Senior Principal Mechatronics & Controls Engineer
RTX· Defense· Oct 16, 2026 · 11d ago
Winston Salem, NC
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
10+ years exp
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-10-16 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-NC-WINSTON SALEM-961 ~ 961 Pinebrook Knolls Dr ~ PINEBROOK 961 Position Role Type:
Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. Security Clearance Type:
None/Not Required Security Clearance Status:
Not Required
At RTX, the world 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.
As a Senior Principal Mechatronics & Controls Engineer, you will serve as the organizational authority for algorithm development, motion control, and mechatronic system design for aerospace seat actuation systems. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts to define, develop, and integrate advanced motion control solutions that ensure safety, performance, and reliability. Your work will shape the next generation of aerospace actuation technologies.
What You Will Do:
Develop advanced motion control algorithms, including position, velocity, torque, trajectory generation, adaptive control, and load sensing.
Design and validate control strategies for multi-actuator systems, synchronized motion, load sharing, and fault-tolerant behavior.
Build and utilize dynamic models (mechanical, electrical) to support robust control algorithm development.
Define motor, actuator, and drive system performance, including torque-speed profiles, thermal characteristics, efficiency, and environmental considerations.
Architect end-to-end mechatronic systems involving mechanical components, BLDC/servo motors, sensors, and drive electronics.
Lead system trade studies related to actuators, power systems, EMC, stability, redundancy, and dynamics.
Define and execute verification and validation strategies for algorithm performance, robustness, and fault handling.
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards such as ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-160, DO-178, and ARP5526.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to resolve technical challenges and ensure system-level integration.
Qualifications You Must Have:
Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience
Experience in control algorithm development, motor control and drive systems, mechatronic or electromechanical actuation systems, and system modeling and simulation.
Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary engineering programs.
Background in control theory, dynamic modeling, and numerical methods.
Experience with multi-actuator or robotic systems, including synchronization, multi-axis control, kinematics, and dynamics modeling.
Qualifications We Prefer:
Experience with BLDC/servo motor physics, commutation strategies, sensor integration, and drive electronics control.
Experience implementing controls in embedded systems using C/C .
Proficiency with modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or MBSE tools like Cameo.
Familiarity with actuator mechanisms, including gears, linkages, leadscrews, and force/displacement characterization.
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!
At Collins Aerospace, our Interiors team is focused on innovation, safety and cost efficiency. But we don’t just get people from point A to point B. We’re committed to making air travel more comfortable, connected and secure. As a leader in aviation interior products and services, we’re helping airlines and original equipment manufacturers create a positive experience for their customers. With offices and manufacturing facilities in more than 12 states across the U.S. and more than 10 countries around the globe, we’re changing the game of aircraft interiors. Are you ready to join our team?
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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.
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Benefits
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Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave
Wellness