualifications We Prefer

• Manufacturing experience

• CORE/Lean/Six Sigma experience

• Strong knowledge of Root Cause Analysis experience

• Understating of SAP

• Experience in SolidWorks / CAD

• Experience with continuous improvement in a manufacturing setting

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering or similar technical discipline

• Experience with New Product and/or New Equipment integration

• Experience supporting Work Transfers

​ 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

• 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

• Relocation Assistance

• And more!

Learn More & Apply Now! ​

The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a p