Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochelle, IL

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. 

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Test Equipment Engineer with a proven track record of designing, developing, and delivering advanced test equipment for complex mechanical power systems. The ideal candidate is an innovative engineering leader who thrives on solving challenging technical problems and driving projects from concept through design, build, validation, and commissioning. This individual will possess expertise in mechanical, hydraulic, thermodynamic, and power transmission systems, along with the ability to analyze test data, optimize equipment performance, and implement continuous improvement initiatives. Success in this role requires strong collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams, exceptional project ownership, and a commitment to delivering reliable, cost-effective test solutions that support mission-critical military and commercial power conversion products. 

What You Will Do  

• Design and develop test equipment and systems for the Mechanical Power Conversion (MPC) suite of mechanical power generation, transmission, and distribution products supporting both military and commercial applications. 

• Research, plan, design, and develop mechanical, thermodynamic, hydraulic, and power transmission test equipment for engineering, qualification, and production testing of engine- and aircraft-mounted gearboxes, air turbine starters, main fuel pumps, integrated fuel pumps, and lube and scavenge pumps. 

• Prepare and maintain detailed engineering drawings, schematics, diagrams, specifications, and technical documentation for test equipment designs. 

• Lead all phases of test equipment development, including fabrication, assembly, checkout, verification, validation, commissioning, and system acceptance. 

• Review and analyze test results against equipment design requirements, rated specifications, and test objectives, and recommend modifications or design improvements to achieve performance targets. 

• Develop performance, maintenance, calibration, and operational requirements for test stands and associated equipment. 

• Lead and participate in peer reviews of test equipment specifications, designs, concepts, components, and integrated systems. 

• Collaborate independently and across cross-functional teams, including Product Engineering, Program Management, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and Operations, to ensure successful project execution. 

• Partner with the Quality Clinic and related departments to investigate field issues, support root cause analysis, and ensure product quality and reliability. 

• Deliver projects on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards, engineering specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory guidelines. 

• Develop confidential proposals for test equipment and facility infrastructure projects, including scope, schedules, budgets, design, construction, and installation plans. 

• Research, evaluate, analyze, and qualify improvements to machines, components, subsystems, manufacturing processes, test methods, and overall system designs. 

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to manufacturing, testing, and transactional processes to enhance product quality, increase test efficiency, and reduce operational waste. 

 
Qualifications You Must Have  

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience or in absence of a degree, 9 years of relevant experience. 

 
Qualifications We Prefer 

• Experience designing mechanical rotating equipment and related systems. 

• Experience designing hydraulic and fluid power circuits. 

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, preferably for 2D drafting and detailing. 

• Experience using Siemens NX for 3D CAD modeling; experience with SolidWorks is also desirable. 

• Strong understanding of mechanical system design, engineering drawings, and GD&T principles. 

• Ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and optimize complex mechanical and test equipment systems. 

• Experience supporting the design, validation, or commissioning of engineering test equipment is highly preferred. 

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  

• 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!   

Learn More & Apply Now! 

We make modern flight possible for millions of travelers and our military every second.  Our major product lines are on-board virtually every aircraft flying. Be it keeping passengers safe with our emergency power generation systems or creating a positive in-flight experience through reliable cabin pressure controls and quieter engines, Power & Controls focuses on delivering a best-in-class experience to our customers. We hire the top people in the industry. Their ideas drive our performance, and their integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight!  

*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 possibilities. 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.