Lead Embedded Systems Engineer – Real-Time & Security

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to architect and lead embedded software initiatives across real‑time communications and secure systems.

You will design software‑defined radio, cryptographic, and networking solutions, mentor teams, and collaborate with cross‑disciplinary experts to deliver mission‑critical capabilities for defense applications. Onsite role requiring U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Security clearance required: DoD Secret; U.S. citizenship required.
• Experience in embedded software development with C/C++ and Rust.
• Ability to lead multi‑threaded software projects and architect complex systems.

Responsibilities

• YOU will architect cutting‑edge embedded software and communication products.
• YOU will lead large efforts in complex, multi‑threaded embedded software in C, C++, and Rust.
• YOU will drive project success by serving as an expert in requirements, implementation, test development, and certification.
• YOU will lead initiatives and teams, ensuring alignment with program goals and customer requirements.
• YOU will manage cost, schedule, and technical performance, applying Earned Value Management (EVM) principles to monitor and report progress.
• YOU will serve as an Agile Product Owner, defining and prioritizing the product backlog, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs, and collaborating with development teams to deliver high‑value solutions.
• YOU will contribute to the development of proposals and bids, including scoping, cost estimation, and technical documentation, to support business growth.
• YOU will develop and maintain detailed project schedules, identifying milestones, dependencies, and risks to ensure on‑time delivery of program objectives.

Skills

Embedded software

C/C++

Rust

Multithreading

Tools

Earned Value Management

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to architect and lead embedded software initiatives across real‑time communications and secure systems.

You will design software‑defined radio, cryptographic, and networking solutions, mentor teams, and collaborate with cross‑disciplinary experts to deliver mission‑critical capabilities for defense applications. Onsite role requiring U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance.