At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative design for electric actuation systems in aerospace.
- Company: Join Collins, a leader in aerospace technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of aerospace technology and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in design engineering required.
This is an exciting new role within Collins and a unique opportunity to be part the ASG electric thrust reverser actuation centre of excellence, working as part of a team of technical innovators in the development of new technologies to position the business for success on next generation of aerospace nacelle electric actuation. The position will be located within a new bespoke facility in Wolverhampton. Reporting to the ASG-UK Site Lead - Chief Engineer, you will provide technical leadership and design authority for the development of electric actuation systems and associated subsystems, supporting programmes from concept through to production and in-service support.
As a Principal Design Engineer, you shall be responsible for conceptual & detail design support, maintaining and developing the design integrity of products within a multi-disciplinary Engineering team to support the design and development phase for electric actuation and associated subsystems.
In this varied role you will be responsible for providing design support, guidance and leadership at all stages of the design process from initial requirements capture and proposal preparation, through detail design to manufacture and qualification.
Quality of Design deliverables, adherence to procedures and knowledge of aircraft actuation equipment are key to the role.
Responsibility extends across the entire life cycle of the product, from conceptualizing and design, to prototyping and manufacturing, integration and verification testing, through production support.
Responsibilities
- Leading the generation of innovative design concepts and configurations for electro‑mechanical actuation systems
- Providing technical leadership and direction to design engineering teams
- Reviewing and approving design engineering deliverables
- Supporting all stages of the product lifecycle, from requirements capture and proposal development through detailed design, manufacture, qualification, and production support
- Ensuring compliance with design processes, engineering standards, and programme requirements
- Developing optimised solutions that balance performance, weight, cost, manufacturability, and robustness
- Leading design reviews and presenting technical solutions to customers and stakeholders
- Working closely with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to resolve complex engineering challenges
- Ensuring correct integration and installation of products within wider actuation systems
- Overseeing the production of manufacturing data packages, engineering drawings, and tolerance analyses
- Supporting risk identification, mitigation planning, and design assurance activities
- Leading problem‑solving activities throughout development, qualification, production, and in-service phases
- Providing engineering oversight for project planning and execution of design work packages
- Mentoring and developing junior engineers, graduates, and placement students
- Supporting technology roadmap development and future capability growth
- Leading failure investigations and corrective action activities
- Collaborating with global engineering teams to drive continuous improvement and share best practices
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent engineering qualification
- Demonstrated experience in a design engineering environment
- Knowledge of machine design, electro‑mechanical equipment product configurations
- Experience of leading the generation of innovative design concepts for mechanical or electro‑mechanical systems throughout the product lifecycle
- Proven ability for problem solving
- Experience in supporting failure investigations
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to a wide range of audiences
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
- A passion for design engineering, self‑development and excellence within a team
- Desirable Experience: Experience using CATIA
- Desirable Experience: Experience using Teamcenter PLM systems
Benefits
- Competitive salary and package
- 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays plus the option to buy / sell up to 5 days per year
- Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme with 2:1 matched contributions up to 10%
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health & Wellbeing Cash Plan – (dental/optical/therapy/chiropody/health screening)
- Life Assurance & Group Income protection scheme participation
- Employee Discounts & Flexible Benefits platform
- Support with professional fees
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employee recognition schemes
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton employer: RTX Corporation
RTX Corporation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to extensive training programs and growth opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that support the British Army's training excellence. Located in the UK, our culture prioritises teamwork and inclusivity, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with RTX Corporation for a Principal Design Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Design Engineer in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at RTX Corporation, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At RTX Corporation, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at RTX Corporation
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with RTX Corporation.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with RTX Corporation. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like RTX Corporation love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.