Principal Avionics Software Project Leader

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vacation time

401(k) plan with match

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for the Display Products Department to lead software teams across all program phases. You will direct planning, execution, and sustainment while ensuring DO‑178 compliance and adherence to Collins engineering processes.

You will communicate progress and risks to stakeholders, drive certification efforts, and mentor engineers aspiring to lead, CAM, or PE roles within avionics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in STEM with 8+ years in software engineering or a related field.
• Proven ability to lead software development teams and collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience managing technical projects including schedule, EVMS, and risk.
• Track record of driving change and best practices among peers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as software project engineer, directing projects across pursuit, bidding, planning, execution, and sustainment.
• Provide clear communication of progress, risks, and financial data to stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with Collins Aerospace engineering processes and DO‑178 certification needs.
• Define development plans and lead certification efforts through audits.
• Drive software engineering best practices and guide engineers toward lead roles.
• Mentor and coach engineers to grow into CAM or PE positions.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Communication

Risk management

Decision making

Education

STEM degree with 8+ years experience

Tools

DOORS

PREP

JIRA

Confluence

Job description

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for the Display Products Department to lead software teams across all program phases. You will direct planning, execution, and sustainment while ensuring DO‑178 compliance and adherence to Collins engineering processes.

You will communicate progress and risks to stakeholders, drive certification efforts, and mentor engineers aspiring to lead, CAM, or PE roles within avionics.