Director of Engineering, Product Line Design

Date Posted:2026-05-27Country:United States of AmericaLocation:US-NC-WINSTON SALEM-190 ~ 190 Oak Plaza Blvd ~ BLDG 190Position Role Type:OnsiteU.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 RequiredSecurity Clearance Status: Not RequiredAt 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.The Director of Engineering, Product Line Design owns the end‑to‑end design leadership, platform architecture, and technical stewardship for CS&F product families. This individual will be reporting to the Executive Director of Interior Engineering for Commercial Seating & Furniture. This role will be an on-site role in Winston-Salem, NC and would be eligible for relocation assistance. This role sets the design strategy and standards for seating and furniture platforms; ensures our products meet market needs for ergonomics, durability, sustainability, and aesthetics; and delivers manufacturable, cost‑right designs that pass verification on the first try. You will lead a team of product line engineers and technical specialists, partner closely with Industrial Design and Product Management, and serve as the design authority for the portfolio.What You Will Do:Product Line Strategy & ArchitectureDefine product line roadmaps and technical strategies aligned to market requirements, design language, and cost/price positioningOwn platform architecture and modularity (common mechanisms, frames, arms/bases, upholstery kits) to increase reuse, reduce complexity, and accelerate time‑to‑marketTranslate requirements to specs: ergonomics, anthropometric ranges, comfort targets, durability, acoustic, sustainability (recycled content, circularity, reparability), and complianceDesign Quality, Standards & MethodsEstablish and govern Engineering standards: Gated Design Process, Design Best Practices, and internal design controlsGovern drawing/model quality: GD&T, release discipline, BoM accuracy, configuration controlChange reduction & EBOM qualityDesign reviews & sign‑offs: chair multi‑disciplinary reviews; adjudicate risks; require evidence (DFMEA/PFMEA, stress/FEA, reliability growth plans, supplier capability data) Cost/ Value OptimizationLead engineering content for successful launches: mature designs to APQP process standards, incorporating DFA and DFM through design development processOwn cost & value outcomes: drive VAVE pathways (materials, processes, simplification, modular reuse); maintain should‑cost models and variance controlReduce rework & cycle time through robust standards, reusable designs, reference models, and lessons‑learned librariesCross-Functional & Supplier PartnershipPartner with Industrial Design to harmonize aesthetics with manufacturability, durability, and ergonomics—protecting brand design language while meeting engineering targetsCollaborate with Operations & Quality on process DFM/DFA, control plans, and process capability studiesEngage suppliers technically: capability assessments, DFM/DFS workshops, production readiness and capability, and joint reliability improvementsPeople Leadership & CultureBuild and lead a high-performing team of program managers, systems engineers, and methods/process specialistsDevelop talent: mentoring, skill roadmaps, succession planningChampion a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and curiosity—where engineers own the outcome and bring solution options to the most difficult problemsQualifications You Must Have:Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 14 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 12 years of experienceBachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or related field10+ years progressive product engineering leadershipDemonstrated product line ownership from concept to launch, with proven outcomes in reliability, cost, and manufacturabilityMastery of design methods: DFx, GD&T, tolerance analysis, FMEA, reliability growth, and drawing/model quality managementVerification & compliance experience: aligning designs to regulatory and OEM requirementsFinancial acumen: should‑cost modeling, VAVE, tooling/capital planning, and BOM variance managementExecutive communication: clear narratives on trade‑offs, risks, and decision asks; crisp design review facilitationQualifications We Prefer:Master’s degree (MS/MEng or MBA)PMP and/or Lean Six Sigma Black BeltFamiliarity with FAA regulatory standards and commercial aerospace certificationHands‑on experience with Teamcenter, SolidWorks, Jira, MS ProjectWhat We OfferMedical, 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 Eligible for relocation And more!  Learn More & Apply NowAt 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?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.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 dayAs 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 186,200 USD - 353,800 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