Principal Mechanical Engineer

Date Posted: 2026-02-05
Country: United States of America
Location: US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461
Position Role Type: Onsite
Salary Range: $107,500 USD - $204,500 USD

Security Clearance Requirements

• U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Top Secret
• Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

About the Role

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio, and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

The Collins Aerospace Mission Systems Integrated Strategic Solutions (ISSE) engineering team is seeking a self-motivated Principal Mechanical Engineer that thrives in the design, development, and integration of dynamic electro-mechanical systems and controls involving items such as pulleys, gear boxes, sensors, motors, actuators and hydraulic pumps. The selected candidate will also work closely with other disciplines, such as Electrical and Systems Engineering to ensure all mechanical systems and components meet requirements during all phases of our military communication systems and trailing wire systems products' lifecycle.

Collins Aerospace is redefining the future of aerospace in Richardson, TX to enable our warfighter to be as effective as they can be in the realm of nuclear deterrence. Collins takes great pride in how our products are making our country safer, and we want you to join us if you're as motivated and passionate about that mission as we are.

This is an ONSITE position located in Richardson, TX.

What You Will Do

• Communicate technical topics and issues in a clear and concise manner to both technical peers as well as non-technical team members
• Responsible for the design and documentation of high complexity mechanical and electro-mechanical hardware such as gear boxes, motors, actuators, hydraulic pumps, bearings, and large rotating equipment
• Perform analysis on components to ensure such requirements as sizing, strength, and dynamic load are met throughout the product life-cycle
• Address supplier-driven changes, component obsolescence, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS to ensure compliance with structural integrity and fatigue performance criteria
• Conduct prototype build, integration, and testing activities to validate component and system level compliance to customer requirements
• Conduct and provide constructive feedback during peer reviews
• Mentor and document knowledge to provide technical domain guidance to both members of own team and beyond
• Work proactively and in a self-driven manner with an integrated product team (IPT) to manage project scope and budget, as well as identify risks and opportunities

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
• Knowledge of commercial and military standards such as RTCA DO-160 and MIL-STD-810
• Background in the design and qualification of mechanical components and assemblies that include sensors, motors, actuators, pulleys, gears, and pumps
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Solid Works, Creo, CATIA, NX, or similar) and the ability to apply best practices with said tools
• Proficiency with structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools (Ansys Mechanical, Abaqus) and best practices

Qualifications We Prefer

• Possession of an active U.S. government issued Secret or Top Secret clearance
• Ability to quickly acquire technical domain knowledge and contribute to the design/implementation of sophisticated electro-mechanical systems
• Direct experience working on aircraft or ground based military platforms
• Direct experience with the design, analysis, and qualification of wire or cable tensioning systems
• Knowledge of commercial and military electromechanical form factors, design, and analysis methods
• Experience with ruggedization techniques for commercial hardware
• Experience working with and managing sub-contractors
• Can apply and interpret ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing best practices
• Experience with fatigue, modal, random vibration, transient shock, and acoustic analyses is a plus
• Knowledge of relevant military standards such as MIL-STD-1472 and MIL-STD-461
• Working knowledge of Agile development methods for hardware
• Either familiar with or preferably experienced with Control Account Management (CAM) and earned value techniques
• Experience in the preparation of proposals and presentations
• Experience designing using advanced materials and methods including composites and additive manufacturing
• Ability to lead a team and serve as a technical mentor to junior engineers

What We Offer

• 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!

About Collins Aerospace

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Additional Information

Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance.