Lead Systems Engineer - (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks of vacation

401(k) plan

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA, is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer for an onsite role supporting US DoD contracts. A current DoD Secret clearance is required Day 1, U.S. citizenship is mandatory, and relocation may be considered.

You will lead multi-discipline teams to design, develop, and integrate complex systems from concept through production, ensuring top performance and security compliance. Join Collins Aerospace to work on challenging programs across DoD contracts, with

Qualifications

• Typically requires a STEM degree and 8+ years of experience or an advanced degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Active and transferable DoD Secret clearance is required prior to start date.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams of systems, hardware, and software engineers to ensure system compatibility and performance.
• Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability across product levels.
• Support transition from prototype to production, including design reviews and documentation.
• Collaborate with hardware and software engineers to deliver innovative, customer-focused solutions.
• Communicate clearly with team members and stakeholders to align milestones and deliverables.

Skills

Systems engineering

DoD clearance

CONOPS development

Integration testing

Test planning

Cross-functional leadership

Scripting for automation

Team coordination

V-model knowledge

DoD security requirements

Education

STEM degree

Advanced degree

Tools

CAMEO

Rhapsody

Microsoft Office

Jira

IBM EWM

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

Date Posted: 2026-08-13 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance Security Clearance Type: Secret - Current Security Clearance Status: Active and existing security clearance required on day 1 Lead Systems Engineer - (Onsite) 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.

Role Description: Collins is hiring Senior Systems Engineer to support programs for our US military and various international customers, keeping the world safe from foreign threats. We support multiple contracts and are seeking to fill roles across several open contracts – our goal is to align each new hire with a position that best suits their skills and allows for career growth. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, and integration of products, from concept to production. You will collaborate closely with hardware and software engineers to ensure seamless system performance and deliver innovative solutions that meet customer needs. This position requires: US Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret Security Clearance Day 1. Onsite: This is an onsite role supporting our Cedar Rapids, IA location. Sign-on Bonus Eligible

• Lead cross-functional team members (systems, hardware, and software engineers) to ensure system compatibility and performance
• Conduct testing, validation, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability and functionality across all product levels
• Support the transition of products from prototype to production, including design reviews and documentation
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute innovative ideas to enhance product performance and features
• Maintain clear communication with team members and stakeholders to align project milestones and deliverables

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Expert knowledge of the full Systems Engineering V – from CONOPS development to Sustainment
• Proven experience directing integration and testing efforts within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience organizing test teams and leading the generation of testing artifacts
• Experience scheduling and overseeing test events to include subcontracted efforts and results
• Ability to work with other IPTs contributing to a large-scale test program spanning Functional, allocated, and product baselines
• Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
• Active and transferable U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance is required prior to start date
• U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Experience designing & developing complex systems
• Experience preparing bids & estimates
• Experience integrating firmware and software onto hardware products
• Experience with audio and video product integration
• Experience with integrating communication Radio and Systems: SATCOM, LOS/BLOS, AEHF, or V/UHF
• Experience with computer networking including API development and systems security
• Proficiency in tooling to include CAMEO, Rhapsody, Microsoft products, or tasking boards (Jira, IBM EWM, etc.)
• Experience with and knowledge of scripting for analysis or build and test automation
• A current and transferable U.S. Government DoD Top Secret Clearance

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!

• 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.

Relocation: Assistance may be provided

Employee Referral Eligible

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.

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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.

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