Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

At RTX, the world's largestaerospaceand 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 technicalexpertise, 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 Test Equipment Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and support electrical control systems and test equipment used for production, R&D, and qualification testing of advanced military and commercial aerospace products. The role will focus on electrical control panel and power distribution design, data acquisition hardware and software integration, engineering documentation, project cost and schedule planning, and troubleshooting of test systems. The ideal candidate will work effectively both independently and with cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver reliable test equipment on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality, technical, and customer requirements.

• Design electrical control panels, power distribution systems, and electrical circuits for aerospace test equipment.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Program, integrate, validate, and troubleshoot data acquisition hardware and application software.
• Develop and support test equipment used for fuel pumps, air turbine starters, blowers, gearboxes, and lube and scavenge pumps.
• Prepare project cost estimates, schedules, technical requirements, and resource plans.
• Integrate electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, controls, and software systems.
• Perform testing and validation to ensure equipment meets performance and reliability requirements.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, instrumentation, and software issues.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, software, manufacturing, and test engineering teams.
• Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards and specifications.
• Provide technical support, upgrades, modifications, and improvements to existing test equipment.
• Identify opportunities to improve test system reliability, efficiency, automation, and maintainability.

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field.

• Experience with motors, VFDs, load control centers, and signal conditioning.
• Experience programming NI LabVIEW for Windows, Real-Time (RT), and FPGA platforms.
• Intermediate-level experience with AutoCAD Electrical for electrical schematics and documentation.
• Experience with electrical panel layouts, component selection, and control panel design.
• Experience with 24 VDC and 120 VAC control equipment.
• LabVIEW Certified Developer (CLD) certification with RT and FPGA experience preferred.
• Experience with industrial automation, controls, and test system integration.
• Familiarity with hazardous-location requirements and equipment.
• Experience estimating project budgets, schedules, and resources for the design and documentation of test equipment.
• Aerospace industry experience, particularly with aerospace test equipment or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with hydraulic systems, including valves, transducers, flow meters, pumps, and related instrumentation.

• 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!

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 our integrity keeps our customers happy. Join us as we take flight!

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 68,900 USD - 131,100 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.

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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry‑leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.