Principal Battlespace Cybersecurity Researcher (Onsite)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 107,500 - 204,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Three weeks vacation

401(k) plan with employer matching

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

Life insurance and disability coverage

Job summary

RTX in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks a senior researcher to lead cutting-edge cybersecurity research for embedded systems and cyber-physical platforms. You will guide multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, and communications to develop, demonstrate, and deliver secure technologies for aerospace and defense applications.

The role requires 8+ years in cybersecurity or related engineering, a STEM degree, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance (Top Secret/SCI eligible preferred).

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years relevant experience (or 5 years if advanced degree) in cybersecurity, embedded systems, cyber‑physical systems, or related engineering disciplines.
• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Experience leading technical research and development projects from concept through technology demonstration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Active U.S. DoD Top Secret security clearance (SCI eligibility preferred).
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA development, embedded systems, or cyber‑physical platforms.
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices.
• Strong communication and presentation skills at all organizational levels.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other mission‑critical industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and strategic management of novel cyber‑physical security research and development projects.
• Participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber‑security technologies.
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations to deliver early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact.
• Participate in technical proposal preparation and 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 up to 10% of the time.

Job description

Position Summary

Responsible for leading cutting‑edge cybersecurity research in embedded systems and communications platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and strategic management of novel cyber‑physical security research and development projects.
• Participate in and lead multidisciplinary teams of hardware, software, communications, and systems engineers to develop, integrate, and evaluate new cyber‑security technologies.
• Perform advanced technology demonstrations to deliver early customer engagement, innovation, and business impact.
• Participate in technical proposal preparation and 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 up to 10% of the time.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years relevant experience (or 5 years if advanced degree) in cybersecurity, embedded systems, cyber‑physical systems, or related engineering disciplines.
• Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM).
• Experience leading technical research and development projects from concept through technology demonstration.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Active U.S. DoD Top Secret security clearance (SCI eligibility preferred).
• Hands‑on experience with FPGA development, embedded systems, or cyber‑physical platforms.
• Experience designing, developing, or securing software applications using modern software development practices.
• Strong communication and presentation skills at all organizational levels.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other mission‑critical industries preferred.

Benefits

Our competitive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and separate retirement contribution.
• Lifetime Income Strategy option.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Student loan repayment program.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional coverages such as pet, home, and auto insurance.
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits.
• Employee assistance plan and counseling.
• Wellness incentives and program.
• Virtual doctor visits and telehealth services.
• Child and elder care services.
• Eligibility for relocation assistance.
• Compliance with all statutory EEO and affirmative action policies.

Compensation

Salary range: 107,500 USD – 204,500 USD.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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. RTX provides affirmative action for qualified persons with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.