Embedded Cybersecurity Researcher (Onsite)

globalhr; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with match

Tuition reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace seeks an experienced cyber engineer to advance security for connected cyber-physical systems within our Applied Research & Technology group. You will lead research projects on embedded systems, threat analysis, and security techniques, collaborating with hardware, software, and systems teams.

The role requires a degree in STEM and at least 5 years of relevant experience, with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government clearance. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, or an Advanced Degree with 2+ years of experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.
• At least 1+ years experience with embedded systems, industrial control systems or operational technology.
• Prior research experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel cybersecurity research projects.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers to evaluate new cyber security technologies.
• Perform technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement and business impact.
• Support government-sponsored science and technology research proposals and executions.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders to align research with Collins business objectives.
• Travel up to 10%.

Skills

Cybersecurity research

Embedded systems

Reverse engineering

Threat analysis

Technical leadership

Education

STEM degree (Bachelor or higher)

Advanced degree

Tools

FPGA

Industrial control systems

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166

Position Role Type: Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type: DoD Clearance: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

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.

Join a fast-growing research team focused on developing new and innovative technologies to ensure the security of connected cyber physical systems.

Collins Aerospace is seeking experienced cyber engineers knowledgeable in embedded system and communication platform design to support a multifaceted portfolio of research and development activities within our Applied Research & Technology organization. The responsibility of this role is to advanced cybersecurity research, including directly leading complex technical development activities and multi-disciplinary teams in the development of new security techniques for connected platforms. The person in this role should be self‑motivated, serving as a technical contributor to new research and innovations in the cybersecurity space.

The ideal candidate will possess deep experience in the threat analysis of mission- and safety-critical platforms, reverse engineering, vulnerability analysis technologies, emerging security research, operational technology and embedded systems. Outside of technical responsibilities, the candidate should be comfortable to collaborate with business partners and customers to contribute to new research opportunities, drive the successful transition and adoption of innovations, and develop new technology in securing cyber physical platforms.

What You Will Do

• Lead the technical and strategic management of novel research and development projects in the cyber physical security
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber security technologies
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations delivering early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact
• Participate in technical proposal preparation and the execution of government-sponsored science and technology research
• Cultivate strong partnerships with technology stakeholders across Collins business and customers to ensure collaboration and strategic alignment
• Must be willing and able to travel 10% of the time

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 2 years of experience
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
• At least 1+ years experience working with embedded systems or industrial control systems or operational technology
• Previous research experience

Qualifications We Prefer

• Ability to communicate and present to all levels of the organization
• Aerospace or defense experience
• Active DoD security clearance
• Experience working with FPGA or other embedded systems

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions - whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

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 illnessinsurance, 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 assistance
• And more!

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.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 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 performanceThis 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.