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Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite)

RTX (Collins Aerospace) · Foley, ALtoday
$108k – $205k

BS-level R&D / Research roles on Crosslinked list a median of $126k (381 that show pay).

Perform structural and repair analysis on metallic and composite aircraft structures for production support

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. High business impact role with FAA-signature authority on composite and bonded metallic repair designs for major airlines and airframers.

Might not be for you. Requires 8+ years and is production-support focused — repair and defect work rather than greenfield materials R&D.

Computational or deskTechnical lead Senior hires only

Adjacent materials roleDefine, assess, and document repair designs for metallic, bonded metallic, and advanced composite aerospace structures

Seniority
Staff/Principal
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
8+ yrs
Industry
Aerospace
Role
R&D / Research
Benefits
student loan repayment programtuition reimbursementthree weeks vacation for new hires

Role details

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

 Country: United States of America

 Location: US-AL-FOLEY-1300 ~ 1300 W Fern Ave ~ OEM BLDG

 Position Role Type: Onsite

 U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: This job requires a U.S. Person. A U.S. Person is a lawful permanent resident as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, or individuals granted refugee or asylee status in the U.S. are considered U.S. persons. For a complete definition of “U.S.

Person” go here. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/chapter-I/subchapter-M/part-120/subpart-C/section-120.62

 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 looking for a Principal Structural Engineer to fill a high business impact role by representing the Engineering organization through tactical and strategic oversight.

This experienced Engineer will provide technical expertise throughout the product design, build, and delivery processes for complex, integrated aircraft components of metallic and advanced composite construction. This role will drive meaningful improvements across Engineering Production Support processes by applying a strong understanding of product design, performing detailed structural analyses, and promoting continuous improvement in engineering efficiency, product producibility, quality, and cost reduction.

What You Will Do

Perform complex structural analyses using hand and computer calculations, including static, fatigue and fracture analysis of aerospace components. Define, assess, and document repair designs for metallic, bonded metallic, and advanced composite aerospace structures. Work with Materials Review Board (MRB) to develop standard repair instructions. Analyze repair proposals and prepare formal engineering reports supporting minor and major repairs for customers and FAA approval, which may include obtaining authorized engineering signatures. Provide limited direction to others in stress analysis and may act as technical lead on assigned projects.

Coordinate repairs with internal and external customers, as well as external staff of major airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Develop and implement processes, methods, and tools that improve efficiency throughout Engineering Production Support workflows activities. Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering quality, productivity, standardization, and cycle time reduction. Assist cross functional technical team in identifying opportunities for improved producibility and work with extended engineering team to implement meaningful changes.

Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities across product lines and processes. Provide technical expertise to Engineering Build Assessment and design study activities to drive regular improvements in defect eradication. Review, quantify, and drive support of defect corrective action plans across the product lines. Support product development teams by providing defect eradication, producibility, and lessons learned early in the product lifecycle. undefined Communicate technical findings, recommendations, risks, and decisions clearly to engineering leadership, customers, and cross functional stakeholders.

Qualifications You Must Have: Typically requires degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum 8 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience. Strong structural analysis background including static stress analysis and fatigue analysis. Experience with stress analysis of metallic and advanced composite structures. Experience using Patran or comparable finite element analysis tools. Experience performing detail analysis by hand calculations and computer methods.

Experience working effectively across functional boundaries and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic production support environment. Experience identifying process improvement opportunities, developing and implementing corrective or improvement actions, and leading continuous improvement projects from concept through execution and implementation Must have proficient/advanced Microsoft Office computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook. Qualifications We Prefer: Experience working on aircraft modifications and/or repairs. Airframe/aerospace design and stress analysis experience.

Demonstrated ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions to address issues of complex scope. Proactive, action-oriented approach to managing tasks and activities.

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 Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building 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!

Learn More & Apply Now! Our Advanced Structures team leverages advanced materials and additive manufacturing to develop complex interior and exterior solutions. These solutions ensure structural integrity of the aircraft, help aircraft take off and land, stay trim in the air, move forward, carry cargo and conduct rescues. We delight our customers with superior products and best-in-class service. Our global team is committed to continuous improvement – we work hard to make our solutions lighter-weight, stronger and more technically advanced, so that plane travel can be safer, more affordable and more sustainable in the years to come.

We are looking for the best and brightest to fly and land with us! 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. Regardless of your role type, collaboration and innovation are critical to our business and all employees will have access to digital tools so they can work with colleagues around the world – and access to Collins sites when their work requires in-person meetings. 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.

Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day. 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. The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. 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, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.

Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Privacy Policy and Terms: Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role at RTX (Collins Aerospace)?

The listed annual base salary range is $108K–$205K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Where is the Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role at RTX (Collins Aerospace) based?

This role is based in Foley, AL.

What degree is required for the Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role at RTX (Collins Aerospace)?

The posting accepts the following combinations: BS + 8 years, MS + 5 years.

How many years of experience does this Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role require?

The posting calls for at least 8 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role work with?

advanced composites, metallic structures.

What techniques or methods are required for this Principal Engineer, Structural Engineering(Onsite) role?

finite element analysis, static stress analysis, fatigue analysis, fracture analysis, hand calculations.